Pre-diagnosis

[Jan]

I recently have been experiencing sever diarrhea. It been going on for 3 weeks. Going 3-4, sometimes 5x per day. It’s exhausting. I went to urgent care about a week ago because I was convinced I was positive for COVID. I was dehydrated and was given an IV of fluids. Other symptoms include gas and bloating. Very watery stool and now it’s orange color. 
My COVID text was negative. After getting the results back I decided to try gluten-free foods. No gluten at all. It’s been 5 days now and the diarrhea has almost completely stopped. Last night I ordered a gluten free pizza then read on the franchise website it really isn’t gluten free. And of course my symptoms came back immediately. Question~ gluten sensitivity or possible celiac disease? Should I be tested for celiac? I’ve been hesitant to go to the doctor because of COVID. but now I’m thinking I should be worked up for a celiac diagnosis. Thanks

jan

[GFinDC]

It could be celiac disease causing your symptoms.  To be tested for celiac disease you need to keep eating gluten.  The celiac testing depends on the immune response being active.  They take blood samples and check them for anti-gliaden antibodies.  The 2nd part of diagnosis is to do an endoscopy and take 4 to 6 biopsy samples of the small intestine lining.  If you can't wait for the pandemic to clear and testing then it might be better to go gluten-free now and skip celiac testing.  But just be aware that if you want to be celiac tested later you will need to go back on gluten for 12 weeks before testing.

https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/faq/what-is-a-gluten-challenge/

 

[Scott Adams]

The benefits of getting tested include follow up care like blood antibody screening for dietary compliance (although my doctor doesn't really do this routinely unless I ask for it!), and possible screening for other issues that can arise from years of untreated celiac disease.

Some people need an official diagnosis to help them stay on the diet for life, which can be a challenge at times, but it easier now than ever.

The drawbacks of an official diagnosis include higher costs for private life and health insurance, and policies may be harder to obtain.

Here is more info on the blood tests: