Good luck with trip and all of the testing, Billye.

A gluten challenge is usually longer than three weeks, but the amount of gluten does seem to make a difference by some studies that I have read....so load up big time if you want to increase your chances of something showing up.

There was a young boy with gluten ataxia put on a gluten challenge recently (from our gs/cd forum) , and that was just 3 weeks... but they also looked for antibodies in the spinal fluid. He didn't have villi damage, but got a diagnosis of "neurological celiac disease", which is a great sign that the definition is broadening to include non-gut manifestations.
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...ead.php?t=2888

In any case, back to the challenge, if results are negative after three weeks, the challenge should be continued on...checked again at 3 months, 6 months, and even at a year. Of course, one might consider increased symptoms as a positive challenge, even if the antibody tests/biopsy remained negative, but that is where the divergence of opinion comes into play.

In any case, GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING if I don't cross paths with you again before you go!!!!

Cara