Dana asked:
I was tested negative for Celiac disease but it runs in my family and I am suspecting gluten as the source of several digestive issues.
The NEW Colitis Breakthrough
I was tested negative for Celiac disease but it runs in my family and I am suspecting gluten as the source of several digestive issues.
The NEW Colitis Breakthrough
March 15th, 2010 1:38 pm
Well, you may have simple gluten intolerance. More serious intolerance is celiac disease. So it’s possible that gluten is the source of your troubles. Try eliminating gluten from your diet and see what happens.
March 19th, 2010 12:36 am
I am in the same situation. From what I know the small intestine biopsy is NOT the gold standard of diagnosing the disease. I have learned that gluten may only affect villi (the little finger-like protrusions that absorb nutrients) in patchy regions. So, when they do a small intestine biopsy, they may pick an area that is unaffected, thus giving a negative result. Basically, I have had nothing but frustrations with doctors about my gluten intolerance and I feel that most doctors have VERY limited knowledge of the disease. I have opted to not worry if I really have Celiac or not, and just eat gluten free because I know I feel a lot better that way. My money is on you actually having it, especially if family members do. Good luck
March 19th, 2010 7:51 pm
It is possible to be gluten intolerant and not have celiac disease. It is also possible to be tested negative for celiac and then develop it later in life. If you are having symptoms that stop when you go on a gluten free diet then you are gluten intolerant and may or may not have celiac.
March 20th, 2010 8:22 am
Yes you can. However, do note that if Celiac runs in your family and you suspect issues with gluten, u probably have Celiac. What test did u have done? If u had the blood test done there are several factors for it to come back negative:
1. Lab error
2. physician error (didnt ask for enough antibodies or read results wrong)
3. you are IGG or IGA deficient meaning you could still have Celiac but will always test neg in bloodwork
4. You were not consuming enough gluten prior to blood work
YOu must be eating gluten prior to testing so if u started the GF diet already, that could be the problem.
Genetic testing doesnt require you do eat gluten and can be doen from home. Many Celiacs swear by. It only tells u if u carry teh Celiac genes but if it runs in your family, that may be all u need to know.
The gold standard for testing Celiac is the endoscopy with biopsy, but with this u still need to be eating gluten.
Feel free to email me with any further questions.