What to do before seeing GI?

[palace]

Thank you for all your help on the posts I have put up so far. I have another query.

I asked my doctor for celiac tests (2 very close family members are celiac). He didn't test for this but tested everything else (?) thyriod, bloods, anemia etc. He has now made an appointment to see the GI in 2 weeks.

I stopped eating gluten about 4 weeks ago as I just felt it would help me to get off it. The D has gone (although I didn't have it that often), but the main change is that I have energy now (still quite tired but not exhausted like before) and the aching bone pain has totally gone.

I really don't want to eat gluten again, but should I do this before I go to see the GI? And would 2 weeks eating gluten really be long enough?

The added problem is that I am desperate to put on some weight I have lost and worry if I go back to gluten this will take even longer. I get married in 2 months and I really don't want to be a skinny tired wreck in my pictures!!!

what would you advise?

[aklap]

Hi Palace,

I understand completely you desired to feel better NOW! I had been there and that. However, stopping gluten before you had additional testing done is not a good thing if you want an official diagnosis. I warned of this in your previous posts.

I guess you 1st have to decide if you want an official dx or not. I would suggest looking thru these posts:

Compelling reason to dx by biopsy Biopsy or Not to Bipsy - That is the question.
Suspect CD, is dx worth it? - This discusses the value of getting an offical diagnosis.

Our Thread on a Gluten Challenge: How long, how much? - Ever wonder how long it takes and how much gluten needs to be eaten?

You've got a couple of options...

1) Stay off gluten and see what the test results show [either blood work or biopsy. Depending on the doc, they may NOT do a biopsy w/o blood work. Considering your family history - it really should be done]. Since you've been off gluten, your tests might be skewed.

2) Go back on gluten and see what the tests show.

3) Do testing thru EnteroLabs and see if gluten is a problem for you. You don't need to be consuming gluten for their stool tests.


My guess is that you're probably still getting some hidden gluten in your diet. Would it be enough? I don't know...

If this were me...I'd go back on gluten until the appt. I'm not telling you to do that, this is what I would [and have done in the past. I stopped my gluten challenge 5 days in and do not have an official dx].

Good luck in making your decision! I know it's not an easy one.
_________________
Al

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

[yogaprof]

my story is different, as I did have all the GI tests and they didn't show celiac; however, my naturopath's tests showed a gluten intolerance and i am so much better after two months off gluten. so GI tests don't always give a definitive answer. After two years of being really ill, surgeries, and a zillion tests I decided to focus on symptoms. if you feel good, you could just keep doing what you are doing until your wedding and make a decision after that is done. as for being skinny, I have gained a few pounds and look SO much better. if my wedding was coming up I wouldn't rock the boat. just my opinion and take care, yp

[palace]

Thank you for your responses, it is really appreciated as I feel quite lost in all of this!

I think i will go back to eating gluten - like you say there was probably some in my diet anyway. then at least I may have some idea from the tests as to what is going on.

I'll just have to grin and bear it and hope it doesn't affect my appearance too much!

I will let you know how I get on - unless its a clear diagnosis, I may need some more advice going forward.