Biopsy Results

[Bookgirl32]

Second post this week, sorry. I got called with biopsy results. She didn't say the stage, just said that the villi are completely blunted every sample they took. She said it's one of the more severe ones she has seen in a while. She also had never heard of the "cracked mud" appearance (she's a nurse practitioner calling for the doctor), or she had heard of it but never seen it. She also said don't panic, go on the diet, and they'll watch for my levels to start falling. Should I be asking my GP to test other levels? Vitamin D, etc? Does this mean that the damage is so bad it won't heal? Or do I have as good a chance as any of healing? Three years ago I was gluten free for one month, and two years ago I was gluten free for two months, would that have started to heal and then gotten much worse again that fast? Or does that already mean I just don't respond to the gluten free diet? I'm scared now. Just so overwhelmed. I wasn't prepared for bad damage, etc. The doctor told my husband it probably isn't that bad all the way down into the small intestine because I would have much more severe symptoms if it was. Is that true? Or was he just trying to make us feel better? Or does he not know what he's doing? I'm afraid of so many things. Cancer, other auto-immune, refractory disease. How did you all make it through this?

[squirmingitch]

Don't freak out! You're going to be fine hon. Settle down & calm yourself. Really. I promise, it's going to be okay. Do you know that when splayed out, the small intestine will cover a tennis field? That's how much territory there is in there!!! Amazing isn't it? I am positive you have some villi working in there. There have been plenty who have had lots of damage & healed just fine. 

I am sure others will be on to talk about what vitamins you need to have tested. That isn't exactly my forte'. You should have the D checked, an iron panel done, B vitamins. 

I couldn't find anywhere that you stated your age. The younger you are, the faster you will heal. I'm betting you're in your 20's or 30's. That's plenty young enough. 

[Bookgirl32]

41. But I love it when people think I’m younger, even online lol! Thank you for the pep talk. I am really prepared to do this right, I think it just felt like it was another surprise. 

[Ennis-TX]

You should be fine, read over the newbie 101 section change out the house gluten free, and start eating easy to digest balanced whole food meals, remove dairy and avoid oats for awhile. I suggest crockpot liners and crockpot soups, with bone broth, stews, etc nice and soft nutrient dense meals. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can help you to maximize your nutrition from your food and boost your healing. I will bet if you stick to the diet you will have almost completely healed ina year or two. The Chances of complications like cancer and lymphoma drop dramatically once you start the diet and stay away from gluten. You might have some other intolerance issues crop up so keep a food diary and record what you and and how you prepare it for now. Somtimes you will find you will have to remove some tough foods, or spices for a bit til you heal.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/91878-newbie-info-101/

 

[squirmingitch]

Ennis gives good advice. I was in a rush yesterday so sort of answered & ran. On the Bone Broth..... Google how to make it. Don't buy the stuff in a can, make your own. That stuff is your best friend for a while. I can not emphasize that enough. Bone broth is really gentle on your digestive system & yet it is unbelievably nourishing and will go a long way toward helping your gut heal.