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

6 Month Follow-Up Blood Test Results Question - Ttg Iga Still Elevated

HavaneseMom

Recommended Posts

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted

Hi Everyone,

I just picked up my blood work results, so I could look them over before my 6 month post diagnosis follow up appointment I have tomorrow. I was surprised to see that my TTG IGA level has lowered, but is still high and above the normal range. It was also high when I had blood work done at 3 1/2 months post diagnosis. I had posted a question here about it at that time, and it was mentioned that it should be in normal range around 6 months, and if not, it could be due to another auto immune disease.

Here are my results from diagnosis, 3 1/2 month and 6 months for reference. The numbers for all of these test should be less than 20 to be considered in the normal reference range.

At Diagnosis:

TTG IGA 157

TTG IGG 8

Gliadin AB IGA 170

Gliadin AB IGG 65

At 3 1/2 Months Gluten Free:

TTG IGA 34

TTG IGG 4

Gliadin AB IGA 18

Gliadin AB IGG 19

At 6 Months Gluten Free:

TTG IGA 26

TTG IGG 4

Gliadin AB IGA 12

Gliadin AB IGG 11

My other celiac related numbers have continued to fall to numbers I am very happy with and are all under 20 like they should be, but not TTG IGA. I am wondering what other auto immune issues could cause that number to remain elevated? I would like to bring this possibility up with my doctor tomorrow. I am sure he will say I am probably still getting trace amounts of gluten in my diet somewhere, but I don't think so. Also, wouldn't the other numbers still be elevated above normal range if that we're true?

Thanks in advance!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

They have continually come down over six months.  I think you simply need to wait for the one year mark.  Six months ago you had two celiac antibodies over 150...that is very high, now they are nearly all in the normal ranges.

 

Have your Iron or D levels risen since removing gluten?  As long as nutrient levels are correcting, celiac antibody levels are falling and symptoms improve -- it seems that you are indeed living gluten-free.  If you are worried there are any areas that gluten is getting in, tighten those, but I'd try not to worry until at least the one year mark - based on celiac antibody levels you have reported here.

 

Hang in there!

 

Great work getting those numbers down quickly :)

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

Thanks GottaSki!

I am very happy to see that the numbers are consistently dropping. Just that one little nagging high number is still out there.

I guess I am a little on the defense about the elevated TTG IGA, since the physicians assistant insisted that the level was high at 3 1/2 months because I had to be ingesting gluten. I remember asking you all about that at that time and everyone here said that is not always true, but I am sure it will come up tomorrow. I get to see the actual doctor tomorrow though, so maybe he won't give me a hard time about it, since hopefully he is more knowledgeable about the healing and recovery time frame.

My Vitamin D and Iron are slowly improving, but need a little more time too.

I will take your advice and won't worry about these things as long as everything is continuing to improve.

Celiacandme Apprentice
Celiacandme
Posted

How did your appointment go?

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

How did your appointment go?

Thanks for asking!

I actually had to cancel the appointment at the last minute because I somehow threw my lower back out and can barely walk (second time in three weeks!).

I can't get in to see him again until mid May, so I will have to wait until then to go over all of my results with him.

Celiacandme Apprentice
Celiacandme
Posted

Oh no! I hope you feel better soon!

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Thanks for asking!

I actually had to cancel the appointment at the last minute because I somehow threw my lower back out and can barely walk (second time in three weeks!).

I can't get in to see him again until mid May, so I will have to wait until then to go over all of my results with him.

 

Feel Better!!!!

 

Maybe request one more tTG-IgA right before the May appt, since it was the only positive...perhaps it will be even lower by then???

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

Oh no! I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks!

I'm hoping it will be better by the weekend. I really need to get on a regular exercise routine to strengthen my back. I have been enjoying babying and pampering myself since my diagnosis 6 months ago, and haven't been exercising and have gained some weight. I guess it's time to start watching my calories and exercising now that my digestive system is so much better :-).

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

Feel Better!!!!

 

Maybe request one more tTG-IgA right before the May appt, since it was the only positive...perhaps it will be even lower by then???

Thanks!

That is a great idea. I will make sure to ask for that test before my appointment. I never would have thought of that, so thanks again.

I looked over my blood work more carefully after you asked before if my deficiencies were improving. I was very excited to see how much things have improved in 6 months. At the time of my diagnosis I had 13 test that came back very much out of normal range. After 6 months, I now only have 5 test that are just slightly out of normal range. I'm amazed at what a impact 6 months of gluten free living has had on my body!

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Thanks!

That is a great idea. I will make sure to ask for that test before my appointment. I never would have thought of that, so thanks again.

I looked over my blood work more carefully after you asked before if my deficiencies were improving. I was very excited to see how much things have improved in 6 months. At the time of my diagnosis I had 13 test that came back very much out of normal range. After 6 months, I now only have 5 test that are just slightly out of normal range. I'm amazed at what a impact 6 months of gluten free living has had on my body!

 

You are welcome...always glad to help...took me forever to learn out to manage my own medical tests.

 

Great news that six months has improved those nutrient numbers...they will continue to improve.

 

As for the weight...you and your body have been through a major change these past months -- go easy on yourself -- do try to take a short walk each day...even if it is down the block, before you know it you'll be raring for more :)

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

Ouch. I have back issues too. It can make things difficult.  :(

 

Your numbers have improved nicely. I agree with Lisa that I bet they will keep coming down as time goes by. Some of us just take longer - I was almost down to normal at just over one year gluten-free... Almost. LOL  I do have one of the other possible causes of a slightly elevated tTG IgA though, so that could affect my score.

 

The other most common causes of a weak positive tTG IgA are diabetes, crohn's, colitis, chronic liver disease, thyroiditis, and infection... I think I'm missing one... Chances are you are just one of the slow ones though.  :)

 

Best wishes.  Hope you feel better soon.

  • 1 month later...
HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to follow up on my original post with the great news I received today that my TTG IGA is now 17. It took almost 8 months, but all of my Celiac numbers are now below the normal reference range of less than 20! I thought I would share my excitement with the only other people in the world that could relate to being happy about this :).

I did mention to the doctor that his Physicians Assistant had called me after my previous two test results came back to tell me that I must be consuming gluten because my TTG IGA was not under the normal reference range of 20. He was surprised by this and said he would talk to her about it. He then said that it's not something they usually focus on at all, and it takes time for the numbers to drop and I did a great job sticking to the gluten free diet - just like you all said.

Thanks to everyone here for the invaluable advice you have given. I couldn't have gotten this far without it. :wub:

icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to follow up on my original post with the great news I received today that my TTG IGA is now 17. It took almost 8 months, but all of my Celiac numbers are now below the normal reference range of less than 20! I thought I would share my excitement with the only other people in the world that could relate to being happy about this :).

I did mention to the doctor that his Physicians Assistant had called me after my previous two test results came back to tell me that I must be consuming gluten because my TTG IGA was not under the normal reference range of 20. He was surprised by this and said he would talk to her about it. He then said that it's not something they usually focus on at all, and it takes time for the numbers to drop and I did a great job sticking to the gluten free diet - just like you all said.

Thanks to everyone here for the invaluable advice you have given. I couldn't have gotten this far without it. :wub:

I'm super excited for you! I get my follow up blood work done next week...come on low numbers!

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,024
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Maus14
    Newest Member
    Maus14
    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 getting dentures

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your experience is both shocking and critically important for the community to hear, underscoring the terrifying reality that cross-contamination can extend into the most unexpected and invasive medical devices. It is absolutely devastating that you had to endure six months of sickness and ultimately sustain permanent vision loss because a doctor dismissed your legitimate, life-altering condition. Your relentless research and advocacy, from discovering the gluten in MMA acrylic to finding a compassionate prosthodontist, is a testament to your strength in a system that often fails celiac patients. While the scientific and medical consensus is that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin or eyes (as the molecules are too large to pass through these barriers), your story highlights a terrifying gray area: what about a substance *permanently implanted inside the body*, where it could potentially shed microparticles or cause a localized immune reaction? Your powerful warning about acrylic lenses and the drastic difference with the silicone alternative is invaluable information. Thank you for sharing your harrowing journey and the specific, severe neurological symptoms you endure; it is a stark reminder that celiac is a systemic disease, and your advocacy is undoubtedly saving others from similar trauma.
    • Scott Adams
      Dedicated gluten-free Restaurants in East Bay (near San Francisco):

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Those are driving distance from me--I will try to check them out, thanks for sharing!
    • Scott Adams
      Fighting for a name

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I am so sorry you're going through this bad experience--it's difficult when your own lived reality of cause and effect is dismissed by the very professionals meant to help you. You are absolutely right—your violent physical reactions are not "what you think," but undeniable data points, and it's a form of medical gaslighting to be told otherwise, especially when you have a positive HLA-DQ2 gene and a clear clinical picture. Since your current "celiac specialist" is not addressing the core issue or your related conditions like SIBO and chronic fatigue, it may be time for a strategic pivot. Instead of trying to "reprove" your celiac disease to unwilling ears, consider seeking out a new gastroenterologist or functional medicine doctor, and frame the conversation around managing the complications of a confirmed gluten-free diet for celiac disease. Go in and say, "I have celiac disease, am strictly gluten-free, but I am still suffering from these specific complications: SIBO, chronic fatigue, dermatological issues, and high blood pressure linked to pain. I need a partner to help me address these related conditions." This shifts the focus from a debate about your diagnosis to a collaborative plan for your current suffering, which is the help you truly need and deserve to work toward bouncing back.
    • NanCel
      Celiac getting dentures

      By NanCel · Posted

      Hello, no I had to have them re done and then used a liner over the top.  Many dentists are not aware of the celiac effects.  Best of luck.   There is other material, yet, very expensive.
    • sleuth
      Nicotine Gum For Gluten Symptoms.. Am I Crazy?

      By sleuth · Posted

      He is not just a psychiatrist.  He is also a neuroscientist.  And yes, I have already read those studies.   I agree with benfotiamine.  This is short term while glutened/inflammation occurs.  As I had already mentioned, these symptoms no longer exist when this phase passes.  And yes, I know that celiac is a disease of malnutrition.  We are working with a naturopath.
×
×
  • 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.