Going For A Test

[Anthony22]

I have been gluten free for 3 months and I am still having symptoms. My GP has sent me for a biopsy to test for damage to the small intestine due to celiac. Does anyone know how long (if at all) I'll have to eat gluten again before I take the test? My GP does not seem to be aware that the tests can give a false negative if I've been gluten-free for some time. Thanks!

[mushroom]

The standard time for gluten eating before a biopsy is at least two months! You are right that a test at this point would almost certainly be negative, assuming healing has taken place.

[Anthony22]

The standard time for gluten eating before a biopsy is at least two months! You are right that a test at this point would almost certainly be negative, assuming healing has taken place.

Thanks for this helpful if unpleasant news! Now I really don't know what to do. I have been gluten free for 3 months and I am just starting to see some real improvement. I can't bear thinking of getting sick again for 2 months + recovery after that. At the same time, I need to have these tests to know what's wrong with me for sure.

I just had my first round of general blood tests: I have extremely low B12 and Vit D, and I am borderline diabetic. I am being tested next for folic acid. At my demand for a test for celiac, my GP gave me a referral to an endoscopy place. But I haven't had the celiac blood test yet. And, like I said above, I've been gluten-free from3 months (with a few unintentional glutenings). Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks for this and the helpful replies so many of you have offered to my other posts.

Anthony

PS -- Anyone know if Type 2 diabetes and celiac are linked? Might I see a remission of borderline type 2 with a gluten-free diet?