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On 10/16 Philip wrote:

>     At the time of my diagnosis, I had my biopsy, which was negative.  The
>     locum of the consultant sugessted trying a self imposed GF diet for
>     six months to see if there was any improvement, my blood chem was way
>     out particularly folic acid, B5, and B12.

        I'd like to comment on my blood chemistry and how it responded to a
GF diet.  I recently had my first blood test after going GF (almost 6 mos
ago) as was ASTOUNDED.
        In February, I had my last pre-diagnosis blood test.  I was at my
worst, at that point, with daily diahrea and abdominal cramps akin to labor
cramps.  Abnormal on my blood count were BUN/CRE, CO2, CALCIUM, ALK PHOS,
SGPT, and IRON.  (I have a history of having an abnormal iron count for as
long as I can remember.  My doctor dismissed it atbeing because I am
"Italian"  !)  My doctor brushed off all of the HIGH and LOW counts as
insignificant  and I shouldn't worry, since they'd showed up on all my
previous blood tests, too!  BTW: The diahrea and stomach cramps he
attributed to IBS and low fiber and suggested METAMUCIL! As you all know,
that's JUST what I needed (NOT)!
        Anyhows, I had another blood test done(at my NEW doctor's office)
at the beginning of September, after being GF for 5 months.  I just got
those results back last week. I compared the results with the February
blood test. ALL the results were in the normal range!  None were high or
low (as some had been for years)!  Even my iron count, was NORMAL! For the
first time EVER that I can remember, I didn't have a doctor telling me I
was anemic!   Needless to say, I was quite pleased. Also, more upset than
ever with my previous doctor.
        I think it's finally time for me to sit down and write that doctor
a letter telling him how dissatisfied I am with the care he gave me (or
actually, the lack of) for all those years.  I also think sending a copy of
the 2 blood tests to him is also in order!!!!   As discouraging as
following a GF diet may be, seeing the results from this last blood test
gave me assurance that not only am I feeling well now - but my body is
finally functioning well, too!  It sure makes the hassles as restaurants
WORTH IT !
        All you newly diagnosed Celiacs, hang in there!  Even tho it is
often discouraging and frustrating, the GF diet is WORTH every bit of
aggravation!
                                    Nina :)
                         '89FX3/Coupe (SAM)
                                Phoenix,  AZ