Negative Celiac panel

I have had intestinal issues for the past 20 years. Over the past nine months, I have had painful stomach cramping leading to explosive diarrhea about 10 minutes after I eat. I am about 40 pounds over weight and decided to try the South Beach diet again to get healthy. After two weeks on Phase 1, I felt like a new person. I realized that I hadn't been eating any gluten for two weeks and my intestinal issues disappeared, I had energy, my depression had lifted, and I was sleeping better. After visiting a Gastroenterologist I was instructed to eat gluten once again for four days and then get a blood panel. I immediately felt terrible once again and all my symptoms returned. My panel has now come back and it states that I am negative for Celiac. Could this be correct? Could my panel be negative due to the fact that I was eating gluten free for a month before my panel and didn't give it enough time to re-enter my body? I almost cried when it came back negative. I really want to know what is wrong with me and what is causing this.

[Caryopteris]

Celiac disease is very tricky!  My doctor says I have it and that I shouldn't waste my time and money on tests.  He is sure because I have the symptoms and then when I stop gluten (and also nuts and dairy), I feel better!  I also have skin issues, and they get better when I don't eat gluten also.

PLEASE, PLEASE do not eat gluten.  You are correct - it is making you sick.  A gluten-free diet is healthy for everybody.  Is it annoying to your family and friends?  Sure, but they aren't the ones at risk (hopefully!) for all the autoimmune diseases and even cancer you can get down the road if you don't eat properly for YOU.  Follow it and you'll feel good and live longer - EVEN IF YOU'RE WRONG ABOUT HAVING A WHEAT ALLERGY.  That's the amazing thing.  My MD is not a fan of wheat or any grains for anybody.  He says they cause inflammation and age us.  

Don't feel guilty for wanting to feel good and be healthy (I'm telling myself this also).  

So follow a cave-man diet (only eating meat/poultry/fish + nuts + vegetables + fruits, raw whenever possible) or whatever gluten-free diet works for you and you'll be healthier for it.  

[CalGal]

Kitty, I completely agree with the other poster. Go on and stay on a GF diet.

[tropicalsoul]

I have had the "Celiac Panel" test run on my 3 different times and each test comes back as negative for Celiac.  All I know is after I eat ANYTHING with gluten I get sick.  I become dizzy, lightheaded, my anxiety goes through the roof, my depression skyrockets, can't think straignt, aches and pains all over my body and my allergies go nuts...but my GI doctor keeps telling me that I'm fine and maybe "it's all in my head."
I love my GI doctor but I am finding it difficult to believe that most doctors are ignorant to this disease.  

To answer your question...you can test negative for Celiacs disease and still be gluten intollerant just like people can be lactose intollerant.  My problem is finding foods to eat.  Nothing smells better than a hot pizza just delivered from Pizza Hut.  Good luck with your diet.

[tori82]

You can be gluten-intolerant and not have Celiacs. Stick to the gluten-free diet if you feel better.

If your doctor dismisses your results, it's his short-sightedness. One book I read compared it to going to a cardiologist and complaining of heart problems, and the doctor  saying 'oh, there's no damage yet, just keep doing what you're doing.' If gluten makes you sick, don't continue to let eating it damage your body.

[madsweeper]

Ah, i know how you feel. Most likely you are like me and are gluten INTOLERANT. this can produce all of the symptoms you described, very simular to Celiac. I eat a celiac diet and i feel great. don't eat the gluten!! Good luck and be good to yourself by listening to your body.