Coeliac blood test

[Aretak]

Hi everyone,

I’m new here. Not sure if I’m coeliac but definitely very sensitive when gluten gets in my system. I’m due to have a blood test next week( coeliac, thyroid, ferritin, folate...) I’ve been diagnosed with under-active thyroid last year.

My problem is I have stopped having gluten about two months ago and feeling great but because of the upcoming test I had to reintroduce it. But I can’t because as soon it gets into my system I get really bloated after a couple of hours and then I have to run to the toilet😩 I can’t work like this. Is there an other way they could test coeliac?

[Haylesss]

Hello! They could test to see if you carry one of the genes for coeliac first. If you don’t, you won’t have coeliac and you can just stay off gluten if it makes you feel better. If you do carry one of the genes, you could then decide whether you want to reintroduce gluten and have the blood test to confirm or rule it out for good, OR just decide to stay off gluten, BUT you’d have to treat it like you have coeliac (v strict, no cross contamination etc) as if you do have coeliac its a very serious condition (as I’m sure you’re aware). Hope that makes sense?! But unfortunately for a proper coeliac diagnosis a blood test (taken when gluten is in your system for a good couple of months) is the only way to 100% know.

[Aretak in reply to Haylesss]

Hi Hayless,

Thank you for your reply. Yes I read that coeliac is more serious. I guess I just won’t have the blood test as every time I get gluten in I get a terrible reaction(bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea). Since I eliminated gluten from my diet all these symptoms are gone. I also eat smaller amount of food, quit artificial sugar, processed food. Feeling so much better and managed to loose weight. With hypothyroidism weight loss is a bit difficult , but feeling better. I know it will not be perfect, but stopped stressing about it.😊

[liver-bird]

Hi Aretak. Like you I have hypothyroidism and I had nasty cramps and diarrhoea. I tried cutting gluten and was so much better. My GP did a blood test (whilst I was off the gluten) and there were antibodies in my blood so he referred me to a gastroenterologist for an endoscope (the defining test). However I had to go back on gluten (called the Gluten Challenge) which I did. My endoscope test appointment arrived and I had only been back on gluten for 3 weeks (they say it should be 6 weeks) so I wondered whether the results would show but it did and they diagnosed coeliac. Lots don't do the gluten challenge but just stay off gluten. Hope helps. Diane

[Aretak in reply to liver-bird]

Hi Diane,

Thank you for your reply. I just stay off gluten then, can’t risk the gluten challenge😖 had some really bad experiences.