Finally know what is going on!

[Laura]

Hi everyone,

I feel so bad that I haven't been on here in a long time. As some of you know, I have been ill for quite some time. After going through almost every test imaginable, the GI finally knows what is wrong with me. I will get the final diagnosis tomorrow, but he believes it to be celiac disease. I am allergic to gluten. I have hardly been eating, but in the last week I have started a gluten-free diet. This is so hard!! I thought the IC diet was complicated, this particular diet is oatrageous. I have been doing tons of research and trying to figure it all out. The disease has caused quite a bit a damage. It will take anywhere from 1-3 years for my small intestine to heal. I have been thinking about all of you. I miss you guys. After tomorrow when I know exactly what is going on and know if there are vitamin deficiencies, I should be back on here regularly. Thanks to all of you who have helped with this board. You are all angels.

Lots of hugs {{{******
Laura xox

[DebbieB]

((((((((((((((Laura)))))))))))))))))
I am so sorry you are so ill..
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and know that I do care !!!


~~Hugs: Debbie~~

[MelanieJ]

{{{{{{{{Laura******************
I was thinking about you this morning, wondering what was going on. Glad you posted!

A friend of mine, her boyfriend has celiac disease. I had never heard of it until him. Anyway, they managed to find or make workarounds to avoid gluten in his diet. She always had good luck finding gluten-free stuff at health food stores. Thank goodness for the health food community! Otherwise, we ICer's and others would have even less food options!

Anyway, I just wanted to post and let you know that I know someone who has this and is managing it well. I'm sure you'll get to that point too. Your too strong and intelligent not too! http://www.ic-network.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hang in there...and welcome back!
Hugs,
Melanie J.

[This message has been edited by MelanieJ (edited 02-21-2001).]

[Meghan]

I am currently on a wheat/gluten free diet also. It was much harder in the beginning, but I am not having problems finding things to eat now. If you e-mail me i could try and help you
adidastjoy@aol.com

[Laura]

Thank you all so much. I did go to the doctor yesterday and my biopsy came back negative. We are still waiting on the blood test results. The GI is giving me a month off gluten-free of course. I also have to avoid lactose. In a month we will know more and if necessary I may have to have some tests redone. As with IC, sometimes these things take time. I can be patient. Thanks for all of your kind words and encouragement.

Lots of hugs,
Laura xoxo