Many lives have been changed for the better by strict adherance to the guilty. These people may or may not have celiac disease. In order to have a clinical diagnosis, they would need to reintroudce gluten into their diet for a significant amount of time and then have blood test and a possible biopsy. This process is called a "gluten challenge".

Is it worth the effort and the pain? That was the most-often discussed topic on this site during 2008. If you would like to read some of those letters, click  on the CATEGORIES button at the top of the page. Choose CELIAC DISEASE and then  CELIC DIAGNOSIS for links to articles dealing with that subject.

Judging from the mail I have in front of me at the moment, the necessity for a clinical diagnosis of celikac disease will be an equally hot topic in 2009. Before publishing your responses, I would like to ask a few questions. I’ll publish your answers as well:

I would like to hear from you if you actually undergone a "celiac challenge" by reintroducing gluten into your gluten free diet. Why did you decide to do this? What were the results? Is your current lifestyle significantly better or worse because of your "challenge"? What advice would you give to a person considering a "gluten challenge"?

I’d like to hear from you if you have had problems caused by your lack of a clinical diagnosis of celiac disease. We are all very curious; so are our friends and family members. Everyone is happier when their problem has an official label.Im interested in specific problems with doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, etc.

Please get in touch with me either by e-mailing me at gfceliac@gmail.com or by leaving a comment at the end of this or any other article.

Published 12/20/08