What is Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder of the digestive system that occurs in genetically-predisposed individuals. It is characterised by damage or flattening to all or part of ...
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How important is a "confirmed diagnosis"?
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My story -- I have many celiac symptoms: bloating; IBS; constipation/diarrhea/sticky stool; joint pain; muscle pain; easy bruising; bone pain (hips); severe fatique; irritability; and even depression. I became lactose intolerant in my early 30's. My vitamen D is low and my liver is beginning to get sick. Unfortunately, I didn't know enough about celiac disease (and diagnosis) at the time and did the go off of gluten for two weeks + trial. I began to feel better, the accupuncture was really helping. then i went to get diagnosed, only to find out that one week back on gluten is not enough time for good antibody results (low positive results on TTG). so determined negative twice (both times only eating gluten for one week). i later found out you need to eat it for 4-5 weeks. I couldn't get past the 1.5 week assault on body to get the 4 weeks needed for biopsy. Okay - the question is How Important is the "confirmed diagnosis" or is there any other way than eating gluten for 4 weeks for biopsy??? Thanks. Kim
Posted on 09/30/09, 02:09 pm |
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like i've said in other posts, the most important aspect of the actual dx is for tax purposes. you can write off the difference in cost of foods if you have a dx letter and save receipts, as well as mileage differences to travel to specialty stores to purchase GF foods. However, if you live in a mainstream area, not like me, living in a very rural area where the nearest small store is 7 miles away and the nearest regular market is 25 miles away... travel is not always an issue . The most important thing is your health. Do not risk your health for any reason. if being GF makes you feel well, do not consume any more, even for testing purposes. My neurologist ran some blood tests on 9/18 (no results yet cuz he's on vaca... : P but I asked him about the false negatives because if i've eaten gluten it would only be trace amounts from cross contamination... he said absolutely not to eat gluten prior to testing. it wouldn't matter for what he was looking for i guess, and not to take that kind of risk. SO, my point is this: Do what makes you feel well and if being GF works for you stick with it like a real trooper. Be diligent. See how you feel in 6 months, and a year... stay in touch, we all understand how you feel, we are all here for you! Peace* 
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