<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> My computer's been down for a week. What a batch of list postings to go through while also catching up on office stuff! I asked a question a couple of weeks ago re/digestion book. Will figure that out & post info soon. In the meantime - was pleased to see some input re/gluten challenge protocol, as I hope to talk my doctor into getting a diagnosis. I'm self diagnosed & have been GF for five or six years, because the doctor/HMO situation I was in as I got sicker & sicker weren't much help. So many people have their horror stories with being sick & trying to get a diagnosis, and I'm no exception. But I really would like to share that doctor's circuitous reasoning. "Your problem is just stress & you really need to keep taking these tranquilizers. It's the stress that's causing the pain & bloating & diarrhea, etc." "But, doctor, truly I'm not stressed." "Of course, you're stressed. Anybody would be stressed if they had uncontrollable diarrhea." So I have diarrhea because I'm stressed because I have diarrhea. Yeah right! Anyway, when in desperation I went on a GF diet, she said that since the diet worked, I no longer needed a diagnosis. Well, back to reality. Finally, a new doctor, who is not terribly knowledgeable about CD, but who is willing to learn & seems to consider me a rational being... And I think it's time to bite the bullet (or the grain) and work toward an official medical diagnosis. I'll be seeing her next week & will discuss it with her, & would like to be able to give here an idea of the protocol of a gluten challenge. Was pleased to see Sue's posting of Dr. Murray's info. Also, in the current CDF newsletter, Don Baisch recommends (opinion, not medical advice) "something like three full slices of good wheat bread for each of three or four days" or until there is a definite gluten reaction, and then have the blood test once you have the "gluten-intolerant" reaction. I thought maybe dressing and gravy at Thanksgiving for the first time in many years, plus pizza and beer over the holiday weekend might get me to where I could take the blood test the following week. Yes, I miss beer too! It sounds like half the list were beer drinkers before becoming GF. Anyway, it would be a big help to hear from anyone who has taken THE CHALLENGE. How much, how long, etc. I'm really afraid to get that sick again, & am going to take some time off work. If I get as sick as I did the time I didn't read the label on something I was used to buying & didn't know they had added HVP until too late, I know I won't be able to work until my system calms down a bit. Guys, as ,much as I'm looking forward to beer, I'm REALLY scared! Any input would be appreciated, either to me directly, or to the list if you think it's of general interest. Thanks so much - Nancy