How Is The Majority Diagnosed? Looking For Advice For Myself And Daughter..

[dizzygrinch]

I was just wondering, after all these different opinions and advice on these boards, which way seems to be the most accurate in diagnosing celiacs? would it be blood tests, biopsies, or positive response to a gluten free diet? I am just wondering what the majority is...because I had a blood test, that came back negative (however I was gluten free for several weeks before hand), but I do feel better being gluten free. Now, my daughter, who has had GERD since she was a child, has had the usual symptoms we have, painful joints, bowel problems, bad facial acne, (but on the lower half of her face) etc, and she had a blood tests, that came back negative, and she was still eating the gluten. Im trying to convince her to go gluten free, but her doctor is telling her she is normal. Sorry to ramble, just looking for additional advice, thank you

[sbj]

I was diagnosed through my doctor via blood test and biopsy. I have great faith in my diagnosis because it is backed up with physical proof.

There are different ways to 'diagnose' celiac disease. For some doctors the blood work alone is enough. Others like to have the biopsy. Both are useful for future baseline analyses. Keep in mind that a positive response to a gluten-free diet does not mean that one has solved an underlying problem. Also, there is no standard test to 'diagnose' gluten intolerance.

Personally, I would listen to my doctors. If this one isn't helping then I suggest you get a second opinion. If you don't want to listen to your doctors then you could save money by avoiding them in the first place. I don't think it's wise to diagnose serious conditions via anecdotal evidence on discussion forums. Be careful, please. If I were you I would want to find out what the problem is and have some degree of certainty.

If you force your daughter to go gluten free even though she doesn't want to and even though her doctor said she doesn't need to - what do you think is going to happen down the line?

I'm sure you'll hear dissenting opinions - I am offering mine with the best intentions. I wish you both well.