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Is celiac testing necessary?

Wise1
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Wise1 Newbie
Wise1
Posted

Hi, I have been debating for some time on if I should get testing for celiac disease. It runs in my family, and I’m pretty sure I have it based on the symptoms I get when I eat gluten. I have been trying to follow a strict gluten free diet for about six months, and I’ve noticed the symptoms for about three years. For reference, I am 20 years old and female. My question I guess, is that if I already follow a gluten free diet and know about my symptoms, is testing for celiac really necessary? Are there benefits to being officially diagnosed? 

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trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

In the UK there are certain government subsidies if you have an official diagnosis. But if that doesn't apply to you where you live then the only benefit would be psychological and social. Some people seem to require an official DX in order to stay on the wagon and not rationalize it all. Some report that their family and friends won't believe them without an official DX.

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

There are also other things to consider, for example an official diagnosis would likely lead to increased costs for private life and/or medical insurance--life insurance for sure, but on the medical side it depends a lot on the type of insurance you have, where in the world you live, etc. Most people don't mention this, but it is a fact, so you may want to consider this as a possible downside.

The only major upside, at least in the USA, to a formal diagnosis might be that it would help to keep you 100% gluten-free, if that is something that you would need to help you stay gluten-free. Also there may be some follow up care that you might not be able to get if you don't have the formal diagnosis, but many celiacs, especially in the USA, are not offered regular follow up care for it anyway--I never was.

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