How Long Does it Take to Improve Numbers on GFD?

[vvicin02]

It has been two years since I have been on a GFD. I prepare my own food but my latest blood work 
shows some lowering of numbers while others are slightly above normal. I am 62 year old male and wonder if
I am doing something wrong with my diet. How long should it take to get my numbers back to normal. I have never
felt better.  Should I be concerned? The levels are low but still above normal. Nothing like it was two years ago.

[cyclinglady]

The antibodies tests were only meant to help diagnose celiac disease.  It was never intended to help determine dietary compliance.  However, it is the only non-evasive “tool-in-the-toolbox” that is non-evasive.  
 

My DGP IgA has never been normal.  Usually, I ask for testing because I can not figure if I actually had a gluten exposure or not.  I usually have many symptoms and those take forever to resolve.  My diagnosing GI never suggested that I go back for testing.  My PCP at the time was happy with my normalized ferritin and improved hemoglobin which are good indicators that healing has occurred.  He never thought, and I stupidly did not ask,  for for repeat antibodies tests.  
 

My new PCP and GI are on young and sharp.  My PCP orders tests even before I step into the office.  My GI will run antibodies tests when I ask.  
 

Here is the kicker.  My last endoscopy/biopsies  revealed healthy villi.  Guess what?  My DGP IgA was still elevated.  My GI said he went down deep and things looked good. I could even see the villi because he had the latest and greatest scope and he presented me with photos.  Why the still elevated DGP IgA?  Who knows?  It was even very elevated after I trialed the Fasano gluten-free diet and that is what prompted me to get the endoscopy.  I was going crazy looking at the numbers.  I admit I had weird GERD symptoms but that turned out to be autoimmune gastritis.

Right now, I am riding the wave.  My GI tract is feeling so good.  In fact, it is a battle to not gain weight!  So, if you feel good when you used to feel bad, and your numbers are lower, be happy.  You are doing a great job! 
 

[Scott Adams]

You didn't mention how often you eat out, as that can be a big factor:

 

[vvicin02]

11 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

You didn't mention how often you eat out, as that can be a big factor:

 

Scott - I never eat out. I make my own food. That is what concerns me. However, I think cyclinglady is onto something. I have been on GFD for two years and I feel good. My numbers are improving but not perfect - I think I can live with that. My Doctor said you cannot chase these numbers because you will go nuts. I think I am going to cool it with the blood work for awhile. I will do my best to eat well and stay awhile from gluten - it is my new normal.

[Scott Adams]

The only thing I would add is that technically speaking your numbers should go down, certainly after two years gluten-free, and it may make sense to re-check what you’ve been eating, including medications, lotions, makeup, etc., to rule out a source of hidden gluten.