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Thanks to the many concerned folks who responded to my inquiring as to
whether - as a newly discovered Celiac - a biopsy and regular dr. visits
are neccessary.  I got some very strong responses to the questions of the
biopsy on both sides.  All agreed that the procedure is worthless without
sustaining a gluten-rich diet for 3 weeks to 3 months.  9 of the 23
respondents STRONGLY encouraged me to return to a gluten-eating diet
and have the biopsy procedure done - sooner rather than later for several
reasons.  The most common reason was that compliance with the strict
Celiac diet is better if you KNOW for certain - you will be less likely to
cheat.  Other reasons included: insurance purposes, villi damage
assessment, and perhaps I may be allergic to wheat rather than have CD
(highly unlikely, though considering the severity of my reactions).  6 of
the 23 respondents agreed that a positive biopsy is helpful for all the
reasons stated above, but could not argue that it was definately worth
making myself sick again.  They agreed it was a difficult decision that
I would have to make.  One suggested that I return to gluten and have the
biopsy after I completed school.  8 of the 23 respondents STRONGLY
discouraged me from going off GF just to get confirmed what I already
know.  The biopsy is not worth the suffering.  A positive reaction to the
GF diet is all that's need for a Celiac diagnosis.

My thoughts:
Although, I agree it would be very helpful to have absolute confirmation
(via a biopsy) that I have CD, I DREAD with all my soul going back to a
gluten eating diet and feeling the way I did just 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I'm
quite certain that I would have to take time off from school and on top of
that I REALLY cannot afford to loose any more weight right now (I'm 5'
5" and just barely maintaining a 3 digits weight figure) and I am still
very anemic.  I have joined a local support group that meets one a month
and have decided to look to members in the group for recommending a
doctor.

thanks again for you help!
-Michelle


Michelle A. Walvoord
Hydrology Program
Earth & Environmental Science Dept.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM 87801

Office: (505) 835-5591
Fax: (505) 835-6436