Test results negative for allergic reaction to gluten...

[SarahGardner]

I apologize for the long explanation, but there are many factors to consider, from what I have read on here. 

Because I have a child who is grain sensitive with numerous allergies our entire family has been on a diet similar to the Paleo diet in addition to a low FODMAP diet. Since a recent hospitalization I have been extremely lax in following any of the dietary restrictions, over the past 4 months. Since resuming a "regular" diet I have had an almost constant bought of constipation/diarrhea, bloating, discomfort, brain fog, yeast infections (IV antibiotics for 2 months), pain just prior to all bowel movements that is relieved by having a bowel movement, and a new (last 2 months) raised, blistering, and mildly itchy rash on both of my elbows and both of my knees.

I recently had my doctor test for celiac disease as I do have a family history of celiac's. I had the blood work done but have not seen the doctor yet as my appointment is not until next month. The blood work came back negative for an allergy to gluten. tTG IgA 0 (0-3 negative, 4-10 weak positive, 11 or greater positive), TTG Ab IgG 1 (0-5 normal, 6-9 weak positive, 10 or greater positive), DGP Ab, IgA 5 (19 or less negative, 20-30 weak positive, 31 or greater positive), DGP Ab, IgG 2 (19 or less negative, 20-30 weak positive, 31 or greater positive). 

 

So... My question is do these results exclude celiac? Should I pursue a tissue biopsy for DH regarding the rash? What causes the DGP Ab IgG and IgA of 2 and 5, respectively? Do those results mean I have only a "slight" reaction to gluten? Or do they indicate inflammation/allergy to something else possibly? Or do they mean nothing... 

 

Thank you!

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[SLLRunner]

Sarah,

You said you were doing the paleo diet. Does this exclude gluten? How long had you been eating gluten prior to your blood tests?

Prior to blood tests you are supposed to eat a healthy doses of gluten everyday for about 6-8 weeks. I am currently doing a gluten challenge where I eat wheat cereal, my own homemade bread, and other  things with gluten later in the day, and I'd only tried the gluten free diet for about 4 weeks.

As for the rash-anytime you get an unusual rash such as yours it's time to go see the doctor. I would definitely tell them to biopsy the skin around the rash. If you have DH, it's a celiac diagnosis.

If you don't have DH and you suspect celiac disease, you get the blood tests (but make sure you've been eating plenty of gluten for 6-8 weeks).  If any of your anitbody levels are off, I believe that is when you have the endescope. The endoscope is the gold standard. You must eat gluten until all testing is complete for accurate results.