Positive Ttg But Negative Antireticulin?

[Lissa283]

I had a positive ttg (12.6) but a negative antireticulin...the rheumatologist said I have celiac disease....does this sound right??

[nvsmom]

Yes.    The reticulin tests were not that reliable and missed too many celiacs.  Not many labs still use them.  The tTG IgA is the most common tests with a specificity to celiac disease of 95%.  Most likely you have celiac disease.

 

How do you feel about that diagnosis? Does it seem to fit?

 

Welcome to the board.  

[Lissa283]

I have tons of symptoms and they all fit the celiac picture. I've been off gluten for 2 days and already feel more energetic.

[nvsmom]

That's probably a match then.   Welcome to the club.  

 

Are they planning on doing the endoscopic biopsy to confirm the diagnosis?  If so, you'll need to be eating gluten in the 2-4 weeks prior to the procedure so you may not want to go gluten-free yet if you are having it done.  Many celiacs find it really tough to go back on gluten after starting to feel better.

 

The biopsy is not necessary for a diagnosis though - I skipped it. If you and your doctor are comfortable with the diagnosis, then definitely stay gluten-free.

 

I hope you continue to feel better. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms in the next week or so, just remind yourself that it only last a couple of weeks.  Best wishes.  

[Lissa283]

That's probably a match then.   Welcome to the club.  

 

Are they planning on doing the endoscopic biopsy to confirm the diagnosis?  If so, you'll need to be eating gluten in the 2-4 weeks prior to the procedure so you may not want to go gluten-free yet if you are having it done.  Many celiacs find it really tough to go back on gluten after starting to feel better.

 

The biopsy is not necessary for a diagnosis though - I skipped it. If you and your doctor are comfortable with the diagnosis, then definitely stay gluten-free.

 

I hope you continue to feel better. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms in the next week or so, just remind yourself that it only last a couple of weeks.  Best wishes.  

I don't think i'm going to do the biopsy. I can't wait another 6 weeks to find the answer when it's probably true.  I feel just too terrible most days.  I think I may just go gluten free and have my labs rechecked and see if there is improvement.

[nvsmom]

Good luck with the diet!