Coeliac, am I or am I not?

Blood test, allergy test, endoscopy, biopsy... and they are still on the fence on this one.

My attempts at getting a diagnosis for Coeliac Disease have resulted in answers as inconclusive as most of my test results have been to date. When pondering what could possibly be wrong with my digestive system, I considered Coeliac disease, or at least gluten-sensitivity, so took myself off of gluten for 6 weeks but saw no long term marked improvement. I realise now that excluding gluten alone wasn't going to give me an answer, with an array of potential issues at play such as SIBO, hormonal imbalance, and food intolerance, removing one trigger wasn't going to result in a well functioning digestive system.

Endoscopy

Due to ongoing gut issues, my GP referred me to undergo an Endoscopy which I completed in June of 2017. This investigation found flattening in the duodenum and a sample was sent off for biopsy. The results of the biopsy showed partially flattened duodenal mucosal surface and moderate to marked intraepithelial lymphocytosis, both occurring in those with Coeliac disease, but also too in other disorders. The pathology report stated "Features suggestive of Coeliac Disease", suggestive but not conclusive.

Blood test

Next, the Gastroenterologist I had seen prior to the endoscopy requested I resume eating gluten for 6 weeks in order to have a blood test that would look for antibodies that would be present in those with Coeliac disease. My blood test results stated "The presence of coeliac disease is very unlikely (<5%). If suggestive symptoms, signs or family history, coeliac tissue typing or endoscopy may help exclude the disease further." As I had already undergone an endoscopy which was suggestive but inconclusive, I was still none the wiser.

Blood allergy test

Prior to the onset of chronic gut issues, I had an allergy blood test years ago when I was presenting with eczema that wasn't responding to commonly used treatments. This test stated I had a borderline allergy to wheat, however being a wheat lover, not having gut issues at the time and it only being 'borderline' I decided wheat wasn't really an issue for me, and continued with my regular western, wheat filled diet.

Hair Analysis

Having no luck with finding answers, I saw a hair analysis offer online through Check My Body Health and thought it may be worthwhile giving something different to the western medical system a go. At this point, I was willing to try anything. So I ordered the kit, sent off my hair sample and weeks later, received my results online. This method has also suggested a gluten sensitivity with wheat, spelt, and bulgar wheat all on the 'Highly reactive' food list.

And the answer is...?

...that I still don't know 100% but from all of the information I have gathered, along with empirical evidence, I do not believe I have Coeliac Disease. At this point in time, I am not consuming wheat nor gluten in any of it's forms, as people with gut disorders are more susceptible to an inflammatory response from these foods and I am trying to be as gentle on my GI tract as possible. I've been off gluten for just over 3 months now. Once I have a healthy and happy gut again, I may consider reintroducing it (how I would LOVE to bite into a fluffy scone or crisp pizza base!), but I know there will be fear there too, that symptoms will return. And no matter how much other people are willing to put up with poor gut function for taste, no food for me is worth all that comes from an inflamed and unhappy gut.