How Long To Wait Before Testing?

[StormyWen]

I only went gluten free for 12 days and then started eating gluten again thinking I wasn't noticing that much of a difference.  I was focusing so much on my joint pain that I didn't realize that my headaches, nausea and heartburn had gone away.  Within 12 hours of re-introducing gluten I had heartburn and liquid diarrhea.  My doctor agreed that we could do blood work for celiac disease if I want. 

 

Do I really need to eat gluten for 6 months before I can get tested even though I was only off for 12 days? 

 

How long should I wait before having the tests ordered?

 

What specific tests should be ordered?

[nvsmom]

You definietly have some sort of gluten intolerance... it's nice when those migraines slip away isn't it? 

 

Since you were only gluten-free for 12 days, you could probably accurately test within a couple of weeks. I would guess that somewhere around mid to late May would give you accurate test results; sooner might be fine but there's no way to tell.

 

The tests most often given are;

 

• tTG (anti-tissue transglutiminase) IgA and IgG
• DGP (deaminated gliadin peptide) IgA and IgG
• EMA (anti-endomysial antibodies) IgA
• total serum IgA (control test)
• AGA (anti-gliadin antibodies) IgA and IgG (older test)

The first test seems to be the most popular with doctors, the DGP tests are newer and often pick up early celiac disease a bit better, the EMA is positive when the villi damage is extensive and the serum IgA is to make sure you make enough IgA so your tests are accurate (5% of celiacs are deficient in IgA).

 

I hope your time eating gluten isn't too bad. Enjoy a cinnamon bun or a beer for me. 

[GottaSki]

Welcome!

 

I agree with Nicole.

 

Some have found it a bit easier to eat gluten late in the day/early evening during challenge -- and no need to overdo it -- a slice or two of gluten containing bread per day is plenty according to many of the top celiac centers.

 

Hang in there and let us know if you have more questions

 

Edited to add nutrient/misc testing as malabsorption is an indication of celiac disease:

 

B1, B2, B6, B12, D, K, Iron, Ferritin, Copper and Zinc

Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Complete Blood Count (CBC

[StormyWen]

Thank you for the replies.  I've e-mailed my doctor to see if I can have the testing done later in May.  I'm finding it really strange that I didn't realize how lousy I usually feel until I was actually feeling better.  This might be a long few weeks but I will try to enjoy some tasty treats for everyone here without making myself too sick.