Newly Diagnosed

[Avasmom12]

Hi My name is Sascha,

I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 3 weeks ago. With a blood test. I have an appt on Monday with the GI. I am sure that he is going to want to do a biopsy. But I have been gluten free for 3 weeks and feeling so much better. So is it really neccessary for a biopsy when I will continue to be gluten free? Also I read that you have to be eating gluten for it to be accurate. There is no WAY I can do that. Yesterday I accidently ate some deli meat cut from publix. About an 1 or so later I was having major Diarrhea...Sorry tmi. Then I read you should not eat at a deli for fear of Cross contamination. Now today I am STILL having bad gas pains in my right side and are relieved when I go #2. Is this normal? I am feeling better right now. These pains were the same feeling I had prior to getting Diagnosed but now much worse with one accidental exposure. Oh I also have an 18month old daughter. She shows no symptoms but I would like to get her tested too. Or at least maybe gene tested.

Thanks for any feedback.

[ShayFL]

It is up to you if you want a biopsy. You may not get an "official" dx Celiac without the biopsy. Which many point out is just fine then you wont have a pre-existing condition to muck up any future insurance needs. Many believe POS blood and POS response to the diet is enough to dx Celiac. I am one of them. I refused biopsy and just continue to get well on the permanent gluten-free diet. Some doctors will dx with blood and diet alone as well. Many wont though.

A genetic test is a good idea though to see if YOU have the genes before you worry about testing your daughter.

You are gluten-free for life, there is no reason you cannot feed your child gluten-free too. It will be so much easier on you.