Thank you Heidi Jean, the Glutenator

[Guest guest]

If it weren't for Heidi mentioning gluten intolerance here on this

message group a couple months ago, I wouldn't know today that I have

celiac disease. My gastroenterologist, Aron M.D. in San

Francisco, just phoned with results from a new blood test performed by

Prometheus Labs. He said that I have both genes (HLADQ2 and HLADQ8)

for celiac disease. All you need is one gene to be officially celiac

although even if you have neither gene you can still be gluten

intolerant. I'm going in for a biopsy next week. He's compiling data

from patients who didn't show up on the old test but tested positive

on the new more specific test.

Evidently the old test (that most doctors still use,) is fraught with

problems. I tested negative on it but was lucky enough to have a

doctor who was also a Glutenator and seemed sure I had it from hearing

my history and my on-going symptoms. He just needed a way to prove it.

I'm writing to thank Heidi and also to recommend here that anyone

who has mysterious on-going digestive issues should get tested for

either or both of the two genes, HLADQ2 and HLADQ8. I'd test my kids

too. I think that Prometheus Labs is the only one with the new gene

test(?)

I'm 53 years old and all these years never thought I had any allergies

or anything wrong with me -- I ate milk and wheat (gluten) just fine --

I had no idea they were causing so much damage to my guts and my

overall well-being. I hope I can help repair the damage.

~Robin