healthygirl's Blog

I had my meeting today with the gastroenterologist. She was very nice and had all the relevant info from my doctor. Basically, she indicated that since I have been gluten free off and on for the past 8 months (the last 6 weeks have been on gluten, 5 weeks before that gluten free, 2 months before that on and then about 5 months gluten free before that) she would want to see me do a gluten challenge for 3 - 6 months before doing an endoscopy. She would do one if I really wanted one, but would want to ensure that I am challenged enough to make it worth her and my time. She suggested that if I feel better off gluten, and considering family history, just go gluten free vs. challenging myself for the several months on gluten. She cannot give a formal diagnosis with out the biopsy however she did indicate she can do the genotype testing to rule out celiac. (although I have read some posts that indicate the HLA results aren't always as cut and dried as they seem).

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So, what I decided to do is go off gluten, forgo the biopsy and have her run the genotype testing to see if I am at a risk of developing celiac. If it comes back that I have the genes that would predispose me, I am having symptoms and I had a weak positive blood test, that is good enough for me!!

It is a relief to be at this decision point. Initially when faced with the choice of endoscopy or not I had this brief moment where I thought, "but I really want to know one way or the other!!" However, when looking rationally at all the facts, I would probably put myself through an invasive procedure only to be told that they couldn't find any evidence, and as the GI indicated, lack of finding something in a biopsy cannot definitely rule it out. She felt the best course of action for me was to just follow the diet.

She is setting up a meeting with the hospital nutritionist (I am again liking the Canadian Health Care system as the meeting with the dietician/nutritionist will not be coming out of my pocket) so I did not feel at all like I was getting a brush off...I felt like she was giving me the reality check that a endoscopy may be futile and I would just be back at square one.

I am excited to be going off gluten again, but after my long day at work, I just finished off my night with a toasted english muffin with peanut butter and honey...I figure I can give in one last time before I toss the rest of the bag away.