I have been on the gluten-free diet for about 6 months, and I had the celiac blood screening done again. I still tested positive for Celiac Disease, and I have been really careful about what I eat. Is it normal for the test to remain positive, or is there some source of hidden gluten in my diet? And does it mean that I am continuously eating gluten, or did I just slip up once near the time of my test?

I really thought I was doing well! What a frustrating disease this is!!

Thanks,
~Jenna

It could mean there is some hidden gluten lurking somewhere . . . old can opener, old chapstick . . . could be in a medication/vitamin . . . could be in a toiletry.

It could also mean that you are still healing. What was your beginning value? What is that value now? For some, it takes a while for the value to return to normal levels. If your value has decreased, I wouldn't worry too much but I would probably still look around and double check.

How are you feeling?

I am newly diagnosed (Nov. 28) and new to the forum, but I just had a doctor's visit yesterday and this very subject came up. My doctor actually recommended not having a blood test done at 6 months. According to him, everyone's immune system is different and some people take longer to heal than others. So even if I am completely gluten free my levels could still be high because my body hasn't entirely healed. At which point I would only be more frustrated.

Again, I am very new to all of this as well but that is what I was told yesterday.

My Ttg went from 24.5 to 11...My doctor hadn't mentioned this the first time he called, he just said that I was still positive and that there is probably gluten in my diet. I suppose since it has decreased quite a bit, I am probably in pretty good shape.

Other question...If you get "glutened", does the number and the damage go back to the original point (24.5), or does it only do a small amount of damage that can be repaired in a short amount of time?