Any chance you are getting traces of gluten in your diet?
This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):
Your interpretation is on the right track! Based on your results, you do have one of the genetic markers associated with celiac risk—HLA-DQ8—which means you inherited DQA1*03 from one parent and DQB1*0302 from the other. These two alleles together form the HLA-DQ8 haplotype, so having both confirms the DQ8 positivity (not just one alone).
Since you’re DQ2-negative but DQ8-positive, this still means you have a genetic predisposition to celiac (though not everyone with DQ8 develops it). If you’re experiencing symptoms, the next step would be discussing antibody testing (like tTG-IgA) or an endoscopy with your doctor, but I think you decided not to do the gluten challenge and just go gluten-free.
A quick Google search turns up lots of options, but be careful eating out, as cross-contamination is common--even in restaurants that offer a gluten-free menu:
https://www.google.com/search?q=gluten-free+in+Wilmington%2C+DE&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS981US983&oq=gluten-free+in+Wilmington%2C+DE
It’s absolutely possible for celiac flares to affect your eyes—many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity report eye inflammation (like uveitis or dry eyes) during systemic reactions. Since celiac is an autoimmune condition, the inflammation isn’t limited to just your gut; it can trigger immune responses elsewhere, including the eyes. The fact that your symptoms coincide suggests a clear connection, even if your diet has been strict. Cross-contamination or hidden gluten could still be playing a role, or it might be worth exploring other autoimmune triggers (like vitamin deficiencies or coexisting conditions). Have you talked to your doctor about testing for inflammation markers or seeing an ophthalmologist? It’s frustrating when symptoms persist despite your best efforts, but you’re not imagining this—research and patient accounts back it up.
Here is a recent scientific paper on this:
https://www.cureus.com/articles/358124-ocular-insights-exploring-uveitis-as-a-manifestation-of-celiac-disease#!/
Your journey sounds incredibly frustrating—dealing with mysterious symptoms for years, only to piece together the puzzle yourself, is both impressive and exhausting. It’s wild how something as routine as antibiotics can seemingly trigger such a cascade of issues, and it must’ve been scary to deal with the hives and swollen tongue without clear answers. The fact that cutting gluten and adjusting vitamin D has brought such dramatic relief (even when doctors didn’t connect the dots) speaks volumes. It’s so validating when the body finally responds to changes, even if it means giving up foods you love.
The skepticism from others must be tough—it’s frustrating when people dismiss what you’ve lived through, especially when the proof is in your improving symptoms! Whether it’s NCGS or something else, your experience is real, and it’s amazing you’ve taken control of your health despite the lack of outside support. Fingers crossed that dropping the last of the Zyrtec goes smoothly and that your progress continues.