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Post by kb on Sept 13, 2007 7:18:36 GMT -5
I havent been diagnosed with it, i just had a positive transglutimase test. I also had other indicators like low iron and thyroid function.
However i didnt have any GI symptoms, but the biopsy was still done because of the elevated transglutimase.
My biopsy was negative, but i found i improved by cutting out gluten so i am now gluten free anyway, i went gluten free after all the testing was done.
My mother in law has celiacs, and she had no bowel symptoms, she just had weight loss and fatigure.
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mel26
Full Member
Posts: 106
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Post by mel26 on Sept 14, 2007 3:36:41 GMT -5
Hi Mel, If you are aiming to be tested for coeliac disease, then make sure you don't go on a gluten free diet in the six months prior to testing. Otherwise, the tests may be negative if being gluten-free allows things to heal. I know this is a tricky situation to be in... There are a few blood tests which may be positive in the general blood work which can give a more likely indication of coeliac disease (this may be why the doctors want to wait until all these have been done prior to testing). For example, the damage done to the small intestine can affect absorption of iron, folate and calcium, so quite often these levels are lower. Your calcium levels can drop because vitamin D is lower due to fat malabsorption. The specific blood tests for coeliac disease are TTG (tissue transglutaminase) (the gold standard) anti-endomyseal antibodies, anti-reticulin and alpha-gliadin antibodies. However, they may only need to do TTG and a biopsy of the small intestine (by upper GI endoscopy). The main symptoms of coeliac disease are diarrhoea and weight loss, but some also suffer from constipation and nausea. I can see your doctors' logic in trying to look at the initial tests first, as they may well give clues. In the meanwhile, don't change your diet! Hey Puddle!! Thanks so much for the info, as it turns out my mom is going to pay for the test, so I'm picking up the requisition for the bloodwork later this morning! I'll be sure to write down those tests and check to see that they're on the form. I'm not sure if you read my thread about "Wasting away", but the scales say I'm 87 lbs, so of course you can understand my concern, esp if I have celiacs', everytime I eat bread pasta and cereal, I feel like I'm hurting myself, y'know?? I'll give an update in my other thread when I get more info, if anyone's interested in reading my experience?? P.S: good luck, Alex, the prep is yucky, so if I can offer advice.. eat light food prior to doing the prep (it makes it way easier on you when the prep starts to do it's job) ~Mel
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