<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Hi! I've been lurking on the listserv for a couple of weeks getting loads of useful information. I'd like to get your opinion on whether I should go through the formal diagnostic thing or not. Background: About 4 years ago I experienced severe migraines coupled with an extremely bloated and uncomfortable belly. As I was living in India at the time, I visited a homeopathic doctor who diagnosed colitis. She gave me some tablets (don't know what) which provided relief within a week. About 18 months ago, when I was again under severe stress, the symptoms recurred. I went to the university clinic where the doctor (md) prescribed mylanta gas. No effect. Went back, the dr. then prescribed painkillers. So I began my search for a homeopath. Found an acupuncturist instead. She thought I was allergic to gluten and lactose, told me to avoid them, and sent me off for a series of (highly undignified) colonic irrigations. It worked! I occassionally still get some bloating and discomfort, but nowhere near the earlier levels (thank god), and the migraines have completely stopped. Unexpectedly, my energy level also shot up! I was concerned about feeling lethargic, but just thought I was out of shape. Eventually, I became concerned about whether I was eating a balanced diet. So I consulted a dietitian at the univ. clinic who was skeptical about the diagnosis and livid about the colonics. She insisted I stop them and go back on milk (lactaid). Since avoiding gluten and lactose seems to be working for me, she suggested I continue to stay away from them, but highly recommended that I get allergy tests done later. My question is should I be happy with the status quo (relatively minor occasional bloating and discomfort) and continue with the (boring) gluten/lactose-free diet or should I go off the diet (for how long?), consult a gastroenterologist and get the biopsies done? Sorry about the length of this e-mail and thanks for bearing with me! Shashi Pathak [log in to unmask]