Tulips, I had biopsies done during an endoscopy and they were normal. Did you have those done before this and were the results normal as well? I'm curious if this is something I should suggest to one of my doctors.

--that you are having at least some reaction to gluten proteins, leading to some possible degree of intestinal nutreient malabsoprtion.

A gluten-free trial is certainly a good idea--the learning curve is steep, as so many processed foods use gluten as a binder or thickener and don't come right out and say so in the ingredients (you have to look for such things as hydrolized vegetable protein, wheat starch, barley malt . . .). Many people try to switch to more of an unprocessed diet--fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, simple meats if you want them, rice if you must have a grain. Makes it easier to know what you are putting in your mouth. (And eating out is often put on hold until one gets used to the learning curve.)

I do think you should push for an immunofixation electrophoresis of serum and urine with immunoglobulin quantification to really see just what Ig classes and subclasses are elevated.

The gluten diet can be done in stages. Making any dietary change can be difficult and stressful for people.

There is a very good gluten free pasta, called Tinkyada, which is the best one out there. In fact I still use it, because it has a lower glycemic index than regular wheat pasta.

There is gluten free Bisquick now, for pancakes, biscuits etc.

I'd get rid of bread as a first thing. There are gluten free crackers and rice cakes for substitution. Corn tortillas can make roll up sandwiches, etc.

Don't focus on what you "can't have" but focus on what you can have instead. Your desire to feel better should motivate you at least. Once you start to feel better, you will find it is easier to keep going.

There are wonderful blogs with gluten free recipes on them.
Check our Stickies in our gluten forum for some of those.

You now have a direction in which to go.... you are on your way to feeling better.

I agree you need to be gluten free now, I do not agree you should do it in stages..that just prolongs the damage that gluten is doing to you. GLutewn is poison to anyone whom is gluten sensitivity or intolerant. Tinkiyada is very good, if you go for processed foods. In the beginning of going gluten free, it is best if you try to stay away from gluten free processed foods. Give your body time to get used to gluten free before introducing the gf processed foods. They are much heavier than regular processed foods, and often times, very fattening.

Many can't deal with soy or dairy either. I didn't give up dairy until 9 yrs into gluten free, thinking it wasn't a problem for me, but it was. Gluten may be your only issue, which would be very good for you.

Good luck, feel free to ask any questions.