is it worth testing?

[Satah]

Hi - I have had terrible health problems (joint stiffness, cracking, pain and muscle weakness) for a while and was advised to give up gluten and dairy. I did this and my symptoms improved immediately (2 days).  I have been eating this way for 3 months now and am gradually better and better. I have also discovered other foods also make the problems much worse (tomatoes for example).  

I am wondering if I should bother with a celiac test - I seem to be controlling the problem well and I understand I must eat gluten for a few weeks before any test is worth doing.... I cant face the debilitation and pain I will have to endure for this time, unless there is a reason to. 

Is there any benefit to a diagnosis ?  as there is no other treatment what is the point - or am i missing something?  Any advice gratefully received. 

Thank you. 

 

 

 

 

 

[cyclinglady]

Welcome! 

While there are some benefits to having a celiac disease diagnosis, I am not sure getting sick again is worth it.

I am formally diagnosed.  It has made it easier for family, friends and medical to take me seriously.  It has made it easier for me to commit to a life long diet.  It has also made it easier for my doctors to identify new concurrent health issues (autoimmune runs in clusters).  Finally, it has made it easier for my kid and other relatives to get tested.  

My hubby has no formal diagnosis.  Like you he went gluten free prior to getting tested (per the poor advice of two doctors).  Well, the diet worked.  For 17 years he has been gluten free.  He was gluten free more than a decade beforemy diagnosis.  Does he have celiac disease.  We will knew know.  Gluten obviously makes him sick.  He refuses to do a gluten challenge.  I can not blame him.

You could have celiac disease or maybe another condition.  The gluten free diet causes most to eat much healthier.  

You need to research and decide what is best for you.  I wish you well!  

[PTArt]

How about trying a food intolerance test? You can do that through Cyrex labs or KBMO Diagnostics. You don’t have to be eating gluten for the test, and it will also test other foods. I found it to be accurate and extremely helpful.

[Satah]

yes that sounds like a good idea, although I suspect it might only be available at private clinics.. and not something I can afford. 

I cant see any incentive to get a "diagnosis" myself... like your husband I know for sure that my body is intolerant to these foods. 

I am starting to think it might be intolerance to the glycophosphates used more and more in arable and dairy farming, and commercial food processing. 

Thanks for the discusssion - One Love.