Test Results-Already Gluten Free

[floralcup]

I went to the doctor recently for the first time in about 10 years for a general check up. While there, I mentioned my history of stomach problems and inflammation and pain caused by eating grains. I told the doctor I've been managing this problem through diet for about 6 years. While I don't worry about gluten specifically, I rarely eat grains unless its the holidays or a special occasion. I always pay for it later, but I've generally not worried too much about it. 

She wanted to check for Celiac and ran a IGA blood test. The test came back in normal. 

Through research, I found that since I have been mostly gluten free (due to being grain free) for years now, the test is probably not accurate. Is this true? Should I put myself through the hell of eating gluten for a few weeks in order to have the test ran again? 

[cyclinglady]

Welcome!  

You are correct.  All celiac testing requires you to be on a full gluten diet for 8 to 12 weeks prior to a blood draw and 2 to 4 weeks prior to an endoscopy to obtain intestinal biopsies.  Too bad your doctor is not celiac savvy or did not take the time to Google it.  What else could he or she be missing?  Yikes!  

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I am formally diagnosed, but my hubby went gluten free some 17 years ago.  He refuses to do a gluten challenge as he knows it will make him very sick.  While I get more support from medical, family and friends than he does, the end result is that we are both better on a gluten free diet.  I do admit that my diagnosis has made it easier to get family members tested as celiac is genetic (though not everyone develops it).

Only you can decide what is best for you.  I wish you well! 

 

Edited August 8, 2018 by cyclinglady