how to do a gluten challenge?

[fran03]

I'm in a rough spot at the moment - my GP sent my blood off for tests for coeliac in November, then I got very very ill over Christmas so made the choice to cut gluten from my diet to see if it would help (it did). I've been gluten free for 2 months now.

I phoned my GP every week asking for results only for them to tell me last week that they've "lost" my blood. I was fuming about the setback but mostly that if I want more tests I have to go back on a gluten diet. The GP said if my symptoms have improved then I don't have to do the tests, but I'd rather know whether it's coeliac or NCGS. She said I'd need to be eating gluten for four weeks.

If anyone's done a gluten challenge, how much gluten were you eating (in how many meals) and how did you manage your symptoms? I'm two days in and already tired & nauseous; I'd forgotten how bad I used to feel all the time and I'm dreading the next month. I'd appreciate any advice! 😊

 

[trents]

The Mayo clinic guidelines for a pretest gluten challenge is two slices of wheat bread (or the gluten equivalent) daily for 6-8 weeks leading up to the blood antibody test and for two weeks leading up to an endoscopy/biopsy. So, maybe you should push for the latter. If the scheduling puts it way out there. Start the gluten challenge two weeks before the date.

[Scott Adams]

It's terrible that they lost your blood sample!

Here is some more info on this: