Food Sensitivity Test and Vitamin Deficiency Test Questions

[Chris-B]

Hey Everyone,

So Celiac sufferer here. I've been Gluten free since the beginning of December after TTG test came back positive. After going gluten free my digestive system has been not optimal. I no longer experience explosive diarrhea daily, but now my bowel movements are irregular and sometimes I am constipated. I do still experience abdominal pain and gas at times. Brain fog as well. I don't believe I am accidentally consuming any gluten. My SO has gotten on board with a gluten free lifestyle and we've cleaning out the pantry and tossed porous utensils etc. I do wonder what others have experienced in regards to continuing symptoms after going gluten free? I have been thinking about ordering an Everlywell food sensitivity test, but wanted to see if others have had experience with this? Also are vitamin deficiencies common? I go to see a gastro doc this week to talk about my diagnosis which I received through labs ordered by my GP. This will be my first Gastro doc visit. Are there any questions anyone would suggest bringing up? Do they test for any vitamin deficiencies or food allergies or is that something you'd do elsewhere? Thanks

 

Chris

[Scott Adams]

Be sure that your diet is 100%, and gluten-free keep in mind that it can take up to 2 years for your gut to fully heal, depending on the level of damage you may have. If you are going to a gastroenterologist now after the blood test they may want to do a biopsy, but you would need to be eating gluten daily for at least 2 weeks before this, otherwise the results could be false-negative. Normally you are supposed to keep eating gluten until all tests for celiac disease are completed.

The food sensitivity tests would be a good idea to find out other foods that may be causing you issues, and ALCAT, who you might see here as a site sponsor, does that sort of testing as well. Many people, including myself, have temporary intolerances that may go away after being gluten-free for a time. For me it was chicken eggs, corn, tomatoes and dairy. I can now eat all of these without issues.

[Chris-B]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have to say this has been a struggle and the fact that it is something that suddenly developed and presented symptoms at the point in my life where everything else has been going well is very frustrating. I have become quite anxious and somewhat depressed. Feeling hopeless at times for relief and to just have a normal day without symptoms. I have to say I’m honestly scared to eat gluten after making a commitment not to, biopsy or not. I want to be on the road to recovery and healing. My appointment is tomorrow so hopefully my gastro doc is a good one and gives me some valuable feedback and doesn’t just push me to eat gluten. It’s great though that I found this community for support. I’m grateful there are a lot of others like me. 
 

Chris

[Scott Adams]

I am not sure what your ttg levels were, but if it was 10x higher than the cut off you should be able to get a diagnosis based solely on your blood test. Talk to your doctor about this and if you don't feel comfortable eating gluten again for the biopsy let them know this. You are in charge of your health, so you don't have to eat gluten again if you don't want to.