<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Dona Vickrey  <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>On Sat. 21 June, l997 Jim Lyles' posted very sound reasons for persons who
>suspect they have celiac disease to get an 'official' diagnosis with a
>biopsy.  Good advice!

>However, let's  remember that many times the problem is not with the sick
>person but rather with their medical professional/s who may not even make
>celiac  a CONSIDERATION and use  IBS to label the patient's complaints.
<snip>
>A biopsy based diagnosed is, of course, the way to go.  But if this is not
>available, it is certainly preferable to give a thoughtful, serious try
>with a gluten-free diet, rather than spend years becoming increasingly ill.

Dona, I agree that the medical community, particulary in America, has alot to
learn about CD.  But before trying out a GF diet without prior testing, if
your MD doesn't want to consider Celiac as a possibility, here are three
suggestions:

(1) Get a new doctor (often not an option)

(2) Print out the DIAG-TST file and the FAQ and give it to the doctor.  For
many docs, seeing the testing information and citations is enough to get them
to order the serology and biopsy work.  In these days of lawsuits and
liability concerns, ignoring the patient after receiving such detailed
information is risky!

(3) Get the endomysial/reticulin/gliadin serology done at your own cost.  In
Los Angeles its only $75 (including the blood draw)at Specialty Labs if done
through the Celiac Disease Foundation.  Check with your local celiac support
group to see if a group rate exists in your city.  If not, perhaps you can
use the CDF rate via mail, shipping the blood to Specialty Labs.  In any
event, remember to use one of the few labs which really specialize in this
test.  They are also listed in DIAG-TST.  If the serology is positive, since
there is well over a 90% chance that the biopsy will be positive too (see the
DIAG-TST file for details), your doc will owe you an apology and immediate
permission to have a biopsy.

Bill Elkus
Los Angeles