Hi All,
Since I wanted to find out how long I would have to eat gluten, in order to get reliable results from a stool test for gluten antibodies, I called the lab, and asked a bunch of questions. The answer to my first question, was that they don't have an estimate of how long it would take, since everyone produces antibodies at different rates. I thought that was rather interesting, and had never considered that possibility before. That certainly explains some of the differences in reaction times.
The bottom line, though, was that if my fecal fat score still showed some signs of damage to my small intestine, after being GF for over three years, there was not much room for doubt that I'm gluten sensitive. She said that they would be happy to do the test, of course, if I wanted to put my body through a gluten challenge, but why do it? Since I couldn't think of any good reason, I reckon I'll cancel that idea.
She seemed rather surprised that I would even consider doing something such as a gluten challenge, especially since Dr. Fine recommends that absolutely everyone would be better off if they stop eating gluten, whether they are showing symptoms, or not.
When you think about that position, it's kind of impressive, in light of the fact that they make their living by selling tests, and certainly don't gain anything more than good will, by advising callers that they don't need any tests. I'm very impressed.
Love,
Wayne
The Folks at Enterolab Talked Me Out of a Gluten Challenge
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
The Folks at Enterolab Talked Me Out of a Gluten Challenge
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for sharing that, Wayne, and I agree that it is impressive that they talked you out of doing the test. 
