Trying To Figure Out What Is Wrong

[greytmom]

Hi everyone. I am a 49 year old female (soon to be 50!) and I have had IBS-D since about 16 or so, fibromyalgia for about 20 years, and I'm starting to wonder about chronic fatigue because I just feel perpetually exhausted. I managed pretty well with the IBS for years, avoiding trigger foods like leafy greens and white flour.

But for the past several years, it seems like everything disagrees with me. I went from having flare-ups every few days to where it is now pretty much constant. I saw my doctor last week and she started me on Librax 3 times a day, but it really isn't doing enough to control the symptoms. It is affecting my work, everything.

When I saw my PCP a month ago and asked her to test me for celiac, she told me she was sure that wasn't it since 1) I am overweight and 2) I had a normal colonoscopy two years ago. But, she agreed to test me, and went over the results with me last week. She told me everything is normal and it's just IBS, and prescribed the Librax.

I asked for a printout of my labs when I left, and looked them over when I got home. Here is what the labs say:

Tissue Transglutaminase AB, IGA

1 U/L (my result)

Value interpretation <4 U/L: no antibody detected

Immunoglobulin A

113 mg/dL (my result)

(81-463) reference range

Gliadin (deamidated) AB (IGA)

6 units (my result)

Value interpretation <20: antibody not detected

Gliadin (deamidated) AB (IGG)

50 units HIGH (my result)

Value interpretation >20: antibody detected

Tissue Transglutaminase AB, IGG

1 U/mL (my result)

Value interpretation <6: no antibody detected

My vitamin levels were low a year ago, so she recommended a multivitamin then, which I have been taking regularly since. Vitamin D was particularly low, so she also recommended extra D, so I do take that as well. Current D level is at 42, reference range 30-100. Surprised me a bit, thought it would be higher with the extra I am taking.

My cholesterol and triglycerides are fantastic, and when I made a comment about well, at least being overweight hadn't affected that, she joked that I must be pooping it all out. So clearly there is an awareness that there is an absorption issue, but she seems content to chalk it all up to stress (30+ years worth!) and write me a prescription.

I'm just frustrated that there don't seem to be any answers. I did go gluten free a few years ago, but didn't do it for very long, although it did help, a little. I just want to KNOW.

Any comments and suggestions will be most welcome. I do take probiotics as well, but they don't seem to make a difference.

[cyclinglady]

Welcome!

Let me put it bluntly.....you need a new doctor.

You have one positive on the panel. Now, you should see a GI doctor for an endoscopy (not a colonoscopy) for a visual and biopsies. Celiac Disease damages the small intestine--not the large. I tested positive on just two of the tests and ended having moderate to severe damage when I had my biopsies done. My total cholesterol always hovered under 120 and I was praised by my doctors. Have since found out that low cholesterol is just as bad as having too high! Since I have been gluten free and have healed, my cholesterol is up to a healthy 176 with triglycerides at 48 and HDL at 61 from 37.

Keep eating gluten until all testing is complete. Go to the University of Chicago's celiac website for more testing information.

I hope you feel better soon.

[SMRI]

Not all Celiacs are underweight...if they were, I'd be a lot skinnier than I am .  I agree, get an appointment with a GI dr that specializes in Celiac disease.  Go to Chicago, Mayo Clinic, etc. if you need.  The other thing, your total IgA, while still normal, is on the low end of things and that could alter your TT IgA results some.  

[ravenwoodglass]

The test you are positive on is specific to celiac. Be careful with the Librax as it can have a sedating effect so driving may be impacted. I never found it to be helpful either and it is not something IMHO that should be used long term. It is time to get a second opinion from a different doctor. If your doctor objects it is time to find a new PCP. Keep eating gluten until all your testing is finished and then after testing is done go ahead and get on the diet. 

[nvsmom]

Oh yeah. That DGP IgG of yours is well over double the normal limit - that is something to take seriously. The DGP IgG is considered to be one of the most specific (to celiac disease) tests out there. A positive result means you have celiac disease 99-100% of the time.  (This is where I got my stats: Open Original Shared Link)  It loos like celiac disease to me too!

 

Low vitamin levels, as well as low cholesterol and triglycerides are common symptoms of celiac disease. My cholesterol and triglycerides were far enough below normal that my doctor is trying (through diet) to raise it some.  LOL

 

I agree with the others that you need to see a GI specialist and eventually go gluten-free.  When you are finally able to go gluten-free (after testing is complete)  make sure you give the diet a few months to help. The first year of recovery is full of ups and downs, and many symptoms may not improve for many months.

 

Welcome to the board.  

[greytmom]

Thank you, everyone... I really appreciate your suggestions and will make an appt. with a gastroenterologist. It's weird... With my dogs I don't hesitate to push back with the vets if I am not comfortable with the info they are giving me! But with me... Another story altogether!