Colonoscopy

[Theri]

Recently given ttg iga test. The report came back 10H. Not sure why the H. I see 10 is week positive. Also they would like to check with a colonoscopy. Really confused, because I keep reading an endoscopy is the way to go. Would someone be able to clear up one or both of these issues. Thankyou!

 

[TexasJen]

  On 2/11/2017 at 8:44 PM, Theri said:

Recently given ttg iga test. The report came back 10H. Not sure why the H. I see 10 is week positive. Also they would like to check with a colonoscopy. Really confused, because I keep reading an endoscopy is the way to go. Would someone be able to clear up one or both of these issues. Thankyou!

 

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The H just means "high" (as opposed to normal.  As for the endoscopy, I believe it is the preferred way to confirm the diagnosis. I don't think the large intestine has the same changes of celiac (i.e. there are no villi)

[tessa25]

Endoscopy is used to confirm celiac. I'd go to a good gastroenterologist instead of a regular doctor. I looked at reviews online to pick out my gastroenterologist.

[Theri]

  On 2/11/2017 at 8:48 PM, TexasJen said:

The H just means "high" (as opposed to normal.  As for the endoscopy, I believe it is the preferred way to confirm the diagnosis. I don't think the large intestine has the same changes of celiac (i.e. there are no villi)

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Thankyou! Just frustrated because I know they should be taking 4-6 biopsies in upper intestines.

 

[Theri]

  On 2/11/2017 at 9:08 PM, tessa25 said:

Endoscopy is used to confirm celiac. I'd go to a good gastroenterologist instead of a regular doctor. I looked at reviews online to pick out my gastroenterologist.

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You are smart. I would do the same if I could.

 

[squirmingitch]

  On 2/11/2017 at 8:44 PM, Theri said:

Recently given ttg iga test. The report came back 10H. Not sure why the H. I see 10 is week positive. Also they would like to check with a colonoscopy. Really confused, because I keep reading an endoscopy is the way to go. Would someone be able to clear up one or both of these issues. Thankyou!

 

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As previously stated the H means it's a high reading aka above normal aka positive. Colonoscopy is NOT a way to dx celiac or even to check for it. Endoscopy taking 4-6 biopsies, preferably minimum of 6 is the gold standard for dx when combined with positive blood which you have. A colonoscopy will tell you nothing about celiac. Find a celiac savvy GI specialist.

AND......

Imperative!!!!!

Do NOT STOP eating gluten until after the endoscopy or you will get a false negative. You don't need to eat a ton of gluten every day but you do need to eat some every day.  1 slice of gluten bread each day should do it.

[Theri]

  On 2/12/2017 at 2:26 PM, squirmingitch said:

As previously stated the H means it's a high reading aka above normal aka positive. Colonoscopy is NOT a way to dx celiac or even to check for it. Endoscopy taking 4-6 biopsies, preferably minimum of 6 is the gold standard for dx when combined with positive blood which you have. A colonoscopy will tell you nothing about celiac. Find a celiac savvy GI specialist.

AND......

Imperative!!!!!

Do NOT STOP eating gluten until after the endoscopy or you will get a false negative. You don't need to eat a ton of gluten every day but you do need to eat some every day.  1 slice of gluten bread each day should do it.

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Thankyou! You are right! I did quit eating gluten and lost 6 more pounds from withdrawals. That made it 94 lbs. Gained 3 back. The withdrawals are horrible. I think I will stay off gluten. Need to anyways because of ibs.

[squirmingitch]

  On 2/12/2017 at 4:41 PM, Theri said:

Thankyou! You are right! I did quit eating gluten and lost 6 more pounds from withdrawals. That made it 94 lbs. Gained 3 back. The withdrawals are horrible. I think I will stay off gluten. Need to anyways because of ibs.

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Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, you misunderstand. You MUST eat gluten every day for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to an endoscopy!!!!!!!! If you stay gluten free then you will walk away with no diagnosis.

[Theri]

They didn't tell me to go off gluten. I know you are right. Thankyou! I am going go rem s in hluten free. I can't have it anyways because of other health problems.

  On 2/11/2017 at 9:08 PM, tessa25 said:

Endoscopy is used to confirm celiac. I'd go to a good gastroenterologist instead of a regular doctor. I looked at reviews online to pick out my gastroenterologist.

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[cyclinglady]

  On 2/12/2017 at 4:41 PM, Theri said:

Thankyou! You are right! I did quit eating gluten and lost 6 more pounds from withdrawals. That made it 94 lbs. Gained 3 back. The withdrawals are horrible. I think I will stay off gluten. Need to anyways because of ibs.

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IBS is really code for "I be Stumped".  Chances are your IBS is really celiac disease, especially since you had a positive on the blood test.  Doctors are now being asked to screen patients for celiac disease if they have IBS.  

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You could just go gluten free, but there are some issues that can arise.  Without a formal diagnosis, it is hard to get family members screened.  Celiac disease is genetic.  It also can leave you with doubt.  I know that I personally needed a diagnosis in order for me to stick to a gluten free diet.  Why?  My husband had been gluten free for 12 years.  I knew all the dietary restrictions.  

If your doctor is willing to diagnose you based on your blood test, then get it in writing.  But really an endoscopy is the way to go if you can afford it.  It can rule out other isssues (SIBO, H. PLylori, etc.) that you might also have in conjunction with celiac disease.  

I wish you well.  

[Theri]

Thankyou! I would do as you advised. Not covered with insurance right now. Hope it's not SIBO. I wish you well too.