Q & AReturn to ->Ask the Doctor->Tests and Their Results | QUESTION: I was diagnosed without benefit of biopsy in 1972 and received very little instruction. I thought I was gluten free for many years while ingesting wheat starch. In about 1989, I had some problems and was referred to a gastroenterologist for a biopsy, which showed "classic celiac small bowel. Absent and blunted villi." Again I was given no instruction, and continued to use wheat starch until I met Bette Hagman. I've been totally gluten free for about five or so years. Last year I participated in a study by Jeff Black at the University of Utah, and my blood was good. My question is, should I ever have a repeat biopsy? I am in a rather remote area as far as physicians go, and have learned most of what I know through Bette and through reading. What would you advise? Thank you for your time. | DR. RUDERT: I am glad to hear that you have met Bette Hagman who has been instrumental in educating patients with Celiac Disease and providing them with absolutely delicious recipes. Regarding your question "Should I ever have a repeat biopsy," this would entirely depend on your symptoms. I follow patients clinically and decide on an individual basis when and if a repeat endoscopy (with small bowel biopsy) is needed. I applaud you for your efforts at self- education and if you have not done so, I would recommend that you subscribe to Gluten-Free Living, P. O. Box 105, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.Y. 10706. Another excellent source of information is the magazine Sully's Living Without, P. O. Box 132, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514-0132.
The new edition of Living Healthy with Celiac Disease by Wendy Wark is available for $10.95, plus $1.50 shipping, and can be ordered from AnAffect Marketing, 115 Andover Drive, Exton, PA 19341.
I also strongly encourage all my patients to join as many of the organizations listed below:
- Celiac Sprue Association/United States of
America, Inc. (CSA/USA) P. O. Box 31700
Omaha, NE 63131-0700 Phone: 402-558-0600
- Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
(G.I.G.) 15110 10th Ave SE, Suite A Seattle,
WA 98166-1820
- Celiac Disease Foundation 13251 Ventura
Blvd., Suite 3 Studio City, California
91604-1838 Phone: 818-990-2354
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