Should I Retest?

[ajtippetts]

So about 2 yrs ago I had a serious stomach ache (went to ER and they found "nothing). I had an MRI and they saw inflammation of my intestines and ordered an endoscope. They did a biopsy and the GI called me to tell me I had Celiac, but that I needed to go get a blood test to confirm. I went Gluten-free (sort of, it took me a while to figure out what i could and couldn't eat) for 2 weeks and then had the blood test. It came back negative, and the GI said irritable bowel syndrome. I thought, okay i don't have it and went on with my life. I eat Gluten, i have stomach aches sometimes but with IBS that's not too surprising.

So fast forward to this week. My father just got diagnosed with celiac disease. His levels were off the charts and his biopsy was positive. It then comes out (love facebook) that my Grandfather and cousin have it too. So do I get retested. could my blood tests have been wrong? Is there another reason why my biopsy would look like celiac (I had disentry as a child??)?

I have medicaid so it is covered but I don't want to waste tax $$ to get a test for nothing (i feel bad enough about the welfare).

Advice..

[Roda]

Given all the people diagnosed in your family, celiac is most consistent. However, since you seem to be eating a regular diet, correct me if I'm wrong, you could get the blood tests again if your curious. I personally don't see the need for another test since you were diagnosed two years ago. I would just go gluten free for good.

[Jestgar]

They did a biopsy and the GI called me to tell me I had Celiac,

The blood test is the cheap, first pass. The biopsy confirms it.

Although I can't give you any references now, I remember seeing papers in PubMed wherein they showed that antibodies in the blood appear after some amount of damage is done to the intestine. So unless you're willing to wait and keep damaging yourself, stop eating gluten - you've been diagnosed.

[ajtippetts]

Given all the people diagnosed in your family, celiac is most consistent. However, since you seem to be eating a regular diet, correct me if I'm wrong, you could get the blood tests again if your curious. I personally don't see the need for another test since you were diagnosed two years ago. I would just go gluten free for good.

I am eating a regular diet yes. The main reason i'm looking for confirmation is all i EVER eat is bread... and english muffins... and pasta..