6 yr olds Iga test almost normal at 6 months? Doc is surprised.

[wisefish]

Our 6 year olds Iga test came back over >100 last May. We had him tested because he was thin, had dropped down in his weight charts and was losing his hair! He was also suffering from miscellaneous aches and pains. We immediately eliminated gluten and with only a few screw ups, 6 months later his level was 4! The doctor is astonished at how rapidly it decreased, and is questioning whether he has celiac or not. (has not had a biopsy, as they are so invasive and the testing is so accurate these days.) His hair is thicker and he has gone up in weight 5%, and doesn't complain as much about leg pains or aches. 

Has anyone else's child recovered this fast? Could something else be going on? His thyroid tests are normal, so the plan for now is to keep doing what we are doing and re-test both Iga and thyroid in the spring. 

thanks for any help!!

 

[cyclinglady]

5 minutes ago, wisefish said:

Our 6 year olds Iga test came back over >100 last May. We had him tested because he was thin, had dropped down in his weight charts and was losing his hair! He was also suffering from miscellaneous aches and pains. We immediately eliminated gluten and with only a few screw ups, 6 months later his level was 4! The doctor is astonished at how rapidly it decreased, and is questioning whether he has celiac or not. (has not had a biopsy, as they are so invasive and the testing is so accurate these days.) His hair is thicker and he has gone up in weight 5%, and doesn't complain as much about leg pains or aches. 

Has anyone else's child recovered this fast? Could something else be going on? His thyroid tests are normal, so the plan for now is to keep doing what we are doing and re-test both Iga and thyroid in the spring. 

thanks for any help!!

 

I think if you search through this section of the forum, you will find that many children see a quick drop in their antibodies.  Recovery can come fast or slow  in both kids and adults.  We are all different!  

I can tell you that my antibodies are still high, yet I had a repeat biopsy done last week showing healthy villi (Marsh Stage IIIB at diagnosis five years ago).  So, here I was beating myself up for having elevated antibodies which made it look as if I was not diet compliant, and I was actually healed.  Researchers  have not done a lot of studies about repeating the antibodies tests after diagnosis to monitor progress (lack of funding for sure).  Repeat antibodies testing is not perfect, but it is the only tool in the box right now.   We suspect my antibodies (DGP IgA only positive on the panel ever)  are up for other reasons (e.g. my Hashimoto’s, another AI issue, residuals from a previous gluten exposure).   I do have symptoms but these were attributed to other  things including chronic gastritis which, since I do not have active celiac disease, h. Pylori, drink alcohol, and am allergic to NSAIDs and other meds, is probable autoimmune.  

Great job on keeping him safe!  I am glad he is feeling better.  He is seeing results from the diet which helps confirm the diagnosis.    Systemic issues can take longer to heal, so just keep moving forward.  

[kareng]

I have seen info that children's antibodies can drop very quickly.  The lucky little guys!

[desirun]

My daughter dropped from TTG's of 50 to 18 in two months gluten-free. Keep up the good work!