QUOTE(jenvan @ Apr 21 2006, 08:27 AM)

Yes, that's true that if you have been gluten-free, tests may not be reliable. I read about the saliva test yesterday actually. I read it isn't the most reliable indicator--which doesn't help you anymore! But perhaps your bloodwork would come back even higher. Wish I could be more help!! I would think if your allergies were IgE you would experience more of a classic allergy reaction--hives, troubling breathing, swelling...vs. a delayed reaction. Ever noticed one or the other?
Hey jenvan, you are always so friendly! And you have been extremely helpful, thank you!
Do you happen to have the link to, or source of, where you were reading about the saliva test? I would be very interested in finding more information about this specific test.
The tricky part for me is, I experience severe reactions - closing throat, anaphylactic type hives (angiodema), wheezing, or asthma type breathing, major swelling, and I mean major, to where it's like gaining a lot of weight in a very short time from enormous fluid retention, and so on- but they are delayed to a degree. I immediately know it's not agreeing with me and symptomology sets in slowly but the reaction doesn't get severe until more time passes and the more I ingest the food. If that makes sense?
I never get diarrhea, or lose weight when having reactions, add in the gaining weight element and that is why nobody ever suspected celiac or even pointed me in that direction. I was always told celiac would look like diarrhea and losing weight. I don't really need a test at this point to tell me if I have or don't have celiac. I know by physical symptoms that I can't eat gluten and that I have to stay away from it. For me though it's not just gluten, I have a lot of other allergens and sensitivities. But that being said, gluten is my biggest offender by a long shot
Is celiac a classic allergy to wheat, or is there something more involved?