Advice For Diagnosis

[Mera]

Just joined & need advice.

For a year now I have had abnormal blood test results & GI problems along with anemia, fatigue, muscle pains, confusion, & I'm sure there's more. My blood test continue to show that IgA is High and IgG is VERY high, High levels of protein (in blood) Postitive Rheumatoid Factor. I have also had problems with keeping my blood sugar levels up. So with no luck on finding answers with my PA I searched the internet & learned about Celaic. Approached a doctor wanting a test and was told, "If you think you're allergic to wheat , then don't eat Wheat, barley, rye for 4 weeks & see how you feel. After that re-introduce wheat & see if it bothers you." So I come home & research this & now am wondering,, should I see a GI doc or at least have blood work done first? Will 4 weeks be long enough to make a difference?

Thanks for any advice,,,,,

mera

NOT DX

gluten-free- Feb 25,08

[happygirl]

It depends on if you want an official diagnosis.

If you want an official diagnosis, you need to keep eating gluten and get the blood tests run.

If you don't want/need an official diagnosis, go by the dietary response.

There are pros and cons to both. You can always go gluten free after you have the testing done, regardless of the results.

Its harder to re-introduce gluten, after being off of it for awhile, and be on it long enough for accurate testing. So if you want testing, go back to gluten and get tested ASAP.

Best of luck, and welcome to the board!

[nikky]

If you want/need an official diagnosis then you need to get back on gluten straight away and then get tested, but be aware that even if the blood tests are high then the biopsy may be clear (false negative). If that happens your doctor may completely disregard coeliac even though you have got it. (If your lucky they will go with the bloods and the symptoms).

If you dont want/need to get an official diagnosis then go with the dietry response, but remember that it may not just be gluten that you are intolerant to, a lot of people with celiac disease also have problems with lactose/dairy, and have vitamin and/or mineral difficiencies.

Good luck and welcome to the forum

[Mera]

Thanks for your replies! I'm going to continue to give this a GO. I don't guess I NEED an official diagnosis. If going Gluten Free helpsthen I'll stick with it, but I am concerned about my 2 children.

[nikky]

Thanks for your replies! I'm going to continue to give this a GO. I don't guess I NEED an official diagnosis. If going Gluten Free helpsthen I'll stick with it, but I am concerned about my 2 children.

celiac disease does run in families so id say that if you respond to the diet and they are getting sick you should try them on a gluten free diet as well to see if they respond

alternatively you could get tested (just bloods would be enough really) and if you have it then chances are they will

[ravenwoodglass]

Thanks for your replies! I'm going to continue to give this a GO. I don't guess I NEED an official diagnosis. If going Gluten Free helpsthen I'll stick with it, but I am concerned about my 2 children.

It sounds like you have a smart PA there. If you get results from the diet he will most likely make note of it and state that you have either gluten intolerance or celiac in your record. With your history I suspect you will be a different person after a few months gluten free. You may even find your RA is relieved or even goes into remission. You have found a good spot for info and support, gluten can hide in a lot of places and with the RA you want to be as strict as possible. Make sure you check all your meds, script and OTC, cosmetics and toiletries. I hope you are feeling better soon, and welcome.