A ? about blood tests

[isto]

I've been GF almost 2 years. My GI doctor says I don't have to be on gluten to have the blood tests done for CD . I'm looking for a CD-friendly doctor. Anyway, I had to see my OB/GYN today because of some problems, and she STRONGLY suggested I go back on gluten and have the blood test done. She thinks maybe a problem I am having might be CD related. She was VERY knowledgeable about CD. But I don't think I could make myself go through the misery of eating gluten when I already know for myself that it is CD and DH. She would like a confirmed diagnosis, which I understand, but I don't really want to hurt myself.

Anyway, my question is how long would I have to be on the gluten again before having the bloodwork done?
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[aklap]

Hi Danita,

Yeah, you face the ultimate question in diagnosis...To GC or not to GC. It's a tough question. Do you put yourself thru this, risk further damage to your body, just to get a piece of paper? It might be interesting to ask your doc - "What would the official dx do for me?". What benefit will I get from putting myself thru hell? If you are willing and have enough resolve to stay GF w/o it, I'm not sure you'd want that dx on your official record.

It really comes down to your choice. There is no set standard on the length of time for a GC. The figures I've seen is 6 to 8 to 12 WKS to be accurate. As for the amounts of gluten - for kids I've seen 5 grams (2 slices of bread) for adults as much as 30 grams (12 slices of bread) per day to induce intestinal damage.

Good luck in deciding. Let us know what you decide to do.
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[isto]

My husband and I talked about it this morning. We both think it is a CYA thing for the doctor. I don't see any real reason to do this blood test. I did ask the doctor yeterday why I should get an official diagnosis when I do not need any medical intervention to control the CD. She said most doctors prefer the official diagnosis. My husband interprets that as "unless we tell you different, its all in your head". I choose not to have the test because I cannot see going thru 6 - 12 weeks of what was agony for me and my family just to be told "officially" what I already know. My husband agrees. We both saw me go from chronically ill to healthy in a matter of weeks after ceasing the gluten intake. I'm sticking with what I know to be true, regardless of what the edjewkated people think.
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[ostrich]

Good deal Isto. Personally I don't think I'd go through the tests either.

The only comment I have is I can see having an official diagnosis in your medical records would come in handy.
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Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of

[aklap]

It's good and bad...

For insurance...it's not a good thing to have that as an official dx. For medical purposes...it would be a good thing.
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[John]

I would be completely blunt with the doctor. Explain how miserable it makes you feel, explain the miraculous changes that accompanied diet change. Then, if that's not good enough, tell her you can find another doctor who doesn't recommend 6-12 weeks of putting toxic stress on the body. Seriously, if she's in the business of keeping you healthy, how can she intentionally pressure you into harming yourself with gluten? I'd have no problem prescribing a huge dose of guilt to the MD

This month I plan to go to the doctors for the first time in years, just for a checkup I guess. I picked an office with 3 MDs and I can change my PCP every month through my insurance. I have no problem tossing aside doctors who recommend silliness like self-inflicted pain and biological damage in the name of "official testing."

If a doctor ever says he wants an official test, I'll say, "Give me a piece of chocolate cake and follow me around for the next three days." When he says he's way too busy for that, he/she should understand that I'm too busy to gluten myself for a month or more!

[isto]

My doctor was not demanding it of me, just suggesting that a dx is preferred by doctors who have to treat me. But I think just saying I'm gluten intolerant should suffice.
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