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

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      13

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      so do you have celiac or not? 🤔 why are your vision issues undiagnosed? 😢 what does your ophthalmologist say? do you have a serious vit A deficiency? what do you take for it? how long have you had celiac disease and how long did it take to get a diagnosis? if you are legally blind there are adaptive devices that will help ...
    2. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      13

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      @catnapt, I apologize. Obviously I've confused you with someone else. I have vision problems due to undiagnosed Celiac complications. Being legally blind, y'all look the same from here. You still have not said which new medication you started taking. Parathyroid disorders can affect antibody production. Bone Loss Correlated with Parathyroid...
    3. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      13

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      during the gluten challenge I did not consume any wheat germ the wheat germ is TOASTED - it's the only way it is sold now afiak doesn't matter I consume vast amounts of lectin containing foods PROPERLY prepared and have for well over a decade. They do not bother me in the least. no anemia however the endo who ordered...
    4. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      13

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      @catnapt, I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. How much wheat germ and how much gluten were you eating? Lectins in beans can be broken down by pressure cooking them. Do you pressure cook your beans? Were you pressure cooking your wheat germ? What drugs are you taking? Some immunosuppressive drugs affect IgA production. Do...
    5. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      13

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      oops my gluten challenge was only 12 days It started Jan 21s and ended Feb 1st worst 12 days of my life Does not help that I also started on a thiazide-like drug for rule in/out renal calcium leak at the exact same time No clue if that could have been symptoms worse 🤔
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,368
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Helen1984
    Newest Member
    Helen1984
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      so do you have celiac or not? 🤔 why are your vision issues undiagnosed? 😢 what does your ophthalmologist say?  do you have a serious vit A deficiency? what do you take for it? how long have you had celiac disease and how long did  it take to get a diagnosis?   if you are legally blind there are adaptive devices that will help you. I have vision difficulties as well but did not qualify (at least not yet)   do you have a vit A deficiency? why are you undiagnosed? what does your ophthalmologist say? I have a retinal specialist and he tells me my eye condition can not be fixed- until/unless it gets to the point of where surgery is safer since the surgery can leave me actually blind... so you want to wait til it gets really bad 🤪     I hope you find what works for you.    PS   the medication I started at the same time as the gluten challenge is obvious from the condition it's trying to treat. you can google it 😉 it is not an for any auto immune condition.   
    • knitty kitty
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @catnapt,  I apologize.  Obviously I've confused you with someone else.  I have vision problems due to undiagnosed Celiac complications.  Being legally blind, y'all look the same from here.   You still have not said which new medication you started taking.  Parathyroid disorders can affect antibody production.  Bone Loss Correlated with Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Adult Celiac Patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36619734/ Effect of vitamin B1 supplementation on bone turnover markers in adults: an exploratory single-arm pilot study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12075007/
    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      during the gluten challenge I did not consume any wheat germ   the wheat germ is TOASTED - it's the only way it is sold now afiak doesn't matter I consume vast amounts of lectin containing foods PROPERLY prepared and have for well over a decade. They do not bother me in the least.    no anemia however the endo who ordered the celiac panel is the one who suggested the 2 week gluten challenge of eating at least 2 slices of bread per day or a serving of pasta- ALSO put me on a new drug at the same time (not a good idea)  I ate 4 slices because they were thin, or 2 English muffins, and just once some lasagna that someone else made since I stopped eating wheat pasta years ago. The English muffins caused some of the worst symptoms but that pc of lasagna almost killed me ( not literally but the pain was extreme) during those 12 days there were at least 3 times I considered going to Urgent Care.   This entire process was a waste of time TBH due to being on that new drug at the exact same time. it is impossible to tell if the drug I am taking for the possible renal calcium leak is working or not- given the dramatic response to the gluten challenge and resulting nausea (no vomiting) and eventually a loss of appetite and lower intake of foods so now I have a dangerously low potassium level   I don't have a simple case of celiac or no- I have an extremely complicated case with multiple variables I am seeing an endocrinologist for a problem with the calcium sensing glands - that system is very complicated and she has been unable to give me a firm diagnosis after many tests with confusing and often alarming results. She also appears to be inexperienced and unsure of herself. but I don't have the luxury of finding a new endo due to multiple issues of insurance, lack of drs in my area, money and transportation. so I'm stuck with her At least she hasn't given up    in any case I can assure you that lectins are not and never were the problem. I know they are a favorite villain in some circles to point to, but I have ZERO symptoms from my NORMAL diet which DOES NOT contain gluten. The longer I went without bread or foods with wheat like raisin bran cereal, the better I have felt. my body had been telling me for several years that wheat was the problem- or maybe specifically gluten, that remains to be seen- and stopping eating it was the best thing I could have done   I almost had unnecessary MAJOR SURGERY due to joint pain that I ONLY have if I am eating bread or related products I assumed it was the refined grains - never really suspected gluten but it does not matter I won't put that poison in my body ever again not that it is literally poison but it is def toxic to me        
    • knitty kitty
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @catnapt,  I'm sorry you're having such a rough time.   How much wheat germ and how much gluten were you eating? Lectins in beans can be broken down by pressure cooking them.  Do you pressure cook your beans?  Were you pressure cooking your wheat germ? What drugs are you taking?  Some immunosuppressive drugs affect IgA production.  Do you have anemia?
    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oops my gluten challenge was only 12 days It started Jan 21s and ended Feb 1st   worst 12 days of my life   Does not help that I also started on a thiazide-like drug for rule in/out renal calcium leak at the exact same time No clue if that could have been symptoms worse 🤔
×
×
  • 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.