To Test Or Not To Test?

[boho*mama]

Due to the inaccuracy of the blood test, I was never convinced that I'd have my son (22 months) tested and knew I'd never do a biopsy. His Dr. ordered other blood work so we did do the blood test, it came back negitive and my doc seems to think that's reason enough to go back on gluten. I know that's rediculous so we trudge on.

I was excited about genetic testing but then read that most people will have the gene so it means nothing and that others have been diagnosed with Celiac and then don't ahve the gene, this is crazy.

What's the point of getting my symptomatic son tested? What's the point of getting my asymtomatic children tested? Are there any tests taht can be done while gluten free? HOw important is it that we do other tests to address any other intolerances/allergies??

[happygirl]

  boho*mama said:

I was excited about genetic testing but then read that most people will have the gene so it means nothing

Incorrect. Only about 30% of the American population has one or both of the Celiac genes, HLA DQ2 or HLA DQ8. About 98% of all Celiacs has one or both of these genes. That is the latest research.

[Nancym]

There's a lot of us that *know* with certainty that gluten makes us sick that don't have positive tests. We experimented on ourselves with dietary trials or used Enterolab to figure it out. As far as I'm concerned.... the blood tests are fairly worthless.

I don't find a gluten free diet difficult or limiting, instead I relish the fact my health is much, much better!

[ravenwoodglass]

  boho*mama said:

What's the point of getting my symptomatic son tested? What's the point of getting my asymtomatic children tested? Are there any tests taht can be done while gluten free? HOw important is it that we do other tests to address any other intolerances/allergies??

If your symptomatic son is better on the gluten-free diet and when you reintroduce gluten it makes him sick that is IMHO the proof you need. The Enterolab tests mentioned can be done gluten free and seem to be quite reliable.

As to the kids that are asymptomatic, gluten intolerance can be quite insideous. For some of us there are definate problems with learning and moods that can show up long before it becomes obvious that gluten might be the problem. For this reason alone you may want to do gene testing so you can be prepared, but you have to bear in mind that it is quite possible that not all genes for gluten intolrance and celiac have been found.

As to other intolerance testing, if you are going to do enterolab then I would add those on also. If you are going with dietary response you will want to cut out dairy for a bit to let him heal and then reintroduce cautiously. If he is still having a lot of problems after a couple months gluten-free and DF then you may want to try cutting out some of the other more common allergins like soy and corn or do more testing then.