Help! Should I get tested?

[Averypolk]

I have been gluten free for about 2 years (with alot of mess ups). I have never been tested for celiac, but I am very sensitive and react to all amounts of gluten. I didn't have health insurance at the time I figured out I couldnt eat gluten so I never got tested. I just did a elimination diet and tested it. I know I need an offical diagnoses to make sure its celiac, but I'm a senior in college, a college cheerleader, and a waitress. If I had to eat gluten for a few weeks in order to be tested, it would wreck my life. I cant put myself through this. Is it worth it to have a diagnosis? Does it make a difference if I am just self-diagnosed celiac? 

[cyclinglady]

I am formally diagnosed, but the funny thing is that 12 years prior, my hubby went gluten free per the advice of his GP and my allergist.  The diet worked.  Later, I was pretty shocked when  I was diagnosed.  What are the odds?  

Does my hubby have celiac disease?  Who knows?   Autoimmune runs strong in his family (our kid is doomed).  He refuses to do a challenge because frankly, we like paying our bills.  A six week challenge would make him very sick.  He has been gluten-free for 17 years.  What nut would do that if he did not see dramatic results?

Only you can decide what is best for you.  If you need that diagnosis, at least consider doing it during the summer and not during classtime.  My diagnosis has made it easier for our kid to get tested, family and friends are more supportive as well as medical.  Hubby is thriving and his current doctor takes him seriously.  He was once hospitalized and I made sure he remained gluten free.  

Two different paths but both eventually merged into good health. That is what really counts.  Good health.  

Good luck on your studies!  My daughter goes off to college next year.   It is so complicated and competitive now.