Not Diagnosed But.......

[Tasha2004]

Last February my Endo gave me the Celiac blood workup. My Mom has Celiac and my sister and I have diabetes, so there is a good chance of problems in this area as well.

Well, my IgA showed an irregularity (I think it was a 60 and normal was 30). Every other test was totally negative and in fact could not be even conducted. They sent me for a bone scan, which showed very little problem and they also checked for anemia etc. I didnt show any signs or symptoms of anything.

This year I have started to show a slight problem with anemia, though they are not concerned about it. Now the problem with my stomach is a rather constant problem of (what we call on another board "Burbbling.") Bubbles bursting, and some gas but no other problems at all. I know there is a possibility of thyroid problems causing stomach trouble, and I have been treated for Graves disease and am now hypo thyroid. I could easily also have diabetes related stomach damage.

I have no desire to have the old tube down the throat, but my physicians wouldnt mind ordering another blood test. Is this something that might show a change? I assume if everything was still negative, it might mean I had a different sort of problem?

again, I have no symptoms but this bubbling feeling, and it is bothersome but not something that makes you feel sick. I have tried to check what causes it, and am more led to believe it comes from Diet Soda, Onions, Cabbage, and for some reason Instant Oatmeal. I can not tie it in to eating breads of any kind. Last night I intentionally made a meal of stir fried veggies and rice, and today the problem has been just awful. I know there are hidden sources of Gluten though, but it just doesnt seem to be connected to that.

Any thoughts?

[Dwight Senne]

Hi Tasha,

I don't have a definite yes or no answer, the best I can say is maybe! The only definitive test for Celiac is the endoscopic biopsy (camera down the throat). Even that is not foolproof, as the skill and experience of both the gastroenterologist taking the biopsies and the pathologist examining the biopsy slides are crucial. However, it is much more determinative than the blood tests.

As for your reservations about the endoscopy, fear not! They will give you a mild sedative and you will not remember a thing. Mine was a breeze and I would consent to have another one in a heartbeat!

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast symptoms of Celiac Disease. That is one of the things that makes this disease so difficult to diagnose. I recommend discussing the possibility of an endoscopy with your gastroenterologist, and if he/she thinks it's warranted (I think it is), get it done!

[Tasha2004]

Thanks, I just went ahead and had the Endo put another blood test on the paperwork so I can see if there is any difference over one year. I figured that was a safe place to start!

[Nin]

From all that I have read I t hink you probably are pre-celiac, and you could do a stool test with "enterolab" which is more sensitive than the blood test.

The Italian Doctors who are way ahead have now come up with a test similar to the stool test, they think this is the way of the future because the blood test doesn't pick up everyone.

Good luck!

[Tasha2004]

I know, I read the research on this and I think it would be very beneficial, but I dont have the money to invest in it!

Wonder if they ever do research studies? I would be perfect for it.

And I agree, I think one day I could have Celiac.

Mom didnt get really sick until she was 65, but by then she was pretty miserable.