Negative Blood Tests

[cmorrisaud]

Ok, so introductions first. My main symptoms are unexplained weight gain (80+ pounds in 8 years in spite of eating better and being more active than I ever have in my life), fatigue, constant (mild) digestive issues, and near constant anemia. In June, my previous doctor mentioned the possibility of celiacs. Unfortunately, I was literally days away from moving half way across the country (NY to the UP) and having no insurance for a while. So, I decided to wait until I was settled and see a doctor here when my insurance kicked in.

Four months later, I finally got some blood work done. This new doctor did not think it could be celiacs because I have gained weight and only have diarrhea occasionally. I did a little educating and got her to order the blood work (mainly to make me happy). She also checked my thyroid, glucose, and a cbc. Everything, including the celiac panel (Iga, Igg, EMA, Reticulin), came back normal except for my iron. Anemic again. She is now ordering some more iron tests. What impressed me, though, was that she told me I could try the gluten free diet for a few months to see if that helped. So I guess now we will see what happens.

Anyway, so far this website has been great at finding answers for my questions and suggesting things I never considered. So here is a thank you for everyone.

[angieInCA]

Trying the diet can't harm you but it may give you all the answers you will need.

I too gained weight over the past 8 years (65 lbs.) with no explanation. I eat healthy (or so I thought) exercised but continued to gain weight. This was a hard thing to swallow being I have never weighed more than 125lbs my whole life.

I have had a multitude of problems all my life including diarrhea but no Dr. had ever suspected Celiac. Back in August I started having unbelievable cramping (lying on the bathroom floor for hours till I could stand up) and explosive diarrhea, pure water with the force of a fire hose (sorry for the graphic). Dr, finally stated that she thought I might be Gluten intollerent. I went Gluten free that day and noticed immediate relief. Within 3 days I suddenly had no heartburn, no muscle cramping and I had started to lose the bloat. Within 2 weeks I lost 10 lbs and was feeling great. Then I decided to get tested. So I started eating gluten again and started getting all the terrible symptoms again. I must not have been eating enough gluten because all my tests came back negative or weak postitive. I have opted not to have the biopsy. My GI doesn't fee it is necessary due to my tremendous response to the diet he has diagnosed me as Gluten Intollerent. Since then I have had the test for DH and it has come back positive.

Like I said before, the diet can't hurt you but it can change your life.

[cmorrisaud]

I think the only reason she said to try the diet is because the only diet that has ever worked for me in the past was essentially gluten free. I lost 15 pounds in two weeks. Unfortunately, at the time, I could not keep up with the schedule (eating six times a day at very specific times doesn't work so well in grad school), so I quit after a couple weeks. I remember feeling better than I had in a long time with lots of energy. I am hoping to have positive results with a gluten-free diet (this time on purpose)

[angieInCA]

funny you should mention the diet. I too went on a carb-free diet that was by nature pretty much gluten free about 6 years ago. I lost over 30 lbs in 8 weeks and felt fantastic. The best I had ever remembered feeling my entire life. Alas it was a diet and did not account for healthy carbs so I decided not to try it again. I've been Gluten free now for about 6 weeks and I'm finally sarting to feel so much better. Weight is not melting off but I am noticing a differance.