I've Gotten Blood And Biopsy Results Back...

[sallylew]

Both results are negative. Now what?

I started a gluten-free diet several weeks before the tests. (I didn't know that I should have waited to start the diet until after the fact....)

My GI issues have started clearing up and my other symptoms fit the Celiac profile to a 'T'.

So should I consider myself Celiac? Are the tests foolproof are just a general guide? My "gut" tells me that I have celiac disease.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Sally in Seattle

[CarlaB]

I was gluten-free, did a short gluten challenge, and my tests were negative. I got tested by Enterolab, but you don't really have to have further testing as dietary response is clinical proof. If you've responded to the diet, you have a gluten problem.

[Jestgar]

If you feel better, don't eat it. You are your own best test.

[Guest nini]

you can get false negatives with the blood tests and biopsies but not false positives, ultimately the most valid diagnostic tool is how does your body respond to a gluten free diet? I think you have your answer! And yes even a few weeks on the diet can skew the test results because your body is amazing in its ability to heal itself.

[Kaycee]

Nisla, everything you say is so true.

Sally, for you it would make sense to be diagnosed with coeliac, but it is not always possible, like everybody is saying your body's response to the diet would be the best indicator in your case.

If you feel better on the diet, stick with it.

I don't know if you would call yourself coeliac in this instance or whether to call yourself gluten intolerant. Just something I am wondering about. What do other people who have not had a medical diagnosis call themselves?

I went to the doctor myself thinking I was gluten intolerant, so I was completely blown away when he said my results came back as being coeliac! I would rather the intolerance, even knowing the diet is the same, but it does not sound as severe.

Best of luck Sally, and let us know how you get on.

Catherine.