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Not Sure If I Need To Be Tested


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vtarrow Newbie

Hello All,

My mother had a very itchy eczema-like rash for 7 years that went away within 3 weeks of going gluten free, but has not had a diagnosis. She probably won't be tested soon, if ever, since she is doing so well off gluten (3 months now). Do you think I should be tested? I don't really have any symptoms, other than some as of yet unexplained menstrual irregularities. Am I being hypochondriacal?

Thanks for any input.


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happygirl Collaborator

There is no harm in testing for it - and only something to be gained, with either outcome (positive or negative) - and that is knowledge.

If you decide to, keep eating gluten, and ask your doctor for these blood tests.

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

There's no way for us to know if you have Celiac, but, many people with Celiac do not have overt symptoms.

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    • trents
      No coincidence. Recent revisions to gluten challenge guidelines call for the daily consumption of at least 10g of gluten (about the amount in 4-6 slices of wheat bread) for a minimum of 3 weeks. If possible, I would extend that two weeks to ensure valid testing.
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      Thank you both for the replies. I decided to bring back gluten so I can do the blood test. Today is Day #2 of the Challenge. Yesterday I had about 3 slices of whole wheat bread and I woke up with urgent diarrhea this morning. It was orange, sandy and had the distinctive smell that I did not have when I was briefly gluten free. I don't know if it's a coincidence, but the brain fog is back and I feel very tired.   
    • knitty kitty
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