I found a site that has really answered all of my questions EXCEPT for the gluten-free diet bodily changes that aren't good, so far. Anyway the Web page is www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/Faq_ResultInterpretation.htm

if that pathway doesn't work...just go on their Web page and gp tp FAQ Result Interpretation

This is quite amazing.

Still, if anyone can give me insight into my many new symptoms since I have been on the gluten-free diet for 3 weeks now....I'd sure appreciate hearing about others' illnesses. All I read about are the "happy ever after" people and this makes me sad and thinking that I am not going to be healed and that I am one who has had it too long....I am 60. My father had all the same symptoms and was never diagnosed. He died of colon cancer. I am waiting for the lab items and am on my own going to take them and will post my results (takes up to 3 weeks) as soon as I have REAL information. Till then, please tell me I am not going crazy.

[font="Comic Sans MS"][/font][size="1"][/size][color="#2E8B57"][/color][quote name='Discovery' date='Jan 30 2008, 03:45 PM' post='391652

You are not going crazy!! I'm 62 and like you sometimes wonder if it's too late for me to heal....I've been Gluten Free for 7 1/2 months and it's a roller coaster ride! I went to Entrolab to order the test but at the bottom of their page they say if you've gone gluten-free and noticed a drastic change that is your test....the ultimate test!!! Although I am far from having my stomach issues under control I have notice a Dramatic improvement since going gluten-free!!! So I guess it means we just have to hang in there!!!!
Best of luck to you!!!!
Del

It can take a while to heal, but think how long it took you to get to the condition you are presently in. I have had what I consider a miraculous return to health, but it didn't happen over night. Some issues may resolve sooner than others, for me GI stuff cleared up pretty quick but the arthritis and other autoimmune problems took longer. Don't give up, it is well worth the trouble and you will most likely be surprised how far you have come in just six months and at a couple of years, who knows.

Hi Marian....
Thanks for the note of encouragement!!!! I'm not really worried about anything in particular, I was just trying to tell Discovery that worry doesn't mean you're going crazy!!! I think we all worry about Celiac from time to time! (I have to admit from time to time I do wonder, if not worry, if I can heal at my age!)
I take Jarro-Dophilis +FOS (two pills everyday), L-Glutamine (one a day), Silica (one a day), B-Complex (two a day) and B12 (one a day). I avoid milk and sugar. Since going gluten-free I have a spat, sometimes two, of minor diarreah most mornings, compared to spending most of each day in the bathroom before going gluten-free!!! A solid movement is still a rare occurance!!! Hopefully that will soon be normal once again!!!! (Or am I dreaming?!!)
You've been gluten-free for a year and a half....correct? When did you notice a BIG improvement?
Believe me I have noticed sooooooo many improvements in seven months.....no longer spending most of the day in the bathroom, my hair stopped falling out almost immediately upon going gluten-free, not as tired, stopped rapid weight loss, and my biggie....I was diagnoised with Fibromyalgia in 1990 and have suffered greatly with it, BUT since going gluten-free my Fibromyalgia is 85% to 90% improved......I don't even know I have it unless there are storms in the area!!!!
Thanks again for being there!!!

Thanks so much for replying!!! I too have notice miraculous improvements....still haven't gotten my "stomach" issues under control but week by week I do see improvement!!! I do great as long as I eat at home ( as long as I don't get stupid and lick an envelope, as I did two days ago!!) but eating out is still a challenge!!! Got a great book which is a restuarant guide....now I'll only eat where there is a gluten-free menu, but that can still be a challenge!!

Finally someone I can identify with. Seems so many heal quickly. I have read that healing can take up to 18 months, depending on age as well as the extent of damage. I fully expected to suddenly feel better than ever, but I've been on the diet for almost 3 months and still having many difficulties. Was starting to worry. Seems to be no end to testing to rule out any other causes. I can't quite get my mind around just what the "normal" symptoms are and what is not. Still reading everything I can get my hands on. Good luck to you. Hope you find your magic moment of realizing that you actually feel good!

Hi Flourgirl......
Don't get discouraged at three months gluten-free!!!! And don't get upset when those down-turn moments come along....and they will!!! I've read on this forum that the healing period is like a roller-coaster.....they weren't kidding!!!!
Hang in there!
Del

I just want to make sure about this, does the FOS box state that it is gluten free? It can be make from barley or wheat and there are no labeling requirements on drugs, (OTC or script) or supplements that would make them say so.

I was wondering what it was and this is what I found when I googled:

FOS is extracted from fruits and vegetables like bananas, onions, chicory root, garlic, asparagus, barley, wheat, jícama, and tomatoes. The Jerusalem artichoke and its relative, yacón have been found to have the highest concentrations of FOS of cultured plants.

Thank you, thank you for pointing that out to me!!! I do read every single ingredient list before I buy anything but your comment alerted me to look again.....the one I take is Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus + FOS..........the label says NO wheat, NO Gluten!!!! But I really do thank you for pointing it out....we can NEVER be too sure!!!!
Hope you're having as good a day as you can!!!
Del