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

I really need help understanding my illness and your advice and wisdom would
really be appreciated.

In August I was diagnosed with Barret's Esophagus. I went to a second doctor
for a second opinion. He said I might have Celiac's Disease also. He took
blood tests. One of the three blood tests came back "mildly positive " for
CD. He told me to go gf and come back in 2 months. I tried.... it took a
while and this wonderful list to learn beingwhat gluten free meant!

I took a second blood test after hopefully being gluten free, at least to the
best of my knowledge. These were the results from Smith Kline Beecham
Clinical Labs:   This time I learned to ask for a copy of the blood test!

Gliadin IGA AB  negative

Gliadin IGG Ab POSITIVE 21H (20-30 units are called weakly positive. 20 units
negative, and 30 units moderate to strong positive.)

Endomysial Tissue transglutaminase  Iga Ab, Eia negative.

According to him as of last Thursday, I probably don't have CD. However, he
wants me to go for a biopsy to determine for sure. I THINK I need to be on
gluten for 6 months before biopsy.

Also, I have had chronic diareah for about 25 years. In the last 2 years I
have taken Metamcil and it has been a miracle for me. The diarrhea cleared
up.  Before that I took Immodium probably every other day, or sometimes one
pill a day. I would go for check ups every 5 years or so, and was always told
it was Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have had several sigmoidoscopies, and
barrium enemas all negative. This August I had the colonoscopy and endoscopy
with blurry biopsy. That is why I went to a new gastro. This May I suddenly
felt really ill, thinking it was food poisoning. Could not eat and had
unbearable diarrhea. Felt ill for months so I went to doctor and was
diagnosed with Barret's.

     Since last Thursday when I went back on gluten I have been feeling fine
BUT diarrhea is back. It could be nerves, cause I am so afraid to eat gluten.

I am a total wreck! All the foods I missed taste terrible! My tastes actually
changed!

I am worried about what I really have.....

I would really appreciate any information about your symptoms and
experiences. Also if anyone can recommend a good doctor that would really be
appreciated. I live in Staten Island New York.

I just want to let you know how much I have appreciated this list. At first I
felt lost, alone and terrified. I have come to read this list every day as a
much needed calming voice of reason. This list and the wonderful people on it
have been my oasis in a sea of turmoil and I am grateful.

I know each of you have your own burdens, and I apologize for adding mine,
however, the people I have corresponded with have been so wonderful, it is
with great hope and sincere appreciation that I ask for your kind
understanding and advice.  I sincerely thank you.

Ellen
Staten Island, New York.