<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Dear Listmates
I have seen two recent posts, from different listmates, asking if blood
tests can be negative, but you can still be Celiac.

The answer is yes. When I was diagnosed by biopsies (tissue samples were
sent by my Dr. to a pathologist with expertise in malabsorption
disorders, including Celiac Sprue), my anti-gliadin test was borderline
normal, and the other two tests were negative. The tTG wasn't on the
market yet.

The slides of the lining of the top of the small intestine showed very
damaged villi, and clearly indicated Celiac Disease.

Within 2 days of going strictly gluten-free, all of my symptoms
disappeared, except the decrease in weight. I stopped dropping weight
after 2 weeks. After another 3 weeks on the gluten-free diet, I started
to regain the weight that I had lost.

Vicki in Illinois

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