Seriously, I think she needs a new doctor. He has blown her off "many times," and just because he finally got the message and ordered some bloodwork, that doesn't mean he's a competent physician.

Malabsorption doesn't necessarily equate to thin, by the way. (But I still think she needs a new doctor.)

I agree, Alisande, and I told her the same thing. Time for a new doctor.

In the link is a good website and forums for Celiac disease.

You might also do some research into Candida.
Common symptoms of candida

The damage to the intestinal wall allows toxins to enter the bloodstream. This condition called 'leaky gut syndrome' often leads to food allergies, foggy brain, migraines and depression. Symptoms in the intestines include diarrhoea or constipation, bloatedness, flatulence and itchy anus. Once through to the rest of the body, the candida can live anywhere there are mucous membranes - it particularly likes the vagina, lungs and the sinuses, providing food for bacteria and viruses. It has an ability to disrupt the endocrine system causing symptoms such as weight gain or weight loss, PMS, menstrual irregularities, joint pains, asthma, hayfever, muscle fatigue and chronic tiredness. Testing usually reveals vitamin, mineral and enzyme deficiencies and low blood sugar. Thyroid tests often indicate that the thyroid is functioning normally, but body temperature is inexplicably low.

Some of the most obvious symptoms of candida overgrowth are thrush, cystitis and fungal infections of the nails or skin, such as athlete's foot. Local medication is not permanently successful. This list of symptoms is illustrative not exhaustive.

Most of the ordinary MDs are going to dismiss the idea of systemic Candida.. so if your DD feels this is her problem she'd most likely need to see an environmental medicine or an alternative medicine doctor. Home remedies can be helpful, but I feel a drug like Nystatin (along with diet) is what is needed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Celiac Forums

Yes, definetly a new doctor!!! Sounds like any number of things; IBS, Chrons (sp?) Disease, etc. etc. etc. she has farted around with it long enough! (no pun intended)

Here's the link for the website that I got the above Candida information from. This is a good site to start at to find out more about Candida. It is not just antibiotics that cause this.. progesterone, steroids (such as hydrocortisone), stress, high sugar diets can all let the yeasts take over.

Here is a link that might be useful: Candida Society Org.

I agree, your DD needs a doctor to take her seriously

My MIL has Chron's disease and when she gets a flare-up she can have bloating, diarrhea, cramps etc. She controls it through medication and changes in her diet. I "think" her diet is supposed to be similar to someone with Celiac disease (No Grains-wheat, oats rye etc) Your DD may want to limit/avoid these foods and see if it helps any?

Good Luck Donna-Hope your daughter is feeling better soon!

Here is a link that might be useful: Chron's Disease

Wow, I've got to ask why she stayed with this guy for TEN YEARS if he wasn't doing anything. Is she afraid of hurting his feelings? Tell her docs are very used to patients coming and going and he won't think twice about her leaving, unless she lives in a one or two-doctor town. Actually she should probably see a gastroenterologist. I hope she finds relief very soon.

My sister has Celiac Disease. She developed it in her 20s, I believe. It's a long story, but after years of removing and adding different foods she finally self diagnosed, and it was confirmed by a biopsy. It cannot be confirmed with a blood test. There is a blood test that can tell you if you carry the gene, and if you don't you KNOW you don't have it. But if the gene test is positive you still need the biopsy (they go down your throat and take a nip of the intestines). She eats a completely gluten free diet. HOWEVER, your daughter should not go gluten-free before they diagnose her because the biopsy will not work if she has been eating gluten-free.

You asked about weight loss as a symptom. My sister would lose weight and gain weight. But I think that was more from her removing things from her diet (remove all sugar and you will lose weight!) than from the symptoms.

I know several people with Celiac and none of them are underweight. Considering the rice, potatoes and other diet ingredients, it's no surprise.

Many doctors don't acknowledge Celiac and other diseases as "diseases". Often you have to request to be tested. At the same time there's a lot of people who claim to be Celiac or whatever who still have the same symptoms after changing diet. There can often be a number of things that contribute to symptoms and not just one particular thing.

Hope it works out soon.

Your daughter's story sounds alot like mine. Going from doctor to doctor and coming away with no real answers. Many of them telling me it was all in my head and I needed a therapist. It was a trip to the emergency room one night with horrible stomach pain and several tests later that I was finally diagnosed with Celiac. The biopsy is the gold standard in diagnosing Celiac. My blood tests were within the normal ranges.

I've been gluten free for quite awhile and can't begin to tell you how wonderful I feel. My GI symptoms are gone, as well as an all over itchy feeling that I had. Plus mysterious rashes that would come and go.

Make sure your daughter does not stop gluten before getting a biopsy done. It will definitely interfere with the test.

Good luck and please keep us posted.