Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Getting tested and healing?

PumpkinChic
 Share

Recommended Posts

PumpkinChic Newbie
PumpkinChic
Posted

I figured out I have serious problems with gluten earlier this year and I believe it's celiac based on symptoms and family history but decided not to go get tested because of the pandemic. But recently my mom has figured out she has her own allergies and we, along with my sister, have all been talking about seeing an allergist. I've already been gluten free for 4 almost 5 months now. Is it too late to get tested? Would I have to reiintroduce it to get a proper diagnosis? 

I've also realized I've been dealing with this for 10 years now. I'm in my 20s so I still have youth on my side, but because it's been there for so long, do you think it'll take a long time for everything to heal?

 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

All celiac disease testing requires you to be on a full gluten diet.  To do a gluten challenge would require 6 to 8 weeks of gluten (1 to 2 slices of bread daily or equivalent) or 2 weeks if going directly to endoscopy.  The gut literally can heal in as little as a few weeks.  Most people do not heal that fast, but some can.  Also it takes time to build up the antibodies that leave the gut and circulate in the blood stream.  Best to follow what all the celiac research centers  say.  

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Given that the gluten-free diet is perfectly safe, provided you're getting enough fiber an nutrition, it's your call if you need to go through the gluten challenge and be formally diagnosed. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • How important is it to you to have a piece of paper from your doctor telling you that you have this? 
  • Would having a diagnosis help you stay on the gluten-free diet for life?
  • Would you cheat on the diet otherwise?
  • Are you ok with paying higher life insurance premiums, and if the ADA (Obamacare) is overturned, having a pre-existing condition and possibly paying higher insurance rates?

The official recommendations by doctors would be to do the gluten challenge and get a formal diagnosis, however, that path does not work for everyone. Many people on this forum are self diagnosed.

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

Since Celiac Disease is not an allergy, I would not go to an allergist for testing but to a GP or a GI doc. It is possible you are allergic to gluten but that doesn't account for most problems with gluten. What are your symptoms, anyway?

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

I agree, if you are going to get tested for celiac disease it is best to do it right via your doctor and if they recommend it, a GI.

Wheatwacked Veteran
Wheatwacked
Posted
On 10/18/2020 at 2:17 PM, PumpkinChic said:

recently my mom has figured out she has her own allergies

I was a mouth breather my entire life, doctors said it was something I just had to live with. At 63, I awoke every two hours to either breath, pee, or from back pain. Since starting gluten-free, my prostate has shrunk, back pain is gone and I am now a nose breather, among other improvements in my life.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,963
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Cheryl minshew
    Newest Member
    Cheryl minshew
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70.5k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Pasballard
      Increasing symptoms after going gluten free

      By Pasballard · Posted

      I have Celiacs and want you to be aware of the amount of weight you can potentially put on if you rely on gluten free snacks, bread etc.,they  are high in carbs.  I put on 25 lbs in a short amount of time.  Whole Foods are the best way to go but I struggle with this.  The cost of gluten free is also a problem.  I love black licorice but most have gluten.  My favorite chili seasoning as well.  The list is endless.  I take  Advil liquid gels and had no idea until I read this.  I hope you do better than I have done.  I feel I am destined to suffer daily no matter what.  My aunt didn’t take care of herself and died from complications.  I hope you can get on a good routine.
    • growlinhard1
      Colonoscopy with large area of inflammation

      By growlinhard1 · Posted

      Thank you, I appreciate the response. I'm going to begin the gluten free diet and wait for the biopsy results. I feel fairly certain that it's the right thing for my well being. I will keep you posted.
    • Scott Adams
      Vaccines

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      The flu vaccine is indeed not 100% effective every year, as its effectiveness varies depending on how well the vaccine strains match the circulating flu viruses. However, even in years when the match is less than perfect, the flu vaccine still provides significant benefits. Studies consistently show that vaccinated individuals who contract the flu often experience milder symptoms, a lower risk of complications, and a reduced likelihood of hospitalization or death compared to those who are unvaccinated. For high-risk groups, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions, the flu vaccine remains a critical tool for reducing severe outcomes. Regarding the mention of risks associated with vaccines, it’s important to note that the flu vaccine is generally very safe for most people. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of individuals. If someone has specific concerns about vaccine safety due to medical conditions or allergies, they should consult their healthcare provider to discuss their options. As for alternative measures like a D Lamp (ultraviolet light disinfection), while these can be useful for reducing pathogens in the environment, they are not a substitute for vaccination. The flu virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets, and personal protection measures like hand hygiene, masking, and improving indoor ventilation can complement vaccination but cannot replace its targeted immune protection.
    • trents
      Colonoscopy with large area of inflammation

      By trents · Posted

      Because you have already had the "gold standard" test done, and because you have some experiential evidence that removing gluten from your diet causes you to feel better, it would make sense to begin the gluten-free diet as you wait for biopsy results.
    • growlinhard1
      Colonoscopy with large area of inflammation

      By growlinhard1 · Posted

      I wasn't given any blood tests. I think I should try the gluten free diet because when I cut it out a few weeks ago for just a couple of days, I know I started feeling better. The difference was actually pretty dramatic. When I learned gluten free eating may cause false negative biopsy results, I went back to gluten full force and feel like you know what × 10. Do you feel it would be okay since the gold standard for diagnosis is behind me or should I wait for biopsy results? In your opinion, of course. I know you can't offer me medical advice.
×
×
  • Create New...