Query Re Possible Celiac Diagnosis

[JC1967]

I have just had a positive blood test for celiac disease (my specialist said my celiac marker was more than 50% over the 'no celiac' threshold!) and am waiting on my gastroscopy results (my specialist took numerous biopsies from my small intestine). My specialist could see no obvious physical damage etc based on the gastroscopy alone, but said to wait for the biopsy results. I have continued to eat gluten products as normal leading up to (and after) the gastroscopy.

My query is - if my biopsies come back normal, should I still go on a trial gluten-free diet to see if my symptoms improve? I am seeing my specialist in 2 weeks time to discuss the biopsy results etc.

Some background on me:

Last year I had a previous celiac blood test (which came back negative) and a gastroscopy/biopsy (which also came back negative although only one sample was taken). I have also had a colonoscopy last year which came back negative as well.

My symptoms have been various - loss of weight (10 kg in one year), lots of gas (from both ends), steathorrhea, nausea, pain/stomach discomfort, abdominal bloating etc.

While its likely that my digestive issues may also be due to chronic pancreatitis (I have had acute pancreatitis attacks in the past but my pancreas is normal on scans etc), I want to rule out the possibility of celiac disease given my recent positive celiac blood test. I am taking pancreatic digestive enzymes at the moment.

Any advice would be appreciated.

JC

[Skylark]

Yes try going off gluten no matter what the biopsy says. You may be in the process of developing celiac, with the antibodies but not a lot of damage accumultated yet. Also, the underlying problem behind your pancreatic issues is probably celiac disease.

[Roda]

Yes try going off gluten no matter what the biopsy says. You may be in the process of developing celiac, with the antibodies but not a lot of damage accumultated yet. Also, the underlying problem behind your pancreatic issues is probably celiac disease.

I was thinking the same thing!

[JC1967]

Thanks.

A further query - how long on a gluten-free diet should I stay before noticing any positive symptom changes? Or will this vary from person to person?

JC