Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Was it blood tests or a colonoscopy you got? My mums friend sufferes with celiac, and a few other friends of hers and i know that she got blood tests done and they came back negative, she had reall bad diaheraah and was losing loads of weight. They then did a colonscopy and found she was celiac, since then shes followed a gluten free diet and been fine! I think a colonoscopy is the thing that shows if you have it or not. x

Blood tests can tell you things 1) do you have the genetic marker for Celiac that puts you at increased risk and 2) it evlauates certain antigens. If those are present, then you will get a positive result for Celiac. However, if you had been avoiding food with gluten for a bit before you have the blood test, you can get a false negative. My blood work was inconclusive - genetic marker but no antigens. So my GI doctor did a Endoscopy and took a biopsy of my small intestines. That showed that I do have Celiac. So, it sounds like a colonoscopy or a endoscopy is the way to go. Endoscopy doesn't have any prep, so I feel that is easier. 7 years ago I had a biopsy done on my small intestines and came back negative. So it is highly possibly that you didn't have it when first tested, but it woudl be a good idea to be tested again if you are concerned.

I also agree with PrincessP comment on a gluten free diet. I have been following one for a month now and it has made a huge difference. I am still learning what foods are OK and which ones have "hidden gluten". It has also become a new experience when eating out.

Best of luck Audrey!

If anyone knows any good books to help with starting a gluten free diet, I'd love to hear about them.

I also have Celiac Disease, and have lots of recipe books, but I find the best, most up to date information online, in support groups. There is a Celiac support group here at Daily Strength. Join it and get all the latest.