Overkill?

[ScotinOz]

Hi everyone!

i have just been told I have to have an endoscopy and colonoscopy, not because of any gastro symptoms but because of non iron anaemia. These tests seem a bit invasive and maybe a little premature ? I do have the coeliac gene but apparently so do 33% of the population. Why would it be so important for me to go straight to this? Any help to understand/convince me appreciated 

[kareng]

9 minutes ago, ScotinOz said:

Hi everyone!

i have just been told I have to have an endoscopy and colonoscopy, not because of any gastro symptoms but because of non iron anaemia. These tests seem a bit invasive and maybe a little premature ? I do have the coeliac gene but apparently so do 33% of the population. Why would it be so important for me to go straight to this? Any help to understand/convince me appreciated 

Did they blood test for Celiac antibodies?

reasons to do these tests even without Celiac- to see If you are having internal bleeding that would cause the anemia.  Age - going to do a colonoscopy anyway.  Family history 

I guess they have ruled out blood loss from heavy periods and normal reasons, like diet, for blood loss. Have you supplemented B12 and iron to see if the levels get better? 

 

Not every one with Celiac has GI issues

 

what reason did the doctor give you? What did he think he would find?

[ScotinOz]

Thanks for your reply. I have pernicious anaemia so get b12 injections. I had iron tablets for a week or so before an inept gp told me to stop them , then my iron dropped again. They have been taking A LOT of blood for testing though. They are checking for internal bleeding but no blood in stools etc so I’m not feeling like I want the tests! No pain, only 39. Celiac test was negative but have the gene .

[cyclinglady]

Did you get the full celiac panel or just the screening TTG?  

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I test positive to only the DGP IgA.  If my doctor had not ordered the entire panel, my diagnosis would have been missed!  

I had a routine colonoscopy scheduled because I am over 50 (all my friends were getting  them ?!). My GI notice I had been iron deficient my entire life (or at least on record).    I also have Thalassemia which is a genetic anemia and my low hemoglobin was attributed to that and heavy periods (so they say).  I got the one positive on the panel and the rest is history.  Get the scopes and find the cause.  It is not too much overkill.  Two months after my diagnosis, I fractured my back due to osteoporosis.  I was not absorbing calcium either.  ?. Like you, no GI issues.  

[kareng]

3 hours ago, ScotinOz said:

Thanks for your reply. I have pernicious anaemia so get b12 injections. I had iron tablets for a week or so before an inept gp told me to stop them , then my iron dropped again. They have been taking A LOT of blood for testing though. They are checking for internal bleeding but no blood in stools etc so I’m not feeling like I want the tests! No pain, only 39. Celiac test was negative but have the gene .

I am sure they are looking for more than just Celiac.  

Doesn't sound like they are skipping steps and going "straight" to this.  You should be happy to have doctors that want to find the cause.  So many people are just told to take vitamins/ iron and end up with worse issues later.