Can't Handle The Gluten Challenge...

[keccles]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone has thoughts on the gluten challenge and testing process. I am in the process of diagnosis - symptoms emerged about 2 months ago, I have been off gluten (not strictly) for one month, and then returned to a gluten-include diet yesterday in anticipation of wanting to take the antibody tests. My initial blood workup came back with low B12 and low iron.

I have heard time frames ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months for the gluten challenge. I seriously doubt I can handle the gluten reactions for 1 week, let alone 3 months as I have very severe abdominal issues while including gluten.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this - should I even bother with diagnosis?

Thanks for any thoughts.

keccles

[CarlaB]

You need to ask yourself why you feel you need a diagnosis. Some people feel they need them, others don't. The alternative to traditional means which require you to be eating gluten is to use a place like Enterolab (www.enterolab.com). You can be gluten-free and still be tested. You know you feel better off it, so you likely have an intolerance. Do you need a formal diagnosis to keep on the diet? Or do you have some other reason to go through with the testing?

[rinne]

While I recognize that there are good reasons for a diagnosis and I would appreciate having a diagnosis I will not do a gluten challenge to find out.

My bloodwork was negative but I had not been eating bread and very little gluten prior to the blood test. It was in May that I saw a Gastro and he brought up Celiac, turns out my sister is a Celiac, and from that point on I have been making every effort to be gluten free. It has made a difference. I have also found out that I cannot eat dairy. The endoscopy is scheduled for the end of September and I will go ahead with it to rule out other problems but I don't expect it to confirm the Celiac.

I have little respect for or confidence in our medical system. I know there are good doctors but even good doctors within our Canadian system are of little benefit if it takes 5 months for a test to be done.

[keccles]

Hi rinne & Carlab,

Thanks so much for your input. I did order testing from Enterolab today after finding out they can provide results for Canadian orders. I am *not* interested in any invasive testing (i.e. biopsy), nor am I interested in this gluten challenge for blood work that may or may not turn out to be accurate anyway.

As for why I want the testing done despite all signs pointing... personally, I will take it more seriously if it is positive. This may sound ridiculous in the face of health issues, but I know myself and I know this is true. I would also have better credibility among family/friends if I have a diagnosis rather than my instinct to go on. Not to mention, if I am positive I may be more likely to convince immediate family to have the test done as well. Also - if it is negative it will indicate I need to look further (lactose, eggs, yeast, etc.) in which case I may not have to live a gluten-free life.

Thanks again for your advice and comments,

keccles