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

Test Results


SLLRunner

Recommended Posts

SLLRunner Enthusiast

My appointment was this morning. The doctor looked at my results from Kaiser and said the correct tests were taken and I am negative for celiac, but that a biopsy of the intestine would be next. She said that many people are gluten sensitive and agreed with my last doctor that I should gut gluten if I feel better without it.

She said I have "a little IBS" with the alternating constipation and diarrhea , referred me to  the GI for a consult, and recommended a colonoscopy. 

I feel like I am back at square one again.

 


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



cyclinglady Grand Master

What?  I am confused.  Didn't Kaiser just run the TTG and the IGA deficiency test?  This new doctor is not going to run the full celiac panel, but will instead do the endoscopy and a colonoscopy?  

frieze Community Regular
4 hours ago, cyclinglady said:

What?  I am confused.  Didn't Kaiser just run the TTG and the IGA deficiency test?  This new doctor is not going to run the full celiac panel, but will instead do the endoscopy and a colonoscopy?  

money

SLLRunner Enthusiast
7 hours ago, cyclinglady said:

What?  I am confused.  Didn't Kaiser just run the TTG and the IGA deficiency test?  This new doctor is not going to run the full celiac panel, but will instead do the endoscopy and a colonoscopy?  

You are correct, those are the tests that Kaiser run.  The new doctor recommended a colonoscopy to check for IBD, but she did not recommend an endoscope. I, after all, do have the classic symptoms of IBD (as she said).

The PCP said the Kaiser test is what they run too, and if the numbers are not within the normal range they do the endoscope. 

Believe me, I am confused too.

Edited to add: oh, and she said the treatment for both celiac and gluten sensitivity are the same, so I really should give the gluten free diet a try if it makes me feel better. :blink:  I gotta tell you, that made me feel very valued.

SLLRunner Enthusiast
2 hours ago, frieze said:

money

Exactly, which is why I will offer to pay for the full panel.  I would rather be safe than sorry. 

Gemini Experienced
1 hour ago, SLLRunner said:

Exactly, which is why I will offer to pay for the full panel.  I would rather be safe than sorry. 

I think it good that you are willing to put your money down for such important testing.....I did the same thing 11 years ago because I got tired of the bureaucracy and wait times. Never regretted that money spent!  But I think what frieze was referring to with her comment was the docs always push for the invasive testing because of the money they make from the procedures.  Liability plays into it also. You just need to do the full panel first, before anything else. That may give you the answers you need, without having to do the others. I am sorry you have had to deal with this.....I understand your frustration.  Good luck!

cyclinglady Grand Master

You know, when helping/directing people to the appropriate tests for screening, I used to refer to NVSMOMs celiac blood panel list.  I liked the University of Chicago's celiac website, but they would only list the TTG IGA and IGA deficiency tests for screening.  I personally push for the full panel because I continue to test negative on the TTg tests even on follow-up testing (biopsies revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB).  

Today, the University of Chicago's testing page shows the full panel.  Why?  I think they realized that the TTG does not catch all celiacs.  

I still push for the full panel.  

I am sorry that you are getting the run-around SSLRunner.  You had such high hopes when you changed insurance.  


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Gemini Experienced
5 minutes ago, cyclinglady said:

You know, when helping/directing people to the appropriate tests for screening, I used to refer to NVSMOMs celiac blood panel list.  I liked the University of Chicago's celiac website, but they would only list the TTG IGA and IGA deficiency tests for screening.  I personally push for the full panel because I continue to test negative on the TTg tests even on follow-up testing (biopsies revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB).  

Today, the University of Chicago's testing page shows the full panel.  Why?  I think they realized that the TTG does not catch all celiacs.  

I still push for the full panel.  

I am sorry that you are getting the run-around SSLRunner.  You had such high hopes when you changed insurance.  

It's about time that major Celiac centers are getting on board with the correct testing methods.......things we Celiacs have known for years.  I cannot tell you how many people I have met over 11 years who tested negative on the tTG, only to have the biopsy and be officially diagnosed.  They went through years of hell and frustration too.

If insurance companies are willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a colonoscopy/EGD, then there is no excuse for them refusing a full panel first, when the panel costs much, much less than the other invasive, popular tests!

squirmingitch Veteran

Amen!

icelandgirl Proficient

Everything Gemini said!!

I'm just wondering about ordering your own tests online?  I have not done this, if anyone has please chime in.  I found this website where you order and pay for it, they send you a lab req, you go get it done and get results.  It might be worth a try?

Open Original Shared Link

I know that you're getting discouraged.  Hang in there.  (((HUGS)))

RMJ Mentor

I had my first celiac tests done through www.mymedlab.com.  They can't operate in all states.  In my area they actually use the same lab to perform the tests that lots of local doctors use.  I don't know if they have the Dgp test available in all areas.

SLLRunner Enthusiast
5 hours ago, icelandgirl said:

Everything Gemini said!!

I'm just wondering about ordering your own tests online?  I have not done this, if anyone has please chime in.  I found this website where you order and pay for it, they send you a lab req, you go get it done and get results.  It might be worth a try?

Open Original Shared Link

I know that you're getting discouraged.  Hang in there.  (((HUGS)))

Not a good option for me because of lack of trust due to this at their website:

Quote

Please note it is recommended that prior to taking this test, a regular diet including items that contain gluten should be followed for 2 weeks as a gluten-free diet may not provide an accurate representation of potential gluten sensitivity.

You're not supposed to stop eating gluten until all testing is complete.

frieze Community Regular

exactkt, Gem.

BergieF Explorer

Has anyone ever heard of biopsy staining for those that have been on a gluten free diet?  My doctor recommend this to me since I have been been on a very restrictive gluten-free diet for 2 years.  The past 4 months I have been completely gluten-free since my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease.  The full blood panel came back negative and the doctor told me to not eat gluten for the EGD that would be done.  The staining should pick it up.  I've never heard of this....

SLLRunner Enthusiast
On 7/7/2016 at 3:34 PM, BergieF said:

Has anyone ever heard of biopsy staining for those that have been on a gluten free diet?  My doctor recommend this to me since I have been been on a very restrictive gluten-free diet for 2 years.  The past 4 months I have been completely gluten-free since my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease.  The full blood panel came back negative and the doctor told me to not eat gluten for the EGD that would be done.  The staining should pick it up.  I've never heard of this....

This study talks about staining 

Open Original Shared Link

But I don't see where it mentions staining done following a gluten free diet. 

SLLRunner Enthusiast

My GI consultation is August 30, and I am on a wait list to get in sooner if possible.  However, if it's not within the next few weeks, I will take things in my own hands and start a gluten free diet.

 

notme Experienced

good thing y'all can't hear me because i am screaming obscenities - sllrunner, you've done everything right!!!!!!!!  i am truly starting to think that nobody is really taken seriously - ibs!!!   i heard that for 25 years!!!  doctors are either really, really stupid or this sort of DECEPTION is indeed encouraged by them!!!  GRRRRRR!!!!  :angry:  i'm so sorry you're going through this!!!  

and:  ps - anybody else told that the doctors 'discovered' when they did the endoscopy:  "you have a hiatal hernia"  i said i did not know that.  "sure, do you have a lot of burping?"  well, no, not really....  lo and behold, ever since then i have a lot of burping.......  i'm fairly sure they caused it?   i'm just curious because over the years i've just noticed many of us were told hiatal hernia.  

SLLRunner Enthusiast
3 hours ago, notme! said:

good thing y'all can't hear me because i am screaming obscenities - sllrunner, you've done everything right!!!!!!!!  i am truly starting to think that nobody is really taken seriously - ibs!!!   i heard that for 25 years!!!  doctors are either really, really stupid or this sort of DECEPTION is indeed encouraged by them!!!  GRRRRRR!!!!  :angry:  i'm so sorry you're going through this!!!  

and:  ps - anybody else told that the doctors 'discovered' when they did the endoscopy:  "you have a hiatal hernia"  i said i did not know that.  "sure, do you have a lot of burping?"  well, no, not really....  lo and behold, ever since then i have a lot of burping.......  i'm fairly sure they caused it?   i'm just curious because over the years i've just noticed many of us were told hiatal hernia.  

What's interesting, too, is that I was previously diagnosed with GERD and Gastritis, both of which seemed to have calmed down somewhat. When I was at the doctor, she asked how my GERD is and I told her it's pretty calm now and I'm not too worried about it anymore. Do you know what she put down as a diagnosis that day?  Heartburn.

Gee, I would think digestive problems would have been my dx, or even a possibility of IBS, or anything but.....heartburn.....because I told her it's hardly ever there anymore. 

I have often felt that doctors don't pay much attention. 

 

  • 1 month later...
SLLRunner Enthusiast

Today was the big day when I went to the GI and this is the first time I have felt heard and taken care of.  I told him about the two celiac blood tests  (in my first post) normal, he said that often happens, even with people who do have celiac and he needed to see the report and pictures from my endoscope.    I had filled out the appropriate Kaiser paperwork for Sutter to send all my medical records, but they ended up sending a disc with records to me, which Sutter said they could not use. 

We also talked about gluten sensitivity v. celiac, and he said a lot of people are sensitive to gluten even if they don't have celiac. He said that my symptoms sound like classic IBS, which can be caused by any number of things.  He asked if I would try the FODMAP diet, which limits certain foods and requires no gluten.

He said my symptoms sound like classic IBS, which he said can be caused by any number of things, including gluten sensitivity.  He has asked if I would try the FODMAP diet, which has restricted foods as well as no gluten because most gluten products have wheat in them.  So, since I am planning on going gluten free anyway, and I don't want another endoscope or blood tests if absolutely necessary, I am going to try the FODMAP diet and see what happens.

I filled a consent form at the GI office today to have all my records sent to him so he can view the endoscope pathology report and photos.  I have an appointment with a Registered Dietician on September 30, and follow up appointment the GI in 4 months. 

cyclinglady Grand Master

Nice to have made progress!  ?

SLLRunner Enthusiast
12 hours ago, cyclinglady said:

Nice to have made progress!  ?

It sure is, it really is. 

Archived

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

  • 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. - cristiana replied to Scatterbrain's topic in Sports and Fitness
      5

      Feel like I’m starting over

    2. - knitty kitty replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      8

      My only proof

    3. - Wheatwacked replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      8

      Related issues

    4. - NanceK replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      8

      My only proof

    5. - Wheatwacked replied to Scatterbrain's topic in Sports and Fitness
      5

      Feel like I’m starting over


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,294
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    laurallee
    Newest Member
    laurallee
    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

    • cristiana
      Hi @Scatterbrain Thank you for your reply.   Some of these things could be weaknesses, also triggered by stress, which perhaps have come about as the result of long-term deficiencies which can take a long time to correct.   Some could be completely unrelated. If it is of help, I'll tell you some of the things that started in the first year or two, following my diagnosis - I pinned everything on coeliac disease, but it turns out I wasn't always right!  Dizziness, lightheaded - I was eventually diagnosed with cervical dizziness (worth googling, could be your issue too, also if you have neck pain?)  A few months after diagnosis I put my neck out slightly carrying my seven-year-old above my head, and never assigned any relevance to it as the pain at the time was severe but so short-lived that I'd forgotten the connection. Jaw pain - stress. Tinnitus - I think stress, but perhaps exacerbated by iron/vitamin deficiencies. Painful ribs and sacroiliac joints - no idea, bloating made the pain worse. It got really bad but then got better. Irregular heart rate - could be a coincidence but my sister (not a coeliac) and I both developed this temporarily after our second Astra Zeneca covid jabs.   Subsequent Pfizer jabs didn't affect us. Brain fog - a big thing for people with certain autoimmune issues but in my case I think possibly worse when my iron or B12 are low, but I have no proof of this. Insomnia - stress, menopause. So basically, it isn't always gluten.  It might be worth having your vitamins and mineral levels checked, and if you have deficiencies speak to your Dr about how better to address them?    
    • knitty kitty
      @NanceK, I do have Hypersensitivity Type Four reaction to Sulfa drugs, a sulfa allergy.  Benfotiamine and other forms of Thiamine do not bother me at all.  There's sulfur in all kinds of Thiamine, yet our bodies must have it as an essential nutrient to make life sustaining enzymes.  The sulfur in thiamine is in a ring which does not trigger sulfa allergy like sulfites in a chain found in pharmaceuticals.  Doctors are not given sufficient education in nutrition (nor chemistry in this case).  I studied Nutrition before earning a degree in Microbiology.  I wanted to know what vitamins were doing inside the body.   Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.   Not feeling well after starting Benfotiamine is normal.  It's called the "thiamine paradox" and is equivalent to an engine backfiring if it's not been cranked up for a while.  Mine went away in about three days.  I took a B Complex, magnesium and added molybdenum for a few weeks. It's important to add a B Complex with all eight essential B vitamins. Supplementing just one B vitamin can cause lows in some of the others and result in feeling worse, too.  Celiac Disease causes malabsorption of all the B vitamins, not just thiamine.  You need all eight.  Thiamine forms including Benfotiamine interact with each of the other B vitamins in some way.  It's important to add a magnesium glycinate or chelate supplement as well.  Forms of Thiamine including Benfotiamine need magnesium to make those life sustaining enzymes.  (Don't use magnesium oxide.  It's not absorbed well.  It pulls water into the intestines and is used to relieve constipation.)   Molybdenum is a trace mineral that helps the body utilize forms of Thiamine.   Molybdenum supplements are available over the counter.  It's not unusual to be low in molybdenum if low in thiamine.   I do hope you will add the necessary supplements and try Benfotiamine again. Science-y Explanation of Thiamine Paradox: https://hormonesmatter.com/paradoxical-reactions-with-ttfd-the-glutathione-connection/#google_vignette
    • Wheatwacked
      Your goal is not to be a good puppet, there is no gain in that. You might want to restart the ones that helped.  It sounds more like you are suffering from malnutrition.  Gluten free foods are not fortified with things like Thiamine (B1), vitamin D, Iodine, B1,2,3,5,6 and 12 as non-gluten free products are required to be. There is a Catch-22 here.  Malnutrition can cause SIBO, and SIBO can worsen malnutrition. Another possibility is side effects from any medication that are taking.  I was on Metformin 3 months before it turned me into a zombi.  I had crippling side effects from most of the BP meds tried on me, and Losartan has many of the side effects on me from my pre gluten free days. Because you have been gluten free, you can test and talk until you are blue in the face but all of your tests will be negative.  Without gluten, you will not create the antigen against gluten, no antigens to gluten, so no small intestine damage from the antigens.  You will need to do a gluten challange to test positive if you need an official diagnosis, and even then, no guaranty: 10 g of gluten per day for 6 weeks! Then a full panel of Celiac tests and biopsy. At a minimum consider vitamin D, Liquid Iodine (unless you have dermatitis herpetiformis and iodine exasperates the rash), and Liquid Geritol. Push for vitamin D testing and a consult with a nutritionist experienced with Celiack Disease.  Most blood tests don't indicate nutritional deficiencies.  Your thyroid tests can be perfect, yet not indicate iodine deficiency for example.  Thiamine   test fine, but not pick up on beriberi.  Vegans are often B12 deficient because meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy are the primary souces of B12. Here is what I take daily.  10,000 IU vitamin D3 750 mg g a b a [   ] 200 mg CoQ10 [   ] 100 mg DHEA [   ] 250 mg thiamine B1 [   ] 100 mg of B2 [   ] 500 mg B5 pantothenic acid [   ] 100 mg B6 [   ] 1000 micrograms B12 n [   ] 500 mg vitamin c [   ] 500 mg taurine [   ] 200 mg selenium   
    • NanceK
      Hi…Just a note that if you have an allergy to sulfa it’s best not to take Benfotiamine. I bought a bottle and tried one without looking into it first and didn’t feel well.  I checked with my pharmacist and he said not to take it with a known sulfa allergy. I was really bummed because I thought it would help my energy level, but I was thankful I was given this info before taking more of it. 
    • Wheatwacked
      Hello @Scatterbrain, Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals.  Gluten free food is not fortified so you may be starting to run low on B vitamins and vitamin D.   By the way you should get your mom checked for celiac disease.  You got it from your mom or dad.  Some studies show that following a gluten-free diet can stabilize or improve symptoms of dementia.  I know that for the 63 years I was eating gluten I got dumber and dumber until I started GFD and vitamin replenishment and it began to reverse.  Thiamine can get used up in a week or two.  Symptoms can come and go with daily diet.  Symptoms of beriberi due to Thiamine deficiency.   Difficulty walking. Loss of feeling (sensation) in hands and feet. Loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs. Mental confusion. Pain. Speech difficulties. Strange eye movements (nystagmus) Tingling. Any change in medications? Last March I had corotid artery surgery (90 % blockage), and I started taking Losartan for blood pressure, added to the Clonidine I was taking already.  I was not recovering well and many of my pre gluten free symptoms were back  I was getting worse.  At first I thought it was caused a reaction to the anesthesia from the surgery, but that should have improved after two weeks.  Doctor thought I was just being a wimp. After three months I talked to my doctor about a break from the Losartan to see if it was causing it. It had not made any difference in my bp.  Except for clonindine, all of the previous bp meds tried had not worked to lower bp and had crippling side effects. One, I could not stand up straight; one wobbly knees, another spayed feet.  Inguinal hernia from the Lisinopril cough.  Had I contiued on those, I was destined for a wheelchair or walker. She said the symptoms were not from Losartan so I continued taking it.  Two weeks later I did not have the strength in hips and thighs to get up from sitting on the floor (Help, I can't get up😨).  I stopped AMA (not recommended).  Without the Losartan, a) bp did not change, after the 72 hour withdrawal from Losartanon, on clonidine only and b) symptoms started going away.  Improvement started in 72 hours.  After six weeks they were gone and I am getting better.  
×
×
  • 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.