Heather first I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me!!! I was a bit skeptical when first stumbling upon your site b/c it's just hard to believe what you find on the internet - but I was desperate and couldn't see any risk factors in trying your suggestions. I've been following your diet to the T since 12/9/07 then started some of your products shortly after and have had signficant improvement - No incidents of incontinence in 4 weeks!!! I am still experiencing D about once or twice per week (my D is formed but frequent with urgency - however, the urgency is getting much better). I also still suffer from excessive flatulence, but I believe the fennel tea is really helping this.
My question for you is regarding a fecal fat test I've had. I had the 24 hour test which showed 14 grams of fat in my stool (double the acceptable limit). My GI doc explained that this could indicate the following:
1. celiac (ruled out by blood and endoscopy)
2. crohn's (somewhat ruled out with colonoscopy and endoscopy) but my GI says the inflammation can be anywhere between the mouth and anus - Do you think I should take the camera pill? GI doc says insurance usually won't pay for it and it's $2,000. GI doc says it's low yield (whatever that means).
3. Pancreas insufficiency - ruled out by CT scan
4. Infection - ruled out with blood work
5. Giardia - ruled out with blood work
6. Small Intestinal bacterial overgrowth - Hydrogen breath test not available in my area, GI doc says it's not reliable anyway and the best way to find out if I have this is to take antibiotics then if my symptoms go away, that's a very good indication that I have this. Can you tell me what you know about this and what your thoughts are on this? I've read some posts from others who've taken rifaxin and their symptoms got better during treatment but they ended up with severe constipation aftwards so I'm really afraid of this.
My new GI doc has recommended that I do the 72 hour fecal fat test (which I've started today). He feels that the 72 hour test is much more accurate than the 24 hour test - Oh all this fat is killing me, but if it helps me get to the bottom of all of this I guess it will be worth it.
BTW, I just have to mention that my local co-op stocks your teas - good to know in case I run out b/c I don't want to go a day without the fennel!! And my new GI doc refers his patients to your site - that gives me much more confidence in him than my old GI doc who simply told me that I was just going to have to research life style changes for myself (like how do I know what info to trust)!! Just had to let you know how popular you are - in case you hadn't already heard 
Thanks again for all that you do!!!
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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Desperately seeking advise from Heather
