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

Hello Everyone:

I am curious to how most of you found out you were a confirmed Celiac. I
found out through eliminating gluten and grains from my diet in many
measures. I also had an endoscopy in July, but the Gasteroenterologist looked
into the stomach, but failed to do a biopsy. I requested another endoscopy
with my Internal Medicine Specialist and he agreed to go ahead with it again.
The thing I want to know before I get to the endoscopy procedure is how many
places do they need to biopsy? I heard it should be at the very opening of
the duodenum, then the middle and finally as far as the scope can go for a
good representative sampling. What has been any of your experiences? Also, do
any of you think I should have a colonoscopy? I am really concerned that my
disease could or may have turned into another problem. I get fiercely ill
after eating anything with gluten. However, I can get ill even if I don't
ingest anything with gluten. Mornings are horrible.

I had the blood testing and it did not show Celiac. However, I don't believe
the blood test is always a true indicator of the disease.

Any and all comments, advice and encouragement would be appreciated greatly.
All I can say is that this is one of the most frustrating diseases simply due
to the fact that every other thing has gluten in one form or another. It is
disgusting.  My dear mother in law worked hard to provide a dinner for
Christmas that she thought was gluten free until we found out the ham had
natural flavorings in it. I was so sick. I guess one has to live and learn.

Take care and stay well.        J


Lisa

[log in to unmask]