Gluten Challenge

[floralcup]

I posted here a few weeks ago regarding a GP who told me my gluten free diet would not effect the outcome of the blood test. Needless to say the test came back negative. I was able to get the GP to give me a referral to a GI specialist who is taking my symptoms and concerns seriously.

During my visit, the GI said that Celiacs find the needed gluten challenge, well...a challenge. She did not want to put me through that unless it was necessary so she suggested first ruling out other possibilities, such as Crohn's. At this point, those possibilities have been ruled out so now I need to decide whether I want to do the gluten challenge. I am leaning towards doing it, if for no other reason than just to know. Plus I think it is important to know what is going on in your body so you can take all steps necessary to protect it; its the only one we get after all.

I have been mostly gluten free for many many years. It happened accidentally because I switched to a Paleo diet for weight loss and general health. I have never paid attention to cross contamination and eat whatever I want on special occasions and holidays. Over the years I have put together that gluten makes me feel sick because of the cheat meals and randomly getting sick from "grain free" restaurant meals (such as bunless burgers). 

My GI says I only need to do 2 weeks for the biopsy, but I fear that is not long enough. This is the one and only time I will put myself through this, so I want to make sure it is accurate. Would you suggest I push for at least a month?

[squirmingitch]

The Chicago Celiac Disease Center recommends 2 weeks eating gluten every day for the endoscopic biopsies.

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Since the blood test is out of the question for you; you're only going to get one shot at this so you don't want to blow it. If it were ME, I would shoot for eating gluten for 4 weeks but it is your call to make. Even 3 weeks would be more assured. 

[floralcup]

2 minutes ago, squirmingitch said:

The Chicago Celiac Disease Center recommends 2 weeks eating gluten every day for the endoscopic biopsies.

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Since the blood test is out of the question for you; you're only going to get one shot at this so you don't want to blow it. If it were ME, I would shoot for eating gluten for 4 weeks but it is your call to make. Even 3 weeks would be more assured. 

That's what I was thinking. This is gonna suck, but I think I am going to push for a month. I don't want there to be any question about the results.

[ravenwoodglass]

If you should find the challenge to be too severe contact the Dr as he/she may be able to give you some medication to help you through it. If you call ask to speak to a nurse and don't hesitiate to give the nurse all the nasty details. If symptoms are not too severe Immodium can help with the D and an anti-inflammatory that you tolerate can help with stuff like joint or muscle pain.

[squirmingitch]

Some people find it easier if they eat the gluten at night before bed & that way they can sleep through the worst of it. (supposedly) You don't have to eat great gobs of it either. 1 slice of bread or a few crackers each day UNLESS you want to go all out & pig out on all your favorite gluten items & say goodbye. Then you can have a field day eating to your heart's content.

[floralcup]

6 hours ago, squirmingitch said:

Some people find it easier if they eat the gluten at night before bed & that way they can sleep through the worst of it. (supposedly) You don't have to eat great gobs of it either. 1 slice of bread or a few crackers each day UNLESS you want to go all out & pig out on all your favorite gluten items & say goodbye. Then you can have a field day eating to your heart's content.

I have a feeling it will start out as pigging out on all my old favorite foods (poboys and fried shrimp!) and quickly turn into choking down just enough to make the test accurate. 

I am also thinking about scheduling the biopsy for after Thanksgiving, so I can get one more traditional, non-gluten free meal with the family. 

[squirmingitch]

Well whatever you decide, know that there are gluten-free replacements for everything & I mean everything. Now, at 1st, you should not eat those things b/c you want to give your body as much help as you can to allow you to heal so 6 mos. to a year of just whole, unprocessed foods. After that, you may find you have lost all taste for that stuff & want to just continue going forward with mostly whole foods.