Blood Test In 4 Weeks

[Pandoranitemare]

Hi,

I saw my GP today and having described my symptoms she is going to do a blood test for Celiac Disease in 4 weeks time. I tried going gluten free for one week about 3 weeks ago (and it did begin to improve things) . The only reason I stopped was I read that it was necessary to be eating gluten if you got tested, and as I was hoping that I would get the test I thought it better to go back on the gluten.

Is it likely that my one week off the gluten would have affected things too much, and by the time I go for the blood test I will have been back on gluten for about 7 or 8 weeks.

Also would I be better to pile on as much gluten as I can handle, or just eat a little bit every day?

I am feeling quite scared and overwhelmed now as I already have a lot of other health problems, and this is a complication I really don't need in my life, but I also really need an answer as to if gluten is part of the problem, as I have so many 'cross over' symptoms.

I know you must get this question asked a million times over...but I would be grateful of any advice etc.

Thanks

[Skylark]

Hi and welcome. One week gluten-free is not enough to throw off a blood test if you're back on gluten for the next 7 or 8 weeks. The usual advice is to be eating the equivalent of 4 slices of bread a day during testing. Take the next few weeks to enjoy all the gluteny foods you might have to say goodbye to like artisan bread, pastry, pizza, and onion rings. If you happen to like them, have a few Triscuits and a Napoleon for me.

Don't let the blood test be the only thing that dictates your diet. The tests do not pick up non-celiac gluten sensitivity and they only get celiac 80% of the time. Once you're finished with any testing (and follow-up biopsy if it goes that way) be sure and give the gluten-free diet a good, strict try for a while.

[Pandoranitemare]

Thank you,

I was hoping that was the case.

I really did begin to feel an improvement when I did go gluten free, even though it was only for a short time and I was reluctant to go back on to gluten...

However, I knew it was better to go back on it and get tested sooner rather than go gluten free for a long period then have to undo it all and face the challenge.

I am just looking forward to getting through the test process, hopefully getting some answers, and definitely going back on the gluten free diet regardless of the results because I know it did start to make me feel better.

Just have to get through the next few weeks now!

[Skylark]

Good luck and hang in there.