Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Group Letter to Dr. Fine


Gentleheart

Recommended Posts

jerseyangel Proficient

Thank you, Gentleheart, for all the time you took in sending the letter, following up and reporting back to us. I appreciate it very much! :)


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



  • Replies 152
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Gentleheart Enthusiast

You are all very kind and most welcome.

maile Newbie

I've been following this thread with great interest and I want to add my thanks to gentleheart and all those involved with the letter :)

this obviously took an enormous amount of time and as a newbie I am grateful for everyone's commitment to this issue so we may all learn!

btw, gentleheart, I hope you write for a living!

mslee Apprentice

thanks so much for the update & your efforts!

good job, taking action & being proactive :)

climbmtwhitney Apprentice

Gentleheart,

THANK YOU for being so AMAZING! :) I really appreciate all the time and energy you've spent on this.

Cheers,

Jill

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular

Thank you SO much, Gentleheart.

It all makes sense to me.

Perhaps someone could post a copy of what got added to the FAQ?

shayesmom Rookie

Thanks to Gentleheart for persisting and getting a handle on something that has evaded many! I am thankful that your efforts have paid off....not only for you, but for countless others who don't know where to turn and now may soon have another, more "recognized" avenue to pursue in their quest for wellness.

I think you also may have inspired Dr. Fine to put the finishing touches on his work. We owe you! ;)


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



psawyer Proficient
Perhaps someone could post a copy of what got added to the FAQ?

Gentleheart provided the information on how to find it. I have made it into a clickable link:

To read Dr. Fine's response, go to Open Original Shared Link

Click on FAQ Gluten/Food Sensitivity

Click on the question, "What course should I take if a gluten-free diet does not relieve my symptoms completely?"

I don't think it would be appropriate to copy the material here. If Dr. Fine wishes to join our board and post it himself that would be different. But anyone here can click on the link and see the information on his site.

Open Original Shared Link

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular

Thanks, Peter!

Gentleheart Enthusiast

This was a group effort, everyone. Without all of you, a single letter from from one of us, no matter how earnest, might have just become one more in a stack of many. Even though we took a risk and were worried at times that our group letter might be misunderstood as aggressive or inappropriate, it fortunately seems to have fallen on good soil and helped us stand out and be noticed if nothing else. If our sincere little project ends up producing good fruit for all of us, then I am happy. :)

Judyin Philly Enthusiast

If our sincere little project ends up producing good fruit for all of us, then I am happy. :)

I couldn't agree more Gentleheart. You've done a great job and we owe you alot.

I'm thrilled with the outcome and the time it took for you to do this and esp the long follow up letter.

Judy

  • 2 weeks later...
ravenwoodglass Mentor

Hi I recieved an email from Dr. Fine in part to tell me about the Annual Celiac Camp, wish I could go but anyway this was in the email and thought I would share it with you all. I of course am letting him include me. I had testing done 5 years after diagnosis.

"Research Publication Update from Dr. Fine

Hello my friends. I am in the final stages of writing a scientific publication describing to the medical and scientific communities how effective stool testing for diagnosing gluten sensitivity has been over the past 10 years that we have been doing it. No names are ever used for scientific publications, just result numbers. However, you have the right to refuse to have your numbers included among the many thousands of numbers used to calculate reported results (mainly how frequently a positive stool antigliadin antibody result is found in different groups of people depending on their associated diseases and symptoms). Those having their results included in the research tabulations will receive the abstract from this study by email just after it is published. If, however, you would like your results to be removed from the long list, simply reply to this email stating so.

I thank you warmly for your ongoing support of our public health programs. This research publication is an important step in spreading the scientific truth about this groundbreaking testing, which will, in turn, help many people in the future.

Thank you once again!"

Gentleheart Enthusiast

Wow. I don't want to appear overly optimistic here, but I would say this is a very, very good sign of wonderful things to come. Thanks for sharing, Ravenwoodglass! :)

I don't have an official medical diagnosis as a comparative, so I probably don't qualify to be included in the study. But I'd sure love to be a part of this. You are very fortunate.

I hate gluten Apprentice

I did not read through all of this thread, but thought I could add to it. Once a letter is fully put together, why not have multiple people send the same letter daily, if you receive no response by a certain amount of time. Im sure it would get old and force a response at some point. just a thought

ravenwoodglass Mentor
Wow. I don't want to appear overly optimistic here, but I would say this is a very, very good sign of wonderful things to come. Thanks for sharing, Ravenwoodglass! :)

I don't have an official medical diagnosis as a comparative, so I probably don't qualify to be included in the study. But I'd sure love to be a part of this. You are very fortunate.

I don't think he is only using those who have been diagnosed by blood and biopsy in the group. I think he is simply using the folks who he has had tested for antibodies with the stool panel. I could be wrong though. Because of this I am not sure I will be one he includes in the study because I didn't have him check for gluten as I had been firmly diagnosed 5 years before I was tested for casien and soy. Mostly I wanted to have my gene results because my DD had been told by a big whig doctor in Boston that she can't be celiac because she doesn't have the genes. I hope I am included though because my genes are oddball ones not usually found in caucasian US populations.

Gentleheart Enthusiast
I did not read through all of this thread, but thought I could add to it. Once a letter is fully put together, why not have multiple people send the same letter daily, if you receive no response by a certain amount of time. Im sure it would get old and force a response at some point. just a thought

Not to worry. If you read through some of the last few pages of this thread you will see that Dr. Fine did indeed answer us. :)

Gentleheart Enthusiast
I don't think he is only using those who have been diagnosed by blood and biopsy in the group. I think he is simply using the folks who he has had tested for antibodies with the stool panel. I could be wrong though. Because of this I am not sure I will be one he includes in the study because I didn't have him check for gluten as I had been firmly diagnosed 5 years before I was tested for casien and soy. Mostly I wanted to have my gene results because my DD had been told by a big whig doctor in Boston that she can't be celiac because she doesn't have the genes. I hope I am included though because my genes are oddball ones not usually found in caucasian US populations.

You are probably right. I got an email announcement like yours yesterday. I think everyone whose data would be useful in stating the case for the validity of stool testing for diagnosis of gluten sensitivity, will be included. I think genetics as well. So maybe all of us can say we had a part in this. I think the fact that they are obviously sending out this information to many or even all of their clients is a positive indication that he is really close now to completing and presenting this study. It's exciting!

ravenwoodglass Mentor
I think the fact that they are obviously sending out this information to many or even all of their clients is a positive indication that he is really close now to completing this study. It's exciting!

Yes it is very exciting. I look forward to reading it. Think how many could be helped if diagnosis was easier and it could be done with people like myself that have non-GI related illnesses for years. The way testing is now so many fall through the cracks and so many lives are stunted by the effects of gluten and they won't be diagnosed in this country until if and when GI symptoms become severe.

Gentleheart Enthusiast
Yes it is very exciting. I look forward to reading it. Think how many could be helped if diagnosis was easier and it could be done with people like myself that have non-GI related illnesses for years. The way testing is now so many fall through the cracks and so many lives are stunted by the effects of gluten and they won't be diagnosed in this country until if and when GI symptoms become severe.

And the whole point for me has never been believing Dr. Fine. I have always believed his work to be valid. It just makes sense. My entire reason for wanting him to publish so badly, was so that doctors everywhere, even in little towns, will be brought up to speed on this thing and more people can benefit and actually have cooperation from their own family physician. It's really hard doing this all alone, especially when your recovery isn't simple or instantaneous. And we shouldn't have to drive halfway across the country just to get someone to listen to us. Like it or not, medicine is a system with rules. Strong, strict rules. Without publishing, my little hometown doctor just isn't going to risk stepping aside from standard of care. He just isn't. Publishing is like a big, signed permission slip for him to be out in the hallway during class. ;)

Lisa Mentor

I am glad that things apear to be moving along with Dr. Fine's research. I've always been interested in the accuracy of his stool testing.

  • 4 months later...
Anna Newbie
I am glad that things apear to be moving along with Dr. Fine's research. I've always been interested in the accuracy of his stool testing.

FYI, after doing more research and spending much time writing and editing, Dr. Fine has completed his research paper and has submitted it for publication.

Yeah!

Lisa Mentor
FYI, after doing more research and spending much time writing and editing, Dr. Fine has completed his research paper and has submitted it for publication.

Yeah!

And, you know this how?

Anna Newbie
And, you know this how?

Because I do work for them.

Before I posted, I did get permission from the lab to share the fact that he has completed the paper.

Lisa Mentor

Ah, I thought there might have been a connection somewhere. Dr Fine and Enterolabs has been the frequent subject of discussion here, as you can tell. Many members here will be looking forward his published work as well as the peer review.

Welcome!

lbd Rookie
Because I do work for them.

Before I posted, I did get permission from the lab to share the fact that he has completed the paper.

That is wonderful news, Anna! I can't wait to read it! Do you know where it may ultimately appear? Please pass my congratulations and thanks to Dr. Fine. Because of his work, both my sister and I had the impetus we needed to pursue and benefit greatly from a gluten free diet, despite negative results from conventional testing. Hopefully, this will open up a new option to many and convince doctors that there are other testing options.

May I share this information on another gluten free forum which has several members that have benefitted from Dr. Fine's work?

Laurie

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - Rogol72 replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      3

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    2. - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

    3. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      3

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    4. - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      3

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.