Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Well Whaddya Know, My Biopsy Was Positive After A 6 Week Challenge

BelleVie

Recommended Posts

BelleVie Enthusiast
BelleVie
Posted

Hi! I just wanted to let anyone know who is interested in the timing of gluten challenges that after being gluten free for 9 months, I did a 6 week gluten challenge and got the results of my biopsy this morning which showed slight villous atrophy and increased lymphocytes. My TtG test, however, was negative, which I expected. During the challenge, I ate a pretty obscene amount of gluten, usually having bread at every meal. And lots of donuts. Oh the donuts!  :P

 

I actually feel really good and very thankful that I finally know for sure that this is the reason for feeling so "off" for most of my life, and for all of the weird illnesses I've been through. Now I'm hoping that my family will take my requests for them to get tested seriously! 

 

Thank you to everyone for all of the help and advice you have offered in the short time that I've been a member of this forum. I hope to be able to pay it forward! 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


powerofpositivethinking Community Regular
powerofpositivethinking
Posted

so glad that you got an answer!!  happy healing time :)

greenbeanie Enthusiast
greenbeanie
Posted

That's great that you got a clear diagnosis! Now you know for sure.

May I ask if your biopsy report said which part of the intestines had the villous atrophy? I was shocked that my biopsy came back negative after a six-week challenge, but they didn't do lymphocyte counts and did not take any samples from my duodenal bulb. Just wondering if the duodenal bulb is usually the first place to show damage.

I hope you're feeling better and that things just keep improving from here!

1desperateladysaved Proficient
1desperateladysaved
Posted

I am glad you got your diagnosis.  Happy going back to gluten free!

 

D

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

:) It's good to know.

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Good to know you had a positive biopsy result after challenge...and happy for you that you can be sure of the transitioning to a completely gluten-free life.  Thanks for sharing :)

BelleVie Enthusiast
BelleVie
Posted
  • Author

Thank you, everyone. I'm really looking forward to getting healthy for good!

 

Greenbeanie, my pathology report just says "Duodenum, site unstated, blunting of villi, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes in tip of villi/suggestive of celiac disease." I was under the impression that that duodenal bulb was the most likely place to find damage. Is it possible for you to get a second opinion? I think that the only reason my doctor knew to be on the lookout for the increased lymphocyte count in the villi tips was because I gave him a copy of the study that came out this year on that topic. If they still have your slides, maybe someone could go back in and have another look?

 

Oh one more thing that I forgot to mention is that he also did some kind of staining during the endoscopy, where he sprayed a blue dye which made it easier to see the patterning in my small intestine, and you could see in the photos areas that were patchy and didn't show up as clearly as others. I'd never heard of that before on any other site, so I just thought it was interesting to share. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


AlwaysLearning Collaborator
AlwaysLearning
Posted

Very cool about the dye for seeing the patches. Anyone know if this is common in the testing process?

BelleVie Enthusiast
BelleVie
Posted
  • Author

I had never heard of it before, which is why I was so surprised when my doctor showed me the images. And I was just so impressed with my doctor! He spent an HOUR with me explaining everything he looked at and all of his results. He even got out a sketchpad and drew a few diagrams for me! 

0range Apprentice
0range
Posted

I had never heard of it before, which is why I was so surprised when my doctor showed me the images. And I was just so impressed with my doctor! He spent an HOUR with me explaining everything he looked at and all of his results. He even got out a sketchpad and drew a few diagrams for me! 

 

I love doctors like this (bless their souls!). Wish they were a dime a dozen?!? :P 

BelleVie Enthusiast
BelleVie
Posted
  • Author

Agreed! 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,983
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Bryan s
    Newest Member
    Bryan s
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch--thanks for the tip about Dupixent, and I've added it to the article:  
    • Scott Adams
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I just want to clarify that what I posted is a category of research summaries we've done over the years, and nearly each one shows that there is definitely a connection to celiac disease and migraine headaches. The latest study said: "the study did indicate some potential causal associations between celiac disease and migraine with or without aura, as well as between migraine without aura and ulcerative colitis...this study did not find evidence of a shared genetic basis..." Anyway, there is definitely a connection, and you can go through more of the articles here if you're interested: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/migraine-headaches-and-celiac-disease/
    • SusanJ
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By SusanJ · Posted

      Two months ago, I started taking Dupixent for dermatitis herpetiformis and it has completely cleared it up. I can't believe it! I have had a terrible painful, intensely itchy rash for over a year despite going fully gluten-free. See if your doctor will prescribe Dupixent. It can be expensive but I am getting it free. When the dermatitis herpetiformis was bad I could not do anything. I just lay in bed covered in ice packs to ease the pain/itching and using way too Clobetasol. Dapsone is also very good for dermatitis herpetiformis (and it is generic). It helped me and the results were immediate but it gave me severe anemia so the Dupixent is better for me. Not sure if it works for everyone. I cannot help with the cause of your stress but from experience I am sure the severe stress is making the celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis worse. Very difficult for you with having children to care for and you being so sick. Would this man be willing to see a family therapist with you? He may be angry at you or imagine that your illness is a psychosomatic excuse not to take care of him. A therapist might help even if he won't go with you. Also do you have any family that you could move in with (with the kids) for a short time to get away? A break may be good for you both.
    • knitty kitty
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @tiffanygosci, Thiamine deficiency is a thing in pregnancy for "normal" people, so it's exponentially more important for those with celiac disease and malabsorption issues. I studied nutrition before earning a degree in Microbiology because I was curious what the vitamins were doing inside the body.  See my blog.  Click on my name to go to my page, scroll to drop down menu "activities" and select blog.   So glad you're motivated to see the dietician!  We're always happy to help with questions.  Keep us posted on your progress! 
    • tiffanygosci
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By tiffanygosci · Posted

      Thank you for sharing all of this, Knitty Kitty! I did just want someone to share some commonality with. I did not know This one Deficiency was a thing and that it's common for Celiac Disease. It makes sense since this is a disorder that causes malabsorption. I will have to keep this in mind for my next appointments. You also just spurred me on to make that Dietician appointment. There's a lot of information online but I do need to see a professional. There is too much to juggle on my own with this condition.<3
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.