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bs"d

Hello,

I am brand new to this list. I have first degree relatives have been
diagnosed with Celiac's, one recently, and have health issues myself,
terrible allergies and asthma, as well as IBS. After thinking over the
entire family history, it seems worthwhile to pursue the possibility of CD.

The complication comes in with my diet. Like many people, I had decided that
I did much better without grains about 5 years ago. So, while I was not
gluten free, I was certainly eating a very low gluten diet for a long time,
losing weight and generally feeling better.

After learning of Celiac's in the family and doing some reading, I decided
I'd better get tested. Knowing a gluten challenge would be necessary, I
increased my intake of gluten to almost none (once a week and Passover was
pretty much it) to daily for two weeks. Then I was tested. The results are
as follows:

Reticulin Antibody 1:40 but when diluted zero. (??) So the doctor said that
is a weak positive. I have no idea what reticulin antibody even is. I have
read most of "Dangerous Grains" and Dr. Braly doesn't even mention it as far
as I can see.

IgA - negative
IgG - negative
Edomesial Gliadin - negative

In light of my family history, and my symptoms, the doctor has recommended a
second test after an additional 6 weeks of a heavier gluten challenge. I
didn't eat quite so much gluten as I probably should have the first 2 weeks,
because I really don't enjoy it much...it was tough to get back in the
habit. So, now I am trying to consume the equivalent of 4 pieces of bread
each day...sometimes in the form of noodles, bagels, whatever. If that is
inconclusive, then he recommends a biopsy.

There's my history. 

My questions are:

1) What is "reticulin antibody" and, in laymen's terms, how likely is it
that I have CD or perhaps some level of gluten intolerance with a light
gluten challenge of 2 weeks after a 5 year low gluten diet resulting in this
"low positive"?

2) Does anyone know of gastroenterologists in the Minnesota area who do the
"rectal challenge" mentioned in "Dangerous Grains"?

3) Does anyone have some clothes I can borrow for the next 6 weeks? I'm
gaining about 1-2 lbs per week on this horrible diet. (not really...just
kvetching)

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I was not prepared for the
"reticulin antibody" test, don't know what it is, what it means, and the
results have thrown me.

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