When To Start Gluten Free Diet?

[jamer]

I had my EGD yesterday to check for celiac. My antibody levels are very high which is why I was referred to a gastro. After the procedure, the doc said he saw scalloping in various spots in the third and fourth level of the small intestine. He took sample of them. He said he was suprised he didn't see more scalloping because of my lab results. He put me on protonix 40mg twice a day and told me to avoid all dairy for a week and then restart.He said to call and let him know if it relieved any of my symptoms. I mentioned the gluten free diet and he told me to wait. Is this a normal to cut out dairy but not gluten in the beginning. If not eating dairy does not change anything, shouldn't I proceed to a gluten free lifestyle?

I'm trying to wrap my brain around the diagnosis of celiac disease and the changes I will be making, but what is the usual process for someone newly diagnosed?

:unsure:

[Takala]

Perhaps he is waiting for the biopsy to come back before bestowing the "official diagnosis" seal of approval ?

I really don't get the thought that the part of your intestines that got damaged by gluten in celiac disease is going to heal up in just a week and allow you to resume dairy that quickly. This is an auto immune reaction and it takes a while for things to settle down. You may not be able to handle lactose, (milk sugar) and it may take a while for things such as yogurt, which don't have it, to not bother you.

If your blood test labs were really high and you have symptoms, and he saw damage, hopefully the biopsy will not come back negative and then you get told you don't have "it" after all, and to resume eating a regular diet.... in that case, you should make sure to get print copies of your test reports, and go on a gluten free diet trial anyway.

[tarnalberry]

I'm not entirely sure why he chose a reflux med to reduce stomach acid if your looking at intestinal damage and celiac disease. Maybe he thought that it was dairy causing the scalloping (very rarely, dairy intolerance can cause villious atrophy), but that's a huge stretch.

If you're done with testing, I see no reason to wait for the results to try a gluten free diet. If you're not... I'd call back for clarification on whether or not there is a specific reason (other than "the diet is too hard" BS) for waiting.

[nvsmom]

I agree with the advice that the others gave you: unless you are waiting to dofurther celiac testing, I can't understand why you should wait to go gluten-free. There's nothing risking about going gluten-free except you might consume more sugar if you choose to buy substitute baked items rather that eating more whole foods, otherwise it's a perfectly healthy way to eat.

Good luck with the diet.

[jamer]

I think since some of my symptoms are bloating and gas he wanted to make sure it was from dairy? I've always had a intolerance to dairy, mainly milk or ice cream. I can handle them in small doses. With milk, the lower the fat content the easier it is for me to digest. I also have less problems with organic milk.

I think regardless, I'm going gluten free. I'm tired of all the symptoms.

Thank you for your advice it is greatly appreciated!

[jamer]

As for the protonix, I have severe GERD. He said my stomach was inflamed due to the reflux. I would have begged for something anyway.

[beachbirdie]

My son-in-law, who has resisted our nutrition advice for years, finally went gluten-free 4 months ago. He no longer has his acid reflux and is off his meds. He also no longer has what he had always been told was Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He was amazed at how much better he feels with such a simple diet change.

Hopefully you will heal and no longer need the meds.