Finally finding relief for celiac sprue syndrome

Q. I have been reading your column for a long time. I am very thankful for all the information you provide, including natural and home remedies. Every time I get the paper, your column is the one I look forward to and then clip out, saving it for future reference or to help someone else. Thank you, Dr. Gott, for caring. Please keep up all the good work you do.

I want to share my own sickness with you in the hopes that my experience can help someone else. I have celiac sprue and went through years of not feeling well and seeing many doctors before I got any answers. I learned that it is an allergy to the gluten in grains such as wheat, rye, oats and barley. I love baked goods, and baking was a family activity. I had to stop and learn how to use new ingredients.

In my town, there is a Sprue Club. Many hospitals and libraries also have a lot of information for sufferers. I have found several excellent cookbooks written by Betty Hagman. I have also learned to read every label on store-bought foods, since I never know where I might find products with grains, flours and gluten.

A. Celiac sprue can be a difficult condition to diagnosis, especially because symptoms are often embarrassing for patients to discuss with their doctors. Gas, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea are common symptoms for many disorders. Therefore, it is important to get a diagnosis.

You were right to continue looking for the answer despite several failed tries. Your persistence paid off, and now you appear to be leading a healthful, productive life. I have published your letter to show other readers that help can be found and a normal life can be had despite having this troublesome condition. I am also glad you mentioned reading labels because, in today's society, gluten can be found in several unusual places, such as soy sauce.

Any person who suffers similar symptoms should see his or her primary care physician for an exam and testing. These same symptoms can be the result of benign conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or the result of more serious conditions such as ulcerative colitis or cancer. Knowing the cause and finding it early can make the difference between minimal or aggressive treatment, especially for potentially severe conditions.

Thank you for writing to share your experience and providing resources for help. For those with Internet connections, resources abound. Simply "Googling" a medical condition can provide several reliable, informative Web sites and even link you with support groups, both virtual and in real life.

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