Diagnosis Based On Positive Dietary Response?

[jbronwynne]

Hi. Although I have been lurking here for many months, this is my first post. I was recently diagnosed by a gastroenterologist as celiac based on my very positive response to a gluten-free diet and abrupt decline on a gluten challenge. My celiac panel was negative several months ago, but I had been mostly gluten free for the two months prior. The gastro said she saw no point in testing me anymore when I obviously had all the symptoms that resolved after going gluten-free. She diagnosed me with celiac and sent a letter to my primary care doctor and advised me to call if any problems arose.

After the horrible (self-imposed) gluten challenge, there was never any question I would be gluten-free for the rest of my life. I didn't really need her label of celiac to convince me. However, I was shocked by her instant diagnosis and lack of planning for any further testing. Has anyone else had this experience? I have a 4 year old daughter and plan on getting her tested by enterolab, even though the whole family is gluten-free now.

Thank you all for the great posts - they have helped me get through some pretty tough months. This is a great site!

[Ursa Major]

Congratulations on having one of the few sensible doctors, those are way too rare.

Good for you for making your whole house gluten-free, that is the only way to be really safe without constantly having to be so vigilant.

[ksymonds84]

Hi. Although I have been lurking here for many months, this is my first post. I was recently diagnosed by a gastroenterologist as celiac based on my very positive response to a gluten-free diet and abrupt decline on a gluten challenge. My celiac panel was negative several months ago, but I had been mostly gluten free for the two months prior. The gastro said she saw no point in testing me anymore when I obviously had all the symptoms that resolved after going gluten-free. She diagnosed me with celiac and sent a letter to my primary care doctor and advised me to call if any problems arose.

After the horrible (self-imposed) gluten challenge, there was never any question I would be gluten-free for the rest of my life. I didn't really need her label of celiac to convince me. However, I was shocked by her instant diagnosis and lack of planning for any further testing. Has anyone else had this experience? I have a 4 year old daughter and plan on getting her tested by enterolab, even though the whole family is gluten-free now.

Thank you all for the great posts - they have helped me get through some pretty tough months. This is a great site!

I think it's wonderful that your doctor is intelligent enough to not put you through anymore testing after your self imposed gluten challenge. I too tested negative and my doctor just last week was willing to say based on my horrible symptoms after accidental glutening and the positive impact that gluten free has had on me that "yes" I have it and no further testing needed. Welcome to the forum!

[Lisa]

You were lucky to have an informed doctor. Welcome to the Club!!!

[itchygirl]

I have a several other issues so have had to have a lot of invasive proceedures-if I could've gotten by without them I would've been most happy. Your doctor is being wonderfully sensible . Back years ago when I was far less informed I used to think a proper biospy confirmed diagnosis was the only way to go, but as I've learned more about this disease (and met a bunch of really smart doctors along the way) I've learned how easy it is to miss important things, even with the most advanced testing.

Now I believe...Trust your gut

[ravenwoodglass]

You have a great doctor there who is more interested in your health than in running up a tab looking for anything but celiac. That doctor is a keeper, wish there were like him/her.