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Blood Tests/Biopsy

mrsfunkway

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mrsfunkway Rookie
mrsfunkway
Posted

Hello,

This is going off of this post below, but mine is a bit of a particular case. I just went to see a new doctor (internist) this afternoon about GI issues and treating my hypothyroidism. I had already thought the GI/thyroid issues might have something to do with gluten, especially since my GI problems took a turn for the worst after I ate an order of breadsticks at 3 in the afternoon and had it sit in my stomach undigested until sometime past 1am. I have multiple autoimmune problems and dysautonomia, which causes tachycardia.

Anywho, turns out the doctor and his sister have Celiac. And looking at my medical history and the brief histories i gave of my brother and mother (mother has had iron problems forever, brother has major digestive issues) he is pretty well convinced I have celiac. He ordered the full gambit of bloodwork to test for it. He also said something to the effect of "even if the tests come back negative, i still think you would benefit from a gluten free diet" and that he doesn't think a biopsy was really necessary. 

However, my friends with Celiac are urging me to press for a biopsy. Is it really necessary? I was planning on going gluten free regardless of the outcome anyways. My Celiac friends both recieved diagnoses prior to 2009. I don't have any children, but I would like at the very least for my brother to get tested eventually if the tests point towards a positive. And like I said, this doctor has Celiac himself. I see him again next Friday to go over the bloodwork results, but i would like to know if i should really be pushing for that biopsy.

Thanks!

 

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squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Hi, Honestly, it's better if you get the biopsy so you can always pull it out & stick it in some docs face when they don't believe you have celiac. You will also find more support from friends and family (& help to get your brother to get tested). That is if you are not afraid of the biopsy process.

In life, we never truly know when we might move to another area or heaven forbid, this savvy celiac doc should pass away. If you have the biopsy to back up the blood work then you shan't ever have problems with other docs or people taking you seriously.

Having said that, it's totally up to you. I don't know your age so don't know if you might have children someday. Emma on the thread you linked is I think 25?? but doesn't have kids. She's failed to consider that she is still young & didn't state that she never plans on having kids. Just try to consider what the future may bring in your life when you make your decision.

 

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mrsfunkway Rookie
mrsfunkway
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Posted

Okay, thanks! I am 24 but my husband and I don't plan on having kids. However, the more I thought about it, the more I think I should get one for my brother's sake. Especially after my doctor's office called this evening to say my bloodwork tested positive for Celiac. Guess I will be on this forum longer than I thought! :)

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squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Welcome to the club you never wanted to join!

The good thing about this club is that you don't have to take any pills, get radiation or chemo, or stick yourself with a needle every day. Things could be much worse than this.

Does your brother live close? If so he could go to your same savvy doc. That would be great! Also what about your mom?

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