Blood Tests Relevant To Me Now?

[horsegirl]

I've been gluten free since January `07 in hopes of alleviating my symptoms of fibromyalgia,

& it's been very successful. However, after reading many websites like this one, & reading

various books, I'm wondering if I have undiagnosed Celiac (or gluten intolerance of some degree).

So, I've made an appointment with my primary doc, but he can't get me in until late July.

Does anyone know if it's going to be too late to order the blood panels for Celiac disease?

I really don't want to go back on gluten again because the pain is agonizing when I eat it

(muscle & joint pain, horrible fatigue, brain fog). Should I still have him order the tests?

Should I invest in the Enterolab (stool & DNA) tests too? Are they reputable?

Any help is appreciated; I'm new to all of this. Thanks!

[AndreaB]

As far as I know the blood tests would be pretty unreliable. Maybe if you had numbers that were really bad they would be low, but I wouldn't think it would be worth it.

Enterolab can tell you whether you have the antibodies. They'd be lower as well but they say they can test up to a year gluten free. If you want anything on paper then it would probably be best to go with Enterolab.

Most doctors don't accept them but some do.

[ravenwoodglass]

I am glad you have gotten relief from the diet. Enterolab, as stated is going to be the way to go since you have been gluten-free since January. But with the resolution you have had of your problems you now know it was gluten that was causing them in the first place. The only treatment for gluten intolerance or celiac is the diet so you are doing the right thing anyway. The diet is healthy and you don't need your doctors permission to do it.