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>    Later I found out that my GI had never diagnosed anyone with CD and
>that people that have it don't always test positive on the d-xylose test.
>Also my GP said that he didn't know what to do (duh?) and that it was
>probably just something I'd have to figure out on my own.  Well, I still
>think I have CD and I've been on the diet for about two weeks and am not
>noticing much improvement in my gut or in my level of concentration.  Do
>any of these things sound familiar to anyone out there?  Oh and I also
>forgot to mention that I've always had a very difficult time gaining
>weight, a problem I share with my mother who also has gastrointestinal
>problems (not as bad as mine have been lately), straightening of the upper
>part the spine, etc.  Any advice?
>
>Mark

Mark,

You seem to have all the classic symptoms of malabsorption syndrome which
can be caused by several diseases,  CD among them.

Do your stools float?  If they do,  they are loaded with fat, the original
tests are correct, and you have a problem.  If your GP doesn't know what to
do, find one who does, or better yet go to a gastrointestinal specialist.
Most GP's can't handle celiac sprue.

Because the GF diet doesn't seem to be helping you, there are three possible
conclusions:

1 -- You are too far gone (not likely)  :-)

2 -- You may not be doing it.  (Very possible since understanding the diet
takes a lot of information and you are obviously not getting help from your
doctor.)

3 -- You may have an entirely different condition. There are other diseases
that cause malabsorption.

 In any case, if the stools float and it's not just the flue, you have real
probelms and need good medical advice. Please, whatever you do, keep
searching to find a doctor who can tell you what is wrong. Then you have a
fighting chance.

I feel for you.  Many of us have had similar experiences with the medical
profession, but when you find the right physician and correct the problem,
you will feel liking kissing his feet.
--

Cliff Kotchka
Riverside, Illinois

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