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I have learned so much in the last month by being a part of this list,
and I appreciate the knowledge and experience that everyone seems so
willing to share.

This is my first question for the list.  Unfortunately, it's a little
broad.  I'll try to keep it short.

I was diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) in January
1997.  This was the result of a trauma experienced a few months prior.

I then discovered an intolerance to lactose in July.  I removed dairy
from my diet.

In August I began to think that wheat (which I consumed a lot of) was
causing a symptom I've had for ten years.  I will occasionally feel
jittery and exhausted at the same time.  It's as though I've just had
50 cups of coffee, yet I feel like I have to lie down - no matter
where I am.

I removed wheat from my diet in August and have not had that problem
again.  However, in October, I had a week of eating several donuts,
some pasta, etc.  I quickly broke out in a very itchy rash that
started around my knees and elbow, then spread.  It took about six
weeks to go away.  On a couple of occasions it has threatened to
reappear, but has never been as bad as in October.  I have never seen
anything like it.  I was wondering if it could have been DH.  I should
mentioned that it never blistered.

I apologize for the length of this... I know I like to cruise quickly
through the many posts to this list...

I was not aware of CD until around the holidays.  I did a search on
the internet for "wheat allergies"... and found CD all over the place.

Because I have essential been wheat free (if not GF) since the Fall, I
called my new doctor (who I don't meet until this Tues., 1/20) and
asked to be tested immediately.  They did two blood tests:  7448 Panel
(anti-ENA) and 4419 Panel (Celiac Disease).  I have been unable to get
any clarification as to what they tested for.

I was just contacted with the results.  Both tests are negative.
Should I ask that more be done?  Do my symptoms fit?  I don't want to
pursue this if I'm on the wrong track.  However, I don't want to be
walking around thinking I'm fine, and then drop dead of lymphoma.

Can I justify a biopsy?  Will it show anything if I've avoided only
wheat since August?  What do you recommend?  If my rash was DH, should
I simply adhere to a GF diet to avoid suffering through that again?

Any help would be appreciated.

Jill