Dh testing via an endoscopy

[Sonnyvitoleo]

Hi. I have mild gastro symptoms pretty much my whole life. Sometimes they were impossible to managed other times just a nuisance. I feel as though the rash I have is dh based on everything I have researched. The  images are the same as what my rash looks like. I have had blood test  for celiac done, they are negative I have had a biopsie also negative. My gastro will perform an endoscopy on me if I want that... what are you opinions? Will the endoscopy finally bring me the yes or the no that I desire???

[apprehensiveengineer]

I think if you have insurance, you might as well go for the endoscopy/intestinal biopsy. There's a solid chance it might be a false negative because those with DH often have patchier damage, but it's worth a shot. Heck, you might even find out that there's another source for your stomach/skin problems!

Even if you're negative all across the board (skin/intestine/blood), you can still discuss testing out the GFD (with your GI/other healthcare professional). A good doctor will recognize that there are limitations to the current testing methods (ie. not 100% of cases are caught), and should be open to idea of seeing if the relatively low risk medical intervention for celiac/DH results in a positive response. You'll get flack from some for doing this, but an official DH diagnosis is quite elusive for many because even most specialists are unfamiliar with it.

[squirmingitch]

You have to be eaten gluten every single day until the endoscopy is done.

[Olivia]

I agree w/ apprehensive engineer. If you can financially manage an endoscopy go for it. My advice is to find a gastro dr that has experience in celiac disease and can interpret your marsh stage if you do have celiac. There's also a good chance you are gluten sensitive. I may be wrong but DH is specific to celiac disease. Your skin condition could be something else entirely. A good dermatologist w/ celiac related HD can diagnose by just seeing it & of course to be definitive be would do a biopsy. I really think if the skin biopsy comes back negative ask the Dr what it is... foliciltis? Bracoradial? And if you do have a stomach biopsy you need to have been eating gluten for at least 3 weeks.