Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Blood Testing While On A gluten-free Diet

lyn1170

Recommended Posts

lyn1170 Newbie
lyn1170
Posted

Hi,

I was having a mutitude of malapsorption and anmemia issues, and because of this I had a stool test done in May of this yeat that indicated an intolarance to gluten. Since July I have been on a gluten-free diet. Now a local Celiac specialist (doctor) is offering a free blood test. However since I have been on a gluten-free diet I am afraid the results will be inaccurate. If I eat gluten a few days before will I have more of a chance of getting an accurate result? or should I just not waste my time? :blink:

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


EDowling Newbie
EDowling
Posted

I do not have an answer, but may I "piggy back" my question? For the past 4 yrs, I have been on a gluten free diet. Why, when I had my annual physical exam yesterday, would I still show low iron/anemia. Actually, first time for that read in a few years. Anyone else experience this?

Thank you

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

Hi,

I was having a mutitude of malapsorption and anmemia issues, and because of this I had a stool test done in May of this yeat that indicated an intolarance to gluten. Since July I have been on a gluten-free diet. Now a local Celiac specialist (doctor) is offering a free blood test. However since I have been on a gluten-free diet I am afraid the results will be inaccurate. If I eat gluten a few days before will I have more of a chance of getting an accurate result? or should I just not waste my time? :blink:

Sorry, but it would take weeks of eating a full-gluten diet for you to have a hope of getting accurate results after five months gluten-free. Doctors often say four weeks, but studies suggest more like two or three months of gluten is more realistic.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I do not have an answer, but may I "piggy back" my question? For the past 4 yrs, I have been on a gluten free diet. Why, when I had my annual physical exam yesterday, would I still show low iron/anemia. Actually, first time for that read in a few years. Anyone else experience this?

Thank you

There can be many reasons for low iron and anemia. Are you female? Heavy periods can be one cause if you are. You say this is the first test in years, do you know what the levels were before you went gluten free? Are you getting enough iron rich foods in your diet?

To the OP, you need to be back on gluten for at least a couple of months before testing. You need to redamage your body enough for the antibodies to get back up to a high enough level to be able to be picked up in the blood tests. Even then you could still have a false negative. A few days on gluten may be enough to make you feel horrible but it won't be enough to show up anything on the blood work.

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

Hi,

I was having a mutitude of malapsorption and anmemia issues, and because of this I had a stool test done in May of this yeat that indicated an intolarance to gluten. Since July I have been on a gluten-free diet. Now a local Celiac specialist (doctor) is offering a free blood test. However since I have been on a gluten-free diet I am afraid the results will be inaccurate. If I eat gluten a few days before will I have more of a chance of getting an accurate result? or should I just not waste my time? :blink:

You could go ahead and get the test (without eating gluten) and use it to evaluate your success in staying gluten-free. That is another reason some people get the tests.

I do not have an answer, but may I "piggy back" my question? For the past 4 yrs, I have been on a gluten free diet. Why, when I had my annual physical exam yesterday, would I still show low iron/anemia. Actually, first time for that read in a few years. Anyone else experience this?

Thank you

I just had a blood check and was low on vit D. I have been taking vit D for the last couple years. I guess i wasn't taking enough though.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,911
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Cici123
    Newest Member
    Cici123
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.