Do I have Gluten Intolerance?

If you read yesterday's blog, you might be wondering if you, too, are gluten intolerant.  If your symptoms are similar to mine, then there's a good chance you might be gluten intolerant.  It's hard to pinpoint what the exact symptoms are for gluten intolerance, since the symptoms range from weight gain/weight loss to depression.  If you visit this web site, it'll give you a detailed list of gluten-intolerant symptoms.  Many of my symptoms mirrored my IBS/lactose intolerance symptoms. 

Well, there are two ways of finding out for sure that you have gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease.  The first is to go see your doctor and see if he/she can run a test to determine whether or not you have Celiac Disease.  Your doctor may recommend you go to a gastrointestinal specialist to get the testing done.  The other way to find out if you are gluten intolerant is if you eliminate all gluten from your diet for one month, and then reintroduce gluten to your diet again after the month is over.  If your symptoms ease during your time from abstaining from gluten, and then symptoms reappear from ingesting gluten again, chances are you have gluten intolerance.  I have heard of people who have gotten a test done by a doctor, and the results have come back negative from having Celiac Disease, who still abstain from gluten because they feel healthier.

So why didn't I get the testing done after I got insurance again?  Because I have eliminated gluten from my diet for so long, that a simple blood test would come back negative for Celiac Disease.  I would most likely have to get a biopsy done in order to determine whether or not I have this condition.  In order to have the blood testing done, I would have to start eating items with gluten in it again.  Since I get sicker than a dog when I do eat glutenous items, I do not want to risk my health for a test I don't feel I need.  I know I have gluten intolerance.  I know I cannot eat even a little crumb of regular bread without getting sick, I have tested this with communion bread.  I know when I've accidentally eaten something with gluten in it, because my stomach and sinuses tell me I have.  For me, the test is unnecessary.  However, you shouldn't feel uneasy about wanting a definite answer from a doctor.  Had I had insurance at the time, I probably would have gotten tested myself. 

If you live in the Chicago area, the University of Chicago does offer free Celiac testing.