Testing For Celiac Disease

[JoyceG]

Hi my name is Joyce. My 3.5 year old son has autism and has been following a Gluten-free Casein-free diet since October 2004. He has made great progress with the diet. A number of kids with autism have a family history of celiac disease.

I decided to go Gluten-free Casein-free due to allergies(sinsus), ezcema and digestive issues in July 2005. It seems to be helping. I have not knowningly had gluten containing food. I did have McDonalds french fries on two occasions before McDonalds announcement. Recent blood work indicates that I have an elevated C Reactive Protein level. This is an indication of imflamation somewhere in the body.

I now want to confirm whether or not I have Celiac Disease (financial reasons). My doctor has ordered the Antibody to wheat protein test blood test.

Since I have been Gluten free for more than six months, how many days before the test do I need to reintroduce gluten into my diet to see if the antibody is present? How much of an infraction do I need, a weeks worth of gluten filled foods, a couple of days or one meal? Does the test require a fasting period?

Joyce

[lovegrov]

There is no set period for everybody. It really does vary. Most celiac experts say you should be eating gluten for a minimum of 12 weeks, but even then who knows. I think the amount per day is something like 4 pieces of bread -- a fair amount. There's no fasting period for the blood tests but a short time for the biopsy.

richard

[Rachel--24]

There is no set period for everybody. It really does vary. Most celiac experts say you should be eating gluten for a minimum of 12 weeks, but even then who knows. I think the amount per day is something like 4 pieces of bread -- a fair amount. There's no fasting period for the blood tests but a short time for the biopsy.

richard

I agree with Richard...at least 3 months with a good amount of gluten eaten daily. Eating gluten for only a short time before testing (especially having been off it for 6 months) will likely give you negative results even if you have Celiac.

[JoyceG]

Thanks for the quick replies. This is a different response than what the Physicians Assistant at my Doctor's gave. She indicated a weekend of gluten filled foods should be enough. I'm not sure if I want to go through with the test now. I have gotten use to eating this way. I feel better and my allergies have improved (no ear or sinsus infections and no longer taking claritin or algeria on a daily basis). I have not had any stomach issues since I had a grilled chicken salad that I suspect was marinated in soy sause, my boss also had stomach issues the next day. He recovered in a day. It took me two weeks.

I guess this is what I get for playing doctor and not going through the proper procedures to get on the diet. I was hoping to be tested so I could be confirmed or not confirmed as Celiac so I could deduct the difference in food on our taxes. Since Autism is not considered life threating the diet foods are not tax deductable based on my sons condition.

Joyce