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Awaiting Biopsy Results

monkeyloaf

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monkeyloaf Newbie
monkeyloaf
Posted

I'm still awaiting the results of my biopsy. I have Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults, which is basically type 1 diabetes diagnosed as an adult. (I was 32.) I have second degree relatives with celiac, although, my mom and my sister have yet to be tested. My mom's side of the family has a variety of autoimmune issues. My tTg-IgA was weakly positive (7.5), my DGP IgA was weakly positive (26), and my EMA was positive. My GI MD said he could see some inflammation on my duodenum during my EGD. I desperately want an answer to the issues I've been having. My primary complaints have been fatigue and joint pain, so I hadn't really considered celiac, thinking my GI issues were due to exhaustion. I am thinking I may stay gluten-free regardless of the biopsy results. I've been feeling better since cutting out gluten immediately after my EGD. I also feel like my lab work, diabetes, and family history are enough to warrant caution. Any thoughts or advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Hi monkeyloaf......with a positive tTg and EMA, that is a slam dunk for Celiac Disease. It doesn't matter that they are weakly positive, a positive is a positive with Celiac!  With a positive EMA, I am sure you will show damage on biopsy BUT if it happens that damage is patchy and they miss those spots, please do what you already stated and go strictly gluten-free.  You have Celiac!  Couple that with Type 1 diabetes and other relatives with Celiac, it is of the utmost importance  that you be gluten-free. 

Quote

I also feel like my lab work, diabetes, and family history are enough to warrant caution.

Your intuition is talking to you on this so these words you spoke are very smart!  :)  I am sorry you have both AI diseases but with the right diet, you are going to be feeling so much better so hang in there!

monkeyloaf Newbie
monkeyloaf
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, Gemini. I appreciate having additional insight into my situation. Celiac being the cause of my health issues makes more and more sense the more I learn about it, and eliminating gluten sounds more and more like the right choice for me.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Sound advice from Gemini.  Just wanted you to know that I had only one "weakly" positive on the DGP IGA, yet biopsies revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB (moderate to severe intestinal damage).  Anemia was really my only symptom at the time.  A positive is a positive!

I wish you well!  

monkeyloaf Newbie
monkeyloaf
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for the advice as I waited for my results. Turns out my biopsy results were positive for celiac. Not sure about where it fell on the Marsh Scale, but I will ask my GI MD at my follow-up appointment.

Thank you again!

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

I am happy you have some solid answers, monkeyloaf.  Welcome to our club, even if you weren't crazy about joining!  ;)  This is good because you will have more control over your health now.  Hope to see you on here......there is loads of good advice and support.

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