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Confused by Symptoms


ktyler44

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ktyler44 Contributor

About a year ago I had been having a lot of digestive issues off and on for several weeks. I was tested for Celiac by blood test. I had gone off gluten for a while, but when I found out I had to be eating gluten before testing, I went back on. I was only on for about 1-2 weeks before they did the blood work. Here are my test results:

No serological evidence of celiac disease.

 TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE AB, IGA  Result: 1    Reference Range:  <4 U/mL      

IMMUNOGLOBULIN A     Result:  158           Reference Range:   81-463 mg/dL      

Then I had an endoscopy due to mucus issues I was having, but the doctor didn't biopsy for Celiac while he was in there. I took myself off gluten and red meat last fall. I'm not sure which one helped, but I quit having the stomach pain. So a few days ago I attended a wedding and decided to eat regular food at the reception. I had both red meat and gluten (2 dinner rolls and small piece of cake). The next day I had the old stomach pain. Then the day after that I developed a stye on one eye and a small rash (no blisters, just bumps) on the other side of my face. Since I indulged in both red meat and gluten, I have no way to be sure which one caused me a problem. 

I periodically get a blistery break out on my right hand and have had it break out on my forearm. But it is never widespread and is always in the same area. I get an occasional bout of a bump or two on my face which is not a blister but does tend to ooze a little liquid sometimes. I also get itchy underarms with little bumps but no blisters. When I was a kid, I used to break out with a red rash behind my knees, which I was told was an allergy, but never was told to what. 

What I would like to know is if any of this sounds like gluten intolerance? I'm not sure that I would consider myself Celiac and I'm not wanting to go back on gluten to be tested. Would it be worth the money to do the DQ2 and DQ8 testing?

Thanks.

Kathy

 


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Mimi42988 Newbie

In my opinion yes I would get the test done. If you have celiac it's not a matter of just trying to not eat gluten. You have to be concerned about cross contamination in your home and while you're out. One crumb of bread can start your bodies antibody producing routine. This causes intestinal damage. Living gluten free is great for anyone but being celiac you have to take even extra precautions. It's better to know in my opinion. 

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