Is This Celiac Or Sensitivity To Gluten?

[michelley65]

Im going absolutely nuts trying to figure out what to think of my condition.I have been battling this problem of terrible gas and bloating,and even diahrea after eating for probably 5 years now.I noticed that it was always worse after eating gluten.I went to a gasto a year and a half ago...he did a hydrogen breath test and said its bacterial overgrowth.He gave me antibiotics and after quite a few rounds...it was still going on.I told the doctor about the gluten problem,so he ordered a test for celiac.The test came back negative.Since then,I have been watching what I eat..until I am home from work..then I eat gluten and it starts up..every night!!I called the doc..he ordered bloodwork for celiac again.I had it drawn thismorning..but I think it will come back negative again.I know I atleast have a sensitivity to gluten..maybe even celiac..who knows.Is anyone out there having this same problem with a negative test result?I am trying to have a gluten-free diet now,but I mess up here and there and then Im in pain all evening.HELP!

[Wolicki]

Im going absolutely nuts trying to figure out what to think of my condition.I have been battling this problem of terrible gas and bloating,and even diahrea after eating for probably 5 years now.I noticed that it was always worse after eating gluten.I went to a gasto a year and a half ago...he did a hydrogen breath test and said its bacterial overgrowth.He gave me antibiotics and after quite a few rounds...it was still going on.I told the doctor about the gluten problem,so he ordered a test for celiac.The test came back negative.Since then,I have been watching what I eat..until I am home from work..then I eat gluten and it starts up..every night!!I called the doc..he ordered bloodwork for celiac again.I had it drawn thismorning..but I think it will come back negative again.I know I atleast have a sensitivity to gluten..maybe even celiac..who knows.Is anyone out there having this same problem with a negative test result?I am trying to have a gluten-free diet now,but I mess up here and there and then Im in pain all evening.HELP!

I guess I just don't understand why you would continue to eat gluten when you have such reactions. The lifelong cure for either Celiac or gluten intolerance is a 100% strict gluten free diet. Stick to the diet religiously if you want to feel better. It's not a part time thing.

[gf-soph]

What it comes down to is that you don't have to have a diagnosis of celiac in order to go gluten free. I can understand wanting the tests to come back positive so you are sure, but you have to listen to your body.

Assuming these tests come back negative, why not try the diet, strictly, for at least a few months. NO cheating. If you feel better, keep going with the diet. There is a lot of information around here about testing, and about false negatives as well. There are also people who have gone gluten free without a positive blood test and feel much better.

You've had problems for 5 years, so why not put aside a few months to really sort out whether gluten is the problem. You obviously suspect it, so cut it out! It may be that you think the diet will be too hard, but you will adjust. This might be a chance to get well again, why not give it a go?

[ravenwoodglass]

Some of us will never show up in blood tests. I don't know why but the NIH estimates that 20% of us have false negative results. Being one of those who don't show in blood tests came very close to costing me my life. When all your testing is done get on the diet for at least 3 months or so. Your body may give you the answer testing cannot. I did finally get diagnosed but was close to death by that time so don't wait years for a positive blood test before you give the diet a shot.

[tarnalberry]

You don't need a blood test to know that gluten isn't good for you - your symptoms tell you that.

Just like you don't need someone to tell you that smacking your head against the wall is going to hurt - you just don't do it.

Ok, ok... maintaining a gluten free diet isn't quite that easy; we don't have people banging their heads against walls all the time and saying it feels really good even when we think it doesn't. But the concept is the same.

There aren't any good, main-stream accepted tests for non-celiac gluten intolerance yet. Not to mention celiac tests are NOT a simple "yes/no" read. If you know you do better without gluten, make the decision to go gluten free, and stick with it. The learning curve is hard (not just learning the foods/labels/etc., but the habits and mindset), but you can do it.

[michelley65]

Thankyou all for your advise...I am trying so hard to stick with this.I have been almost gluten free for two weeks now...but am making little mistakes with seasonings and such.I have alot to learn!Does anyone know if pizza sauce is gluten free?I wanted to make a pizza tonight,but wasnt sure.