Symptoms And Dq2 Test Results Is It Celiac?

[DQ2]

Hi,

 

I need some help figuring out what's going on.  We already have ample amounts of autoimmune disease in my family.  I have RA, 2 of my kids have type 1 diabetes, vitiligo.

For past 2 years I suffer from gastro issues such as dry heaving every day, diarrhea 4 x daily, etc. and my doc sent me to see gastro doc.  He did genetic test and it shows the DQ2 gene and the DQ2.5 gene and celiac risk HIGH.  But he still didn't say I have Celiac.  He just shrugged his shoulders and said that if I feel better, I should avoid gluten.  Since going gluten free for past 6 weeks, the gastro issues have all stopped.  no more dry heaves, diarrhea, etc.  However, every time I mistakenly ingest gluten, I get return of gastro symptoms. 

 

My question is:  IS this Celiac?  How can I get it determined without going back on gluten and doing a biopsy?  I do not want to do that procedure.

[SMRI]

Did they do any of the actual Celiac tests for TT IgA, etc.?  It would have been helpful to have those before going gluten-free.  With only being 6 weeks off gluten, I would think you may have some results if you did go back on gluten even for a week or so.  It would be worth knowing.  Gene testing alone is just not reliable enough, but then again, do you need an actual diagnosis to stop eating gluten?

[nvsmom]

It is a shame if he did not run the celiac tests at the same time as the genetic tests. Those genetic tests only tell you if you are in the 30% of the population that is more likely to get celiac disease - since you already have RA, you are already at increased risk of celiac disease.    The celiac blood tests are tTG IgA, tTG IgG, DGP IgA, DGP IgG, and EMA IgA, but you need to be consuming gluten in the 8-12 weeks prior to testing for them to be accurate.  You could try testing now but there is a good chance that you would get false negatives if you do have celiac disease.

 

The biopsy only requires 2-4 weeks of gluten if you choose to try that.

 

If you don't wish to test, and you are willing to stay very strictly gluten-free, then I wouldn't worry about it.  Just make sure that you are "celiac strict" and not "fad diet" strict.  Check all meds, shampoos, seasonings, for gluten.  Get rid of the old toaster and anything that may be contaminated like mesh sieves.  Consider getting rid of some baking supplies if there is any chance that it could be contaminated (like a wheat flour coated measuring cup used in the sugar).

 

Welcome to the board and best wishes.