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Testimonials
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What do EnteroLab clients say about our service?
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•Dear Dr. Fine, I hope you will remember me. I live just outside San Antonio. My
good friend e-mailed you about my condition and how sick I was. We had a telephone
consult, then you sent me the test kit for Gluten sensitivity. You saved my life.
I'm doing really well on a Gluten free diet. Thanks so much!
•Dear Dr. Fine: I wanted to give you an update on my digestion. More good news.
You had pointed out that it may take some time for my body to settle down and return
to a more normal condition. This has certainly been the case because although my
digestion had improved right away after eliminating gluten, I still had bloating
every night and my bowel movements were very smelly and of inconsistent firmness.
Well, about 14 months after I quit eating gluten my body apparently said, "Ok, we've
done enough repairing here, let's fire this thing up and see how she runs." At that
point my bloating dropped dramatically. Also, my stools completely changed. They
became firm, were easily eliminated and had almost no odor. Also, a shoulder that
has been sore for many years has cleared up, as have my occasional bleeding hemorrhoids,
a sore knee and even a persistent ringing in my ears that I was experiencing every
night when I was in bed. I thought you would find this interesting and could use
my story to pass along to others who are skeptical (as I was) about how so many
improvements could come from something as simple as eliminating gluten from their
diet. You are welcome to use my story as an example of what is possible. I'll keep
you posted on further improvements. Thanks a million,
•Dear Dr. Fine, My husband, a family physician, is hoping that your stool tests
will replace the less accurate blood tests. (I think your tests pick up gluten sensitivity
earlier) Our daughter was totally negative on three sets of blood tests, performed
by other labs, which included the two antigliadin tests , the endomysial once and
the TTG once and had no IgA deficiency (both labs)--but was positive on your test
only. She was also HLA-DQ2 positive. All these tests were done in the last 18 months.
I, too, suspected I may be gluten sensitive even though my blood tests were negative
because I had low energy, chronic abdominal pain, loose stools, and pain all over
my body. I had a complete healing by only omitting gluten from my diet, and now,
after 6 months of dieting GF, I have no health complaints. I now have a high energy
level (higher than ever in my life) and am now very active at 52, much more than
most people my age. Thanks!!!!! Dr. Fine, Medical Pioneer :-)
•Dear Dr. Fine: I thank you very much for all your help with my chronic diarrhea
due to microscopic colitis. I followed your instructions, started with gluten free,
dairy free, no citrus, no juices diet, and a Maxi-Dophilus supplement on the 25
of January and by Monday the 28 the diarrhea went away, as well as the pain and
fatigue. My bowel movements are normal. Once again Dr. Fine Thanks for making me
feel better.
•Dear Dr. Fine, My daughter has done very well following the gluten free diet even
though she sometimes finds it hard. (She is 10) Her abdominal symptoms weren't bad,
but she had some eczema on her fingertips and toes and it is all gone. And she was
starting to gain some extra weight, and that is going away too. Thank you for restoring
my daughter's health.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I wanted to personally thank you for all that you do to educate
and help those out there searching for help as I was. After hearing you speak and
personally discussing my daughter's problems with celiac with you and later doing
additional food sensitivity testing with EnteroLab, she has greatly improved. She
tested sensitive to yeast, egg and casein as well as the gluten and since we have
removed them she is definitely better. She no longer requires medicine for reflux
since making these dietary changes. Belching, vomiting and stomach pain were also
problems before, and these too are completely resolved. Thanks for helping us to
find the path to good health!! Had I not kept searching for the answers I was looking
for and stumbled upon you, it is sad and really a pity to think of where we would
be now! I really wish that all doctors would take a more holistic approach as you
do because I really feel that it is unjust the way that most food sensitive people
are treated by traditional doctors who will always medicate and not educate people
about food sensitivity. Thanks again for all that you do!
•Dear Dr. Fine, I thought you would like to hear how my 17 year-old daughter with
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is responding to a gluten free diet (also dairy and
egg white free) . I did a telephone consult with you followed by EnteroLab testing.
As you predicted, she began to respond after 3-4 weeks with less joint stiffness,
better energy levels, and improved color. She does continue to feel better and we
have been able to wiggle her nearly off of the NSAID that she had required before.
Her weight has dropped about 4-5 pounds (129 to 124) and she seems to have normal
appetite and bowel movements. We both appreciate your help! Thank you.
• Dr. Fine, I owe you so much for your link to microscopic colitis. I would not
have found out that my 8 year old daughter, 2 year old son, husband and 70 year
old mother-in-law had gluten sensitivity if it were not for you. When my 7 year
old was diagnosed with MC, I found your site. We all tested with you and found your
tests to closely correspond with blood tests. We are all GF and sooo healthy now.
My mother-in-law has been well for the first time in her life. Her interstitial
cystitis, GI problems and a host of other problems are disappearing. I have since
become her favorite daughter-in-law (just kidding). My daughter, I believe, also
was getting some pulmonary fibrosis and now she no longer gasps for air in between
breaths and doesn't finish dead last in the mile run. She is normal and healthy.
She hasn't complained of a stomachache in ages. Our lives can get back to normal
for the first time in years. I was beginning to think that I was a terrible mother
and should have never had kids. My mother-in-law used to tell me the same thing.
She had 4 boys and never thought she was a good mother. Thank you thank you thank
you. I praise your work! You are saving lives and marriages!
•Dr. Fine: Your tests showed that I have gluten sensitivity; blood tests by my Gastro
doctor were normal. However, I am responding well to GF diet. This is great news
and I wanted to share it with you. Thanks,
•Dr. Fine, I was diagnosed with collagenous colitis last January. Recently I e-mailed
you wondering if my wheat allergy had reared it's ugly head!! You stated once a
person has gluten sensitivity, it's always there. Dr. Fine, I have taken it upon
myself to try the gluten free diet, and I feel GREAT!! I have been on it for about
3 weeks and have had no diarrhea at all. I also take one lactobacillus tablet a
day. What wonderful products there are out there substituting for wheat. My appetite
is back, too. You have a wonderful website which is so helpful and supportive. Thanks
again.
•Dear Dr. Fine, After several years of progressively worse symptoms, including severe
and constant diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, stress, mitral valve prolapse, etc., and
being convinced myself that it had to be a recurrence of colon cancer, I was found
to have microscopic colitis. Then I found my way to your web site, ordered the full
testing, and early in May had the report of gluten sensitivity with two predisposing
genes. I promptly went gluten-free. Without the proof from that test I would not
have had the required will-power. Six weeks later, at age 71, I'm the healthiest
I've ever been in my life, for which I'm especially grateful, because I have years
of hard but wonderful work ahead of me in my business. I will try to show my appreciation
by spreading the word about your work. Thank you.
•Dear Dr. Fine and Colleagues: We ordered testing for gluten and casein sensitivity,
as well as genetic markers, on our whole family last May. I had already gone gluten
and casein free and experienced relief from my migraines and fatigue (along with
other symptoms), so I was not surprised to get the results of my tests showing that
I had antibodies to both categories of proteins, as well as the HLA DQ2 marker for
celiac disease. But my family members were not convinced there was anything "wrong"
with any of them, and they were skeptical of their positive test results. Nonetheless,
we began a gluten free/casein free diet for the whole family in June. As you would
guess, we have seen wonderful results for everyone. And now, several months, a few
"trials", and a few "accidents" later, my family is convinced that gluten and/or
casein was the underlying cause of many travails--from fatigue to learning disabilities--and
they are dedicated to the GF/CF diet. If I had had to work through the traditional
mechanism of the medical establishment, I would probably not have succeeded in even
getting anyone tested, as our problems were not really "significant" in a clinical
sense. Thank you so much for the work you do, and for making your services available
directly to the people who need them! Our quality of life is so much enhanced because
of you! Many thanks and blessings to all of you,
•Hi there, Dr. Fine! Just keeping in touch. I hope all is well with you and the
lab. I wanted to let you know that, I am doing beautifully. After much trial and
error, I have determined that I am intolerant to gluten, all dairy, yeast, and soy.
It appears that the best way of eating for me is the Paleolithic diet, although
I eat very little animal flesh by choice. A major factor for me was cutting out
all sugar except for some occasional honey. I think I remember you saying early
on that it was important not to feed the "bad" bacteria in the gut, and I have found
this to be quite true. I have also found that I have much more energy and absolutely
NEVER feel hungry with all sugar (disaccharidases) eliminated. My major protein
sources are now nuts/seeds. (I am beginning to think that the food pyramid should
be turned upside down!) The calories don't seem to be a problem (I weigh less on
this diet) and I have no other symptoms from eating nuts. I am hearing that as more
people with microscopic colitis go GF and consider other intolerances as well, they
are improving immensely. It is fun to see the improvement, especially after their
docs have told them that the diet won't make any difference! Keep up the good work
and research. You are a great help to us all.
•Dr. Fine, Thank you for your wonderful work. I am very fortunate to have a doctor
who fully recognizes your work. She has helped guide me into much better health
and she used your tests to do this. I was diagnosed as being gluten-sensitive because
of the gene tests, but not celiac. Since I have become gluten-free (to the best
of my ability) I have regained my health. I thought I had celiac disease because
of the research I did on the internet. I changed my diet because I was desperate.
That was at least three years ago. Your innovativeness is a blessing for all of
us.
•Hello Dr. Fine. My family recently had tests done by Enterolab and we all came
back positive for gluten and casein sensitivity. I understand the importance of
remaining gluten free. I thank you so much for allowing the public to take advantage
of your testing procedure. I tested negative for celiac and my son was borderline
(so the doctors said). Since your test, we are all gluten free and feeling amazing.
My younger son was having a speech delay and was being observed for possible autistic
spectrum disorder. Since this diet, he is like a new kid. We are truly grateful!
•Dr. Fine, Thank you for your lab and research. I want you to publish your paper
so that the medical community will realize that the current methods of blood testing
and biopsies of the intestine do not always catch everyone with sickness caused
by gluten. Without your lab and help, I do not know where I would be today. My health
has improved dramatically. It takes strict adherence to the diet to maintain health.
I do not want others to experience any of the problems I have over the years. It
only takes a diet to maintain health.
•Dear Dr. Fine, It's funny how someone you don't know can affect your life (even
more importantly, your child's life). Through your work, you changed our lives dramatically.
Our daughter is a different child today from two years ago. Had you not told us
what was wrong, and we had listened to the other doctors, she would still be in
bed (or in the bathroom!) Instead, she's off at drama camp, having a wonderful time.
(She has gained 15 pounds since last October!) So on those days when you are feeling
low, remember that what you do is REALLY important to a lot of folks."
•Dear Dr. Fine, Can't remember if I let you know my status since testing. Celiac
Sprue runs in family. Although my blood work and biopsy were negative, the stool
test recommended by the Institute was positive. I went gluten-free Jan. 4 2001.
Diarrhea is gone, intense rectal itching gone, hand joint pain gone, and miracle
of miracles, migraines almost gone (a thunderstorm will still do me in.) I am now
getting constant comments about how great I look- amazing how gnawing head and tummy
pain had taken their toll on me. So now am ordering stool tests for my two sons,
age 11 and 14. One son, 11, has asthma, fatigue, dental hyperplasia, and when he
eats wheat he gets bulky hard stools that cannot flush. Then he has bouts of diarrhea-
the symptoms are really apparent now that he gets gluten only intermittently since
I am cooking GF. My other son, 14, has asthma too, can't eat eggs, and has a fractured
L5 that hasn't healed in over one and a half years. So... I am interested in their
test results. Thanks for your help.
•Dear Dr. Fine, Thanks to you, our 19 year-old daughter is a new "woman." Our daughter
has struggled with asthma throughout her life and has always had to avoid nuts,
nut oils, and the like as they literally poison her! What we never guessed was that
she was poisoning her system with other everyday food her system simply cannot handle.
At your suggestion, our daughter completed one simple test and learned she can end
years of horrendous stomach aches, diarrhea, painful gas and bloating, simply by
eliminating gluten, cow's and eggs from her diet. Is it challenging to change her
eating habits? You bet. Is it worth it to her, in terms of how much better she feels?
Without question! We all thank you. Not only because our daughter is feeling better
and getting more out of her life but also because we know she'll be healthier down
the road.
•Dear Dr. Fine: Tomorrow it will be one month since I have been gluten free. And
FREE it is! I feel so much better in so many ways. My stools have been normal the
whole time. Even the prednisone did not help there. Oh, it decreased the frequency,
but did nothing to completely stop the loose movements. I want to tell you how my
life has changed just in the past month. The gas and bloating I experienced after
each meal is gone. The pain in my hips has decreased to the point where I am proudly
sporting a slight shin splint from over-enthusiastic exercising. The fatigue is
gone. I am SLEEPING at night! And best of all, the mood swings have stopped. I attribute
all this to being gluten free. I think that for years I have been using my body
as a toxic waste dump and now I have stopped. And the diet.....? I am having more
fun in the kitchen than I have had in years. I fancy myself to be quite a good cook
and I love to do it. I am simply so glad to have had this month of feeling well
and energetic and HAPPY. I think the happiness and joy is the greatest gift of all.
I now have hope. Thank you so much for helping me with this. You and your organizations
have made such a difference in my life.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I did not realize how sick I have been with colitis for the past
20 months until I got well with gluten free diet. In that period , I thought I had
some good days, but not even close to how I feel now after gluten free. I was attacked
by colitis in 1999. For the first five months, I had a lot of diarrhea, disorientation
and dramatic energy depletions. This made it really impossible to hold a steady
job. After 2 years of persistent illness, despite my doctors' best efforts, I took
the diagnostic tests offered by the Intestinal Health Institute in May, 2001. It
showed that I had the gene for gluten sensitivity. In desperation I requested a
phone consultation from Dr. Fine. I have never had a doctor before who responded
to my message within 2 hours and who said "I will do all I can to help you - let's
get you well". He has consistently responded very promptly - hats off to a new medical
standard! Because of the gene result, he recommended the gluten free diet, mainly,
no wheat, oats, barley or rye. He also took me off protein powder ( get your protein
naturally), yeast, tomatoes, beans, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage. Continue
with no dairy, eggs nor alcohol from grains. In addition to a normal diet, he recommended
avocado, olive and canola oils, nuts and fruits and Lactobacillus. I had been on
a vegan, no added oil, 10% fat diet for three. The gluten free diet is much, much
easier and has many more food options than the former. I had this consultation with
him on July 2nd. and started on it that same night. By July 4th, my diarrhea was
down to once that day and my energy stayed at its early morning level. AND I HAVE
NOT HAD A BAD DAY SINCE, six weeks later. My once-a-day stools are firm and formed,
my energy is like it was prior to November 1999 and I am ready, no excited, to go
back to work and other useful pursuits. My gastroenterologist was astounded at this
result. To his credit, he did acknowledge that " I think we underdiagnose for gluten
sensitivity". My conclusion is that gluten free seems to be clear treatment, but
other refinements to diet should be done with Dr. Fine's guidance.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I was first exposed to the possibility that gluten might be causing
my problems a year ago. It was after that that I talked my rheumatologist into running
the celiac blood test on me which came back negative. But that experience made me
open to the possibility that gluten could have something to do with the microscopic
colitis that developed later - and ultimately led me to you. Because of your testing,
I am now fully aware of the importance of a gluten free diet for me. Now on the
diet, I continue to do wonderfully. The diet is becoming a natural way of life and
so is good health. I wish more people could be exposed to your knowledge. Warm regards,
•Dear Dr. Fine: My improvement with your guidance on dietary therapy is triple-fold:
less nausea, which I used to have almost daily, less diarrhea, and when I have intestinal
urgency, I am able to hold it having fewer accidents. Getting off Estrogen was a
big step. Also I eliminate gluten, eggs, dairy products, yeast, tomatoes, potatoes,
and next step is beef. I take Lactobacillus on a regular basis but no other meds.
I eat several small meals. I feel for the first time that I am starting to get control
over the condition. Thanks again!
•Dear Dr. Fine, I asked for advice about my daughters fatigue several weeks ago.
You were so helpful. She had your stool test for gluten sensitivity, malabsorption,
and milk sensitivity. The tests came back positive for gluten and milk sensitivity,
and some malabsorption. She quit eating gluten as soon as she mailed the test off
(since I'm celiac her chances of having sprue were high), but noticed no improvement.
However, when she got the test results and found she was also milk (specifically
casein) sensitive, she quit all dairy products and noticed a change fairly quickly.
After only about 1 month of being gluten and dairy free she is feeling soooo much
better. There's a sparkle in her eyes again. It's so good to see her finally getting
some energy back. Thank you all again.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I wanted to report on my condition since I started my diet. I have
seen awesome results. Although some conditions continue to be a problem. I was having
a bowel movement 4 to 6 times a day now it has reduced to 1 to 2 times a day. I
have seen less intestinal gas as well. I definitely don't feel so bloated. I have
had a great improvement in my mental clarity, and my fatigue has improved. That
is the progress so far. I thank you for your help.
•Dear Dr. Fine, Thank you so very much for helping my son. My sweet son is enjoying
school and an active social life again. And for the first time in quite a while
has a hopeful outlook for his future. I swear he lost half his brain to gluten sensitivity,
but I think he's found it again! For a while there, my husband & I were wondering
if he would someday be on permanent disability or in a mental institution somewhere.
That's how bad it looked for him a year ago. He now has the energy & clarity of
thought to take charge of his health. He gets up early, cooks his food for the day,
packs a lunch & heads off for school or work. It's a miracle, I can't describe it.
With sincere appreciation,
•Dear Dr. Fine, I have been following your recommendations on eating since November.
I have also included weight training, yoga and cardiovascular exercise in my new
lifestyle. I am happy to report that I have lost 45 pounds so far and feel better
than I have ever felt in my life. The carbs that really put weight on us are the
pastas and breads and desserts we eat. They are very high in starch and that turns
to fat almost immediately. GF breads, pastas and desserts are loaded with starch.
I eat a bowel of fresh fruit salad with walnuts for breakfast every morning. I include
a cup of tea sweetened with honey. This is the only sugar I get each day with the
exception of the fresh and dried fruits I eat. The rest of the day, I eat either
fresh or dried fruit with raw almonds, in small quantities. At dinner, I have a
big salad with romaine lettuce and fresh vegetables and either salmon or tuna. Every
now and then I will have a glass of red wine with my salad. I also drink lots of
water. I eat the 5 - 6 small meals that Dr. Fine recommends and I'm healthier and
slimmer than I have ever been in my entire life I have eliminated sugar, soft drinks,
hard liquor, coffee and chocolate from my diet and I use salt sparingly. When I
started this program, I did it to become healthier and build muscle. I did not have
a weight loss goal and still do not. I just assumed that I would naturally lose
weight with this diet and lifestyle. Eating fruit and nuts together keeps your blood
sugar from fluctuating, which is what make us hungry. It takes a couple of weeks
to get used to eating this way, but it definitely has worked for me. I would not
have lost this amount of weight just working out at the gym. I have been a long
distance bicyclist for about 10 years, and I can honestly tell you that I never
lost a pound riding a bicycle, even one-hundred miles in one day. It takes the combination
of a healthy diet and moderate exercise which includes weight training to accomplish
weight loss. The weight training is crucial to speeding up metabolism. Muscle burns
fat. Now I eat to fuel my body and only when hungry as opposed to eating because
I like the taste of food. I have found that the less I eat, the less food my body
requires. It is interesting that the body does not really need a lot of food to
function well. My blood pressure is 100 times better, my asthma is much improved,
my muscles are stronger, my flexibility and balance are improving and for the first
time in my life, I am happy with my body image. My only regret is that I waited
until I was almost 59 years old to get healthy. This diet is not for everyone. But
for me it has been a G-d send in helping me to take control of my life. Being over
weight is being out of control. The added benefit to adopting Dr. Fine's lifestyle
is that you no longer have to be in the kitchen a lot of the time creating breads,
pastas and desserts that are gluten-free. The food I eat is just naturally gluten-free.
Now I have more time to enjoy the things I like to do and I'm having a great time!
Thank you so much for your inspiration and instruction. Cheers
•Dear Dr. Fine, I enjoyed meeting you when you came to speak. It's funny how someone
you don't know can affect your life (even more importantly, your child's life).
Through your work, you changed our lives dramatically. My daughter is a different
child today from two years ago. Had you not told us what was wrong, and we had listened
to the other doctors, she would still be in bed (or in the bathroom!) Instead, she's
off at drama camp, having a wonderful time. (She has gained 15 much needed pounds
since last October!) So on those days when you are feeling low, remember that what
you do is REALLY important to a lot of folks. There are a lot of people out there
who are convinced of your importance. Regards,
•Dear Dr. Fine: Thank you for the very helpful consultation on August 7. I started
the gluten-free diet as well as egg, yeast and milk free diet, and quitting rice
milk, all cereal, and most corn products and started Lactobacillus. My BM's have
gone from liquid to formed and with much reduced frequency. My weight has remained
constant . I am finally seeing real improvement. Thanks again for your help. Sincerely,
•Dear Dr Fine, I have been yeast, dairy and gluten and grain free (except for rice)
for 2 weeks. It took a week or so before my stool liquidity took a new FORM! My
energy level has shown improvement as well. I purchase organic food whenever possible
at a local health food store. I am sorry that I did not appreciate the importance
of the gluten-free diet for keeping my microscopic colitis in remission when you
told me to go gluten-free 2 years ago. I did not fully realize then that I am wheat/gluten
sensitive and that it is FOREVER for me! Thank you for caring and reaching out,
Dr. Fine. Make this a rainbow day! Sincerely,
•Dear Dr. Fine, It's wonderful to be writing to you while feeling good...actually,
I'm feeling pretty great. I was diagnosed with colitis, had 3 horrible bouts of
spasms/diarrhea where 2 of them led me to the Emergency Room. My doc couldn't/wouldn't
see me on ANY of those occasions and said that the food I ate didn't really make
a difference. After meds that didn't work and being TERRIBLY sick, I had a consult
with Dr. Fine, then had a gluten-sensitivity test, along with a milk tolerance test.
I found out that I was highly sensitive to gluten, mildly sensitive to yeast and
couldn't tolerate any products made from cow's milk. So...for the past 2-3 weeks
I've been on a gluten-free diet. What a difference it's made! The first few days
were a little rough. Extra bouts of diarrhea, but after a few days...the cramping
and diarrhea have stopped. I haven't felt this good in MONTHS! I don't know what
I would've done without the help of Dr. Fine, and all who have supported me. I have
made a pact with myself to exercise everyday and to do some kind of spiritual/stress
relief type activity. I'm thinking that it's up to me to make myself better because
I sure wasn't getting much help from my medical advisors. Thanks again folks! If
you've started on this Gluten-Free Diet...keep at it. It works. It sure has in my
case!
•Dear Dr. Fine, I have microscopic colitis and was tested at the beginning of April
and found to be gluten sensitive. I also have two genes for the disorder. The moment
I received the results of the stool and gene tests I went on a gluten free diet.
I feel GREAT! I noticed the difference after only four days on the diet. For the
first time in over 9 years I had normal stools. And only once a day. Other changes
have taken place are the pain in my joints has lessened and the almost incapacitating
fatigue is gone. I was so tired before becoming gluten-free that I spent most of
my time lying around on my bed reading mystery novels. I actually got FAT from lack
of exercise. Now I am full of energy and I have to make appointments with myself
to lie down and read a book. The most surprising thing to me is that the nagging
depression is gone. I don't know if the depression was a symptom or a result of
the illnesses - probably a bit of both. Anyway, that has vanished. On the whole,
the GF diet has made a considerable difference. I will remain gluten-free the rest
of my life. There has been no damage to my small intestine yet and I intend to keep
it that way. As for the diet itself, I am having a ball with it. I love to cook
and I love to eat good food. I have been scouring my old cookbooks and the Internet
collecting recipes that are either gluten-free or that I can adapt. I have not had
any problems with going GF. The only slight hardship has been going out to dinner
at a restaurant, but I am getting quite good at packing along my ricecakes and a
little something to go on them. I do not mind if people look at me strangely. I
just smile and if they want to ask questions, I am more than happy to answer. So,
Dr. Fine and all the dear people I have met since I have been sick, thank you. What
was at one point a horrible disaster for me is turning out to be a great adventure.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I have a 5 yr old boy that has shown GREAT success on the gluten-free
diet in just 2 weeks!!! It has been a G-d send for our family to be going in the
right direction for him at last!!! He started out as a colicky baby but doing great
until 18 months old. He went from a talking child to a child that would not talk
and had blank stares at 18 months. Also he had body rash on tummy and bottom. I
would go to the dr. every couple of months and they would say I was reading into
it and put on eczema cream.(which never got rid of it) I finally started speech
therapy 1 1/2 years later and he was back to normal speech within 6 mos. However
he still had rash, uncontrollable behavior at times and severe carbo and sugar cravings
at night even after full dinner (had to lock refrigerator). Now at 5 and about to
start kindergarten was really worried!!! I honestly thought he may need ritalin
After starting the gluten-free diet, the rash went away after the first week. The
bizarre behavior after eating certain foods has stopped. Also questioning milk since
my 1 yr old daughter's speech has slowed since starting milk but also had been on
alot of carbs as well. So have put whole family on the diet to try and eliminate
all questionable problems. Since on the diet my five year old is no longer "STARVING"
even after a full dinner and has complete control of self now!!!! No more mood swings
from out of nowhere. I am going to do a consult with Dr. Fine and luckily, the celiac
society in my town referred me to him. I really feel we are on the right track at
last!!! I read that in Italy they automatically do screenings by the time their
children are age 6 for celiac because it is so bad there. Why does our society not
do that???? Obviously, there is a problem here. I am also seeing an allergist for
whole family as we are allergic to dust, mold, etc...interestingly my son did not
show allergy on skin test to wheat, eggs or milk. BUT allergist said that does not
mean anything as Dr. Fine has mentioned on his website. As mentioned we are just
starting our search but I really feel we are on to something at last!!! Thank you
Dr. Fine and to all the others who are dealing with this disease everyday!!!
•Dear Dr. Fine, After suffering from monthly seizures, symptoms of lupus (exhaustion,
arthritis etc) and terrible intestinal/digestive problems for years, I am so excited
to report that after being on the gluten free diet my intestinal problems vanished
(never to re-occur again), I haven't had a seizure in 16 months and all of my lupus
symptoms have disappeared. This diet is a miracle and I think it is very important
that more people tell family, friends and especially traditional doctors about their
amazing results. We need to get the word out that there are cures to some health
problems that don't involve "procedures" and medications! Thank you Dr. Fine for
being so helpful with diagnosis and consultations!
•Dear Dr. Fine, When a family member tested positive for gluten sensitivity, my
husband decided to try the gluten free diet. He has suffered for 40 years from psoriasis.
In the winter it is extremely uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. After 3
weeks on the diet he noticed an improvement and in 8 weeks it was completely cleared
up! When he started the diet, he didn't know what to expect. He didn't even think
about the possibility of it helping his psoriasis. Now, he plans to stay on the
diet and can't wait to see what will improve next. Thank you Dr. Fine! A Grateful
Wife!
•Recently, my 11 yr old son was diagnosed as gluten sensitive. I had never suspected
he was gluten sensitive, so I didn't know what changes to expect in him being on
a gluten-free diet. He's been on the diet about four weeks, and he informed me last
night that he feels "great" after getting off gluten. I asked how he feels different.
He said he no longer has a scratchy throat, he doesn't get tired in the afternoons
and his nose is clear for the first time. All these things he had taken as normal
for him. I always thought he was just unwinding from a day at school when he plopped
down in front of the t.v. for an hour every afternoon. Even though these may seem
minor changes to some, he's pleased with the results, and I'm happy for him. Thanks
for everything, Dr. Fine.
•Dear Dr. Fine, Just wanted to give an update on the gluten free diet. I have microscopic
colitis and tested positive to Dr. Fine's Gluten sensitivity test. As of now I have
been gluten free since for 2 months. Within weeks of starting the diet I could see
a significant change in my symptoms. The diarrhea, fatigue, aches and pain in neck
and shoulders, headaches, itching, cramps, pain in lower right side, depression,
and mood swings are gone, and I am sure their are some others symptoms I missed
naming, but the point is the diet is working. Amazingly if I do get gluten in my
diet by mistake I will know it within several hours or by the early morning hours
since that seems to always be the time that the diarrhea wants to start. Some symptoms
went away quicker than others and at times some do flare up, but don't seem to last
long. Mainly headaches. It has been the best medicine so far. I thought I would
spread the good news so maybe it would be worth a try to others out their. It seems
like a tough diet, but believe me it is easier than you think. Cause if you are
like me I am not even tempted to try wheat flour and other gluten containing food
for I know what the result will be. It is well worth the try. Good Luck I hope it
works for others as well as it did for me. Gluten free/ a miracle in the works
•Dear Dr. Fine, It's been a long road for me that only ended when I heard of Dr.
Fine and his tests. About 10 years ago (in my mid 20's) I started having chronic
diarrhea. I was told I had IBS. Within 5 years I became disabled with diarrhea 7-8
times a day & night, chronic headaches, burning muscle pain, severe fatigue, dizziness,
anxiety attacks and depression. For the next 6 years (I was 30 by then) my doctors
couldn't figure out what was wrong. I was diagnosed through the years by different
doctors with IBS, Clinical Depression and other psychiatric disorders, Fibromyalgia,
and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I couldn't tolerate any of the multiple drugs the
doctors had me on - I got so sick of taking them I turned to an alternative med
chiropractor that put me on a food elimination diet. That's how I found out I reacted
to all the grains - wheat, oats, barley, and rye, in addition to several other foods.
But that doctor didn't know about gluten sensitivity either. So all my symptoms
were attributed to "multiple food allergies". By then my regular MD's wanted nothing
to do with me, especially when I told them I had food allergies. Not once did any
of them suggest that there was a gastrointestinal disorder called Celiac Disease,
even when I told them about my "grain allergies". Two years past before a new internal
med doctor I saw suggested my food allergies to grain may be Celiac Disease. But
the gastroenterologist he sent me to wouldn't do a biopsy without me going back
to eating gluten for several weeks (I had avoided the grains I was reacting to for
2 years at this point) because he said the results would not be accurate. The GI
doc also said that my multiple other symptoms and extreme fatigue was more than
Celiac Disease could account for - he suggested I probably had IBS to explain the
diarrhea part. Since I refused to eat gluten because it made me so sick, I didn't
know what else to do. That's when my research on the internet for Celiac Disease
brought up Dr. Fine's site. To make a long story short - I ordered his comprehensive
test, tried to eat something with gluten in it every day for a week as much as I
could stand (without making me too ill) before I took the test so that it could
hopefully pick something up. And both the gene test and the antibody test came back
positive! My MD concluded after seeing the test results of Dr. Fine's tests, my
reaction to gluten when I eat it, and my alleviation of symptoms when I avoid it,
combined with my history of symptoms, that I did indeed have Celiac Disease - my
MD called it Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy or GSE since he said the official term
of Celiac Disease is only given with a biopsy diagnosis. However, he assured me
no matter what you want to call it - they are the same disease that requires avoiding
gluten for life. Today, I am 36 years old - my diarrhea is gone, and my energy levels
have increased dramatically. My headaches, fibromyaliga, and other chronic fatigue
syndrome symptoms are gone. I am in the process of looking for a part-time job after
having been off work for over 6 years due to my multiple symptoms. The only symptoms
I combat now are heartburn with occasional nausea - a dramatic improvement that's
well worth the gluten-free diet. Thank you Dr. Fine!
•My family and I feel that Dr. Fine has helped us through a crisis and given us
all a new and brighter future. Here is our story. My granddaughter was diagnosed
with Juvenile Dermatomyositis in late 2000. It is considered an auto-immune disease.
This disease has no known cause and no cure. The treatment is a combination of Prednisone
(steroids) and Methotrexate (chemotherapy) which can have severe side effects. The
disease causes inflammation and degeneration of skeletal muscle tissue. The treatment
usually has to continue for one to three years before medication can be reduced
to a low maintenance level. Remission is the most you can hope for. We were devastated
to say the least. She fell and broke a bone and the xrays revealed "Osteopenia"
or thin bones. This condition is uncommon for such a young child. Her Mother came
across a message on a bulletin board about Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity causing
Osteopenia and other health problems such as inflammatory diseases! That was all
I needed to make a connection and I discovered the EnteroLab website. We had her
and her sisters tested and they were all gluten sensitive. In fact, one of her sisters
had a double gene which means that both parents have at least one gene. She has
been on a "gluten free diet" for only a few weeks and her symptoms have subsided
so much that her doctor is not going to increase the "chemotherapy" as planned and
is going to decrease the "steroids". This is phenomenal! In fact, from the information
that I have been able to obtain from other patients, it is literally unheard of
at this stage of the disease. The entire family wants to thank Dr. Fine for helping
us. We feel that without the availability of the EnteroLab test and the subsequent
"gluten free diet" that her prognosis would be grim. Our entire family is on this
"gluten free diet" and we have all experienced some improvement in our overall health
and sense of well being. Thank you Dr. Fine!
•Dear Dr. Fine, I'm a 34-year old woman recently diagnosed with a digestive disorder
that caused me to be mostly bedridden for 4 years. Today, I'm preparing to go back
to work. Ten years ago, I enjoyed physically demanding sports like mountain biking,
had just earned an MBA from a top-ten business school, and was working for a high
technology company. By the time I turned 30, my body had become so weak that brushing
my hair drained me, my handwriting was illegible, and I began having trouble with
reading comprehension and memory. It took eight years to get the diagnosis of gluten
intolerance, which I got from Dr. Fine's lab, Enterolab. Only a few months later,
I was rapidly recovering by adhering to the only treatment for this condition, a
life-long gluten-free diet. Before I went on the gluten-free diet, my list of symptoms
was long and varied, but I could summarize it as a constant feeling that I had the
flu or was about to come down with the flu. I slept 14 hours a night and was still
exhausted in the day. My cognitive dysfunction and memory problems made me feel
as if I'd suddenly lost 20 IQ points. I also suffered from nausea, fevers, arthritis,
and a permanent migraine-like headache. I was constantly on antibiotics for sinus
and bladder infections. I also had excessive flatulence and gastrointestinal pain,
which didn't make my top 10 list of complaints, but would later turn out to be the
key to my cure. Hindering my diagnosis, the only abnormal lab tests I had were anemia
and a low white blood cell count. The last year I was able to work full-time was
1996. Saying I worked "full-time" is stretching the truth a little given that my
ever-worsening health had reduced me to a maximum of 2 to 3 days a week. Finally
I got so ill that I never felt well again. I searched frantically for what was wrong
with me so I could be cured and continue on my career track. After consulting more
than 10 doctors, one of them offered a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Although
this diagnosis didn't explain all the medical problems I had, it classified me as
"disabled" and allowed me to take a much-needed medical leave until I was well enough
to work again. So began my struggle to get my life back and my quest to find out
what was really wrong with me. After my first year of disability, I was diagnosed
with lupus. I wouldn't know until a few years later that this was only part of the
story. I was elated to have a diagnosis that finally seemed to explain everything
I was going through, and I was delighted to ditch the oft-criticized Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome label. For the next few years I treated the lupus through medication and
alternative therapies. It helped a little but I was still only a fraction of my
formerly active self. Finally, a few years after that, I stumbled upon my real medical
problem, gluten intolerance. I discovered how to control what I thought was my most
minor, but socially embarrassing health problem, excessive gas. If I didn't eat
wheat -- no bread, pasta, cakes, or cookies -- I didn't have gas or stomach cramps.
I went to my gastroenterologist to share this new information. Indigestion after
eating wheat is a textbook symptom of gluten intolerance & celiac disease, but even
the gastroenterologist told me it was just Irritable Bowel Syndrome and that no
diet change was necessary. Since I was much happier without the gas and stomach
pains, I stuck with the wheat-free diet, purely for the sake of being gas-free.
To my amazement, my other health problems began to disappear after two months without
wheat. First, I noticed I was feeling less nauseated than before and hadn't run
a fever for a while. Then, my arthritis cleared up. Soon my headaches were a thing
of the past. I was sleeping 11 hours a night instead of 14. I realized I hadn't
had to take antibiotics for a few months which was a breakthrough after 10 years
of starting a course of antibiotics every 4 to 6 weeks for constant sinus and bladder
infections. My cognitive abilities started slowly returning. I had many other minor
problems, like horrible menstrual cramps and manual dexterity problems. These literally
vanished as well. I knew I had finally found my cure in the wheat-free diet, but
I still didn't know that I had gluten intolerance. Through research on the internet,
I learned that I might have celiac disease and went on a strict gluten-free diet.
I went back to my gastroenterologist, reported on my progress, and asked to be tested
for it. He agreed, but insisted (incorrectly) that I didn't have to be eating wheat
for the celiac blood tests to be accurate. Sure enough, since I'd been on a gluten-free
diet for 4 months, the blood tests came back negative. Finally, through more research,
I found EnteroLab and sent in my stool sample for testing. Their lab showed that
despite being gluten-free, I did indeed have many gluten anti-bodies and that I
had a gene that causes celiac disease. Finally, eight years after my symptoms began,
I had the answer to all my health problems. Most importantly, I'm off all medications
and am well for the first time in eight years. Today, I'm getting ready to return
to work and am leading an increasingly active lifestyle. My doctors say that my
lupus never would have been active if, earlier in my life, I'd been diagnosed with
gluten intolerance, and followed the gluten-free diet. Since my diagnosis, five
of my family members have tested positive for the disease. My cousin went on the
gluten-free diet and her monthly epileptic seizures suddenly stopped. She is off
anti-seizure medication and hasn't had a seizure for over a year now. The diet also
cured her lupus and arthritis. Our success is motivating many others to investigate
the gluten connection for themselves. Maybe my story will help you, too.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I cannot possibly overstate the impact of the assistance that EnteroLab
and Dr. Fine have given me. I know without a doubt that I would still be undiagnosed,
suffering and damaging my entire system had it not been for the tests I ordered
and the information I received from EnteroLab. I experienced a sudden onset of violent
intestinal symptoms in March of 2000, while recovering from a staph infection and
taking both antibiotics and ibuprofen. By July, I was completely disabled. I underwent
-- and "failed" -- every test my doctor could dream up, including a colonoscopy
with biopsy. I was sent home with a diagnosis of IBS and instructions not to eat
tomatoes. Several weeks later, after looking at my biopsy, my internist changed
his diagnosis and informed me that I had microscopic colitis (MC). Not knowing the
first thing about MC, I jumped online and immediately found FinerHealth.com, where
I learned not only about MC, but also of its genetic link to gluten intolerance.
I immediately went gluten-free, and ordered EnteroLab's gene and stool panel for
gluten sensitivity. While awaiting those results (it was September by now), I consulted
with a gastroenterologist, who ran additional tests, including the standard blood
test for celiac sprue. Everything again came back negative, and I was sent home
to "just live life." Interesting concept, considering I hadn't been able to eat
anything for months without experiencing painful spasms, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
EnteroLab's test results soon arrived in my e-mail inbox; I couldn't believe what
I read. I saw that I both had the gene that predisposes me to MC and gluten-sensitivity,
and that my system was actively producing antibodies to gluten. In other words,
positive results. Confirmation of my adamantly held position that what I had been
experiencing for six months was not "just IBS." Nearly a year after this odyssey
began, I can finally say that I am well -- thanks ONLY to Finer Health's commitment
to education and to EnteroLab's state-of-the-art tests. Going gluten-free, in combination
with Dr. Fine's recommended treatment protocol for MC, has made all the difference
in my ability to "just live life."
•Dear Dr. Fine, I was diagnosed with celiac sprue June 2000 by intestinal biopsy.
I began to see similar symptoms I had in my 15 yr old daughter. The pediatrician
finally, after much persistance on my part, ordered the blood test. It came back
negative. I was not convinced. He thought I was crazy. He told me "it's normal for
teenagers to be light-headed and faint occasionally." During the same month I attended
my first support group meeting where everyone praised Dr. Fine's work and Enterolab.
I had never heard of Dr. Fine so I started asking questions. After the meeting,
I went home and got on the computer. I wanted to see what all the talk was about.
I was amazed. I learned practically everything I know about gluten sensitivity from
Finerhealth and Enterolab, not from my gastroenterologist. I realized at that point
that the blood test could have been premature for my daughter's situation, so I
ordered the stool test which revealed she definitely has a gluten sensitivity but
thankfully no intestinal damage. My daughter has improved tremendously since starting
the GF diet in November. She's very aware of the positive changes both mentally
and physically. She is constantly reading and learning more about her condition.
Neither of my two sons had shown any real symptoms, but I realized I needed to have
them tested for the gene. One of my sons has double gene for gluten sensitivity
which makes the other son have it and my husband! I've since had both boys tested
for sensitivity. The one with the double gene does not at this time, but we are
aware that it could develop later in life. The results are not back on my youngest
son. I never would have known all this about my family's genetic make-up without
Enterolab and Dr. Fine. I continue to educate my sisters and parents about gluten
sensitivity. By the way, I have 5 sisters and they all have the gene because the
youngest has double genes! I can see evidence of gluten sensitivity in several family
members. Thank you Dr. Fine and Enterolab for all your efforts to improve the quality
of life for all of us.
•Hi Dr. Fine, It's been about two weeks since our last communication and I wanted
to give you an update and keep in touch. I want to tell you that I can't remember
feeling better in the last 6-7 years than I do right now after following your advice.
All I've done is stop taking the baby aspirin I had been taking for that same number
of years, and stop taking the Asacol. As you can tell, I'm DELIGHTED with this response.
As ever in our approximately two year email relationship I'm so happy a rather medically
cautious old lady was brave enough to use this modern device (computer), which she
is still learning to master) to reach out for help. I don't know if this was out
of pure misery or general optimism or instict. To make a long story short, I am
grateful and look forward to finding out where we go from here.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I have been on the gluten-free diet since mid March and have had
all my symptoms of fibromalygia and muscle wasting (MS?) disappear. Last February
I was on 10MG/100 of Hydrocod/Apap 4 times a day and 1000Mg of Naprosin daily. As
of September, I no longer have the need for these medications, my pain is totally
gone. The gluten free diet is a godsend. My daughter 22 yrs. diagnosed with the
blood test in June as a Celiac, is a life long severe asthmatic. Her symptoms have
improved and her overall health is much better, plus her memory has greatly improved
much to her surprise. Thank you Dr. Fine. I wanted you to know how much you are
helping people!
•Hi, Dr. Fine! I thought you would be interested in a followup report. You will
recall that Enterolab found me to be gluten and yeast intolerant and to have 2 genes
that predispose to gluten intolerance. The colitis is officially GONE as of today,
if I may be cautiously optimistic. Hooray!!!!! Here is the sequence of events: 1.
10 weeks of GF diet and Culturelle, 1 cap b.i.d. (continuous to present) 2. 3 weeks
of the *non-immunogenic" diet you recommended during the phone consultation (continuing
also) After 9 weeks of the dietary changes, the bloating and discomfort had long
disappeared; however, the colitis was still in full force: 4-7 watery, urgent BMs
per day. A few comments on the diet you recommended.......WOW! It is difficult to
adjust to, initially. I think that most Americans would find it almost impossible
to follow. I find that I am really starting to prefer it now. I have redicovered
nuts and am loving walnuts, especially with raisins and figs. (By the way, I went
to 3 grocery stores before I could find figs in my area!). I have been experimenting
with adding some "extra" items to my diet occasionally to see what happens. Lo and
behold, I discovered that tomatoes give me pain/stiffness in my finger joints upon
awakening the following A.M.! What a surprise! It also seems that dairy gives me
neck pain upon awakening. Could this be possible (i.e. different foods causing specific
joint manifestations)? One thing this diet has done is to make me acutely aware
of how different foods affect my body. My favorite meal now is a giant salad with
romaine, carrots, celery, chopped up dried fruits (apricots/peaches/cherries/raisins),
walnuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil and cider vinegar. YUM! Thanks again for all
your help and support. The support goes an incredibly long way when one has had
months of Diarrhea and wonders if life will ever be normal again. You have helped
me immensely...................... With respect and admiration
•Hi I have a comment about Dr. Fine's lab. My daughter has had a combination of
symptoms for may years. They included hair loss, severe abdominal pain, coughing
up blood. She had seen several Dr.s over the years who mainly brushed her off. Most
recently she was given upper GI x-rays, to search for an ulcer. The x-ray was negative.
She asked to be tested for celiac as I have DH, but they brushed her off, not wanting
to test her saying it was very rare. She tried to get back in to see the Dr. again,
but they said that Dr. had been transferred. So, at that point I had her tested
by EnteroLab. It came back positive for gluten sensitivity and she started on a
gluten free diet. Her hair has now stopped falling out, her stomach pain has been
greatly reduced and she has not been spitting up blood. Her severe abdominal pain
is gone. So, all I can say is I'm grateful that Dr. Fine has his lab and we were
able to finally solve her problem. The Dr.s and hospital she went to charged her
plenty of money but offered no real help. So, I think Dr. Fine is really providing
a great service.
•Dear Dr. Kenneth Fine: I just wanted to thank you for solving all of my problems!
In the past I had a problem of recurring stomach aches and gastrointestinal problems,
so my father suggested that I get tested for gluten sensitivity through one of your
tests. Of course, I was positive, but now I feel 110% better. It was difficult at
first to change my diet to comply with my new-found sensitivity, especially because
I am the ultimate bread-lover, but it is getting easier by the day. I feel so much
healthier thanks to you! What you do may seem small to some, but my life has changed
for the better because of it. Thank you again.
•Dear Dr. Fine, I've been thinking about you alot lately as I have been going through
major diet revisions for the last two months. No gluten products for two plus months,
no dairy, no meat.....gosh, I guess I'm a vegan now. My psoriasis is about 70% improved
and I'm very happy about that! Thanks for all your help in all this!
•Dear Dr. Fine, I have had this disease (microscopic colitis) since I was 17. It
was not diagnosed until I was 35. I tried many things: asacol, probiotics, lotrenex
and other herbal remedies. My GI said I was not having a problem with gluten. Dr.
Fine's test proved otherwise. I was sick all day and night and meds were not working.
It kept getting worse and worse. I finally experimented with diet, in particular
Dr. Fine's. It has taken me three years to see an improvement. I cannot eat the
following foods: gluten, eggs, dairy, beef, pork, rice, potatoes, preservatives
and caffeine. I can eat the following: chicken, turkey, fish (not shellfish), lettuce,
carrots, celery, peppers, spinach, apples, blueberries, peaches, rasberries, plums.
I make homemade tea (water, cardomom pod, clove and cinnamon). I feel better than
I did when I was seventeen. My mornings are still difficult, however sometimes I
am not sick at all. The rest of the day is great. I highly recommend Dr. Fine's
test and dietary modifications. It is wonderful to feel "normal".
All proceeds from testing at EnteroLab are donated to the not-for-profit Intestinal
Health Institute.
We at EnteroLab are honored to be given the opportunity to help you attain
optimal intestinal and overall health. Thank you!
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