<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Dear Listmates, I'm so frustrated that I've actually been doing worse since adhering strictly to a gluten-free, lactose-free diet for 4 months. I'm very close to adding gluten to my diet again. I'd love to hear some opinions. I'll try to make this very short. I was absolutely fine, no problems whatsoever, when I went to have outpatient gyn surgery a year ago. Because of a botched surgery, my intestines were twisted and necrotizing for a couple days before having massive resections done. I now have @ 3ft of intestines left (that includes colon and all). So, I have short bowel syndrome. After having 15-20 BM's/day, and being told this would be normal because of my SBS (short bowel syndrome), I still tried to improve. I was EXTREMELY lactose intolerant. I asked to be tested for Celiac Sprue. I had the blood tests. IgA 20 (< 20 normal), IgG 70 (<20 normal), tissue transglutaminase also abnormal. I thought this could be the answer to my lactose intolerance, and possibly help with the diarrhea. I went on a very strict gluten-free diet in Feb. (also lactose free, of course). I have been much worse! My BM's are MORE frequent, and even more watery. I'm wondering: Is it possible that I got false positives on my antibody tests because of other reasons besides celiac, such as malabsorption (which I KNOW I have because of the SBS) and other SBS-related problems? Do the tests I had done actually test for celiac only, or for problems with digestive system that celiac sprue can cause? I called Dr. Fine's office, and the only other test they suggested for me was the gene test. If I take this test, and it comes back negative, can I assume that I don't have celiac sprue? Is there a way to rule out celiac sprue? I realize I should be analyzing what new foods I've started eating since being gluten-free, but can only come up with more rice products, but ones that are "guaranteed" gluten-free. If anyone has any suggestions, I'l love to hear them. I'm getting so frustrated. I've wanted this gluten-free diet to work to help me feel better. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. - Serena