How Important Is A Diagnosis?

[elaffint]

After cutting gluten out of my diet, I can't remember the last time I felt this good. All of the stomach/digestive problems I've been having are gone, and I feel energetic.

I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and she has taken blood samples and other samples for testing and I had some ultrasounds, but so far everything that's back is fairly normal. I'm wondering, since the diet is working, if I should push for more tests. What are the benefits of a diagnosis?

Thanks!

[Guhlia]

If you've been gluten free for weeks chances are that all tests would come back negative. I think the big question is: will YOU be able to maintain a gluten free diet for life without a definitive diagnosis? If not, then I think you need to consider more testing, perhaps Enterolab since you don't have to be eating gluten to test through them. If yes, then I say you continue doing what you're doing and feeling great!

[mftnchn]

Good advice. Besides your own personal need to commit to the diet long term, some folk pursue diagnosis for the sake of first degree relatives. A firm diagnosis means all of them need to be tested as well.

A doctor's article I read also mentioned that with celiac many other known issues should be checked, and autoimmune diseases that are associated screened for.

[ang1e0251]

I am in the same boat. I self diagnosed with an elimination diet as my husband was laid off for 8 months. We had no money or insurance coverage. When I realized the rash I had for 6 - 8 weeks could be related to celiac disease, I simply went gluten-free. What a life changer! I feel better than I have for probably 20 years!

I don't plan to be tested because I will NOT eat gluten on purpose. When I accidently gluten myself, I feel so sick, I cannot imagine weeks of that. Also I run my own business and can't afford to be ill.

My family needs to be tested but they don't believe they need to. That's my only consideration for testing myself. But, only if I can do it without eating gluten.

Any other reasons for it that I haven't considered or suggestions?

[cruelshoes]

If a drug treatment were ever to become available for celiac, there would be the possibility that doctors would not prescribe it without a diagnosis.

In the case of children, a diagnosis is necessary to obtain a 504 plan or work with the dietician to get a gluten-free school lunch.

If one desires to participate in clinical trials for drugs currently in the works or in the future, a diagnosis by bloodwork and biopsy is required.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.