Need some help

[Jenm072289]

I was recently referred to a rheumatologist because of some joint pain I had been having. He was unable to determine the source of the pain so I was tested for many different things. I was vitamin D deficient and started on supplements to bring my levels back to normal. Today I went back to the rheumatologist for a follow up appointment. He had ordered a Celiac Disease Panel and told me the results came back with a gluten intolerance and I should begin a gluten free diet. Can a celiac panel show a gluten intolerance? What is the difference between that and Celiac Disease? Should I have been referred for a scope to make sure I don't in fact have Celiac? I also developed a rash recently on both of my elbows that is very itchy. I am concerned it might be DM which would point to celiac as well. Just feeling a bit confused and not really sure if I should just start the diet or if I need follow up and make sure I have and intolerance and not celiac. Thank you for your advice and help.

 

[RMJ]

There is no lab test for gluten intolerance  Could you post your results, or at least the names of the tests within the celiac panel?  Probably good to keep eating gluten and see a gastroenterologist for further testing.

[squirmingitch]

If the  rheumatologist ordered a celiac panel then he ordered a celiac panel b/c as Ennis stated, there is no such thing as a non celiac gluten intolerance test. So the rheumy was saying you have celiac disease. Yes, you really should get an endoscopic biopsy so you will need to see a gastroenterologist. YOU NEED TO CONTINUE EATING GLUTEN EVERY SINGLE DAY UNTIL THE ENDOSCOPY IS DONE.

Yes, it sounds like you have dh. As long as you have a celiac dx then you do not need to get a separate dx of dh. DH IS celiac disease & the prescription is the same --- a strict gluten free diet. 

Be glad that the rheumy knew what he was doing & ordered a celiac panel for you. Keep that doctor! Also thank him for saving you a mountain of pain. I had joint & bone pain so severely that I was positive I would be in a wheelchair for life in 6 months time. That was just before I found out it was all due to celiac. All that is gone now. 

[Jenm072289]

Sorry it has taken me awhile to reply and thank you both for your help! The panel that was done included Gliadin IgA which was in normal range, tTG IgA which was in normal range, Gliadin IgG which was in normal range, and tTG IgG which was high. Unfortunately a IgA serum was not done so I do not know if I have a deficiency. I unfortunately went gluten free at the encouragement of my rheumatologist and wasn't able to get in to see a dermatologist until 4 days after being gluten free. She took a biopsy anyway and it came back saying I have psoriasis. I am now going back to the rheumatologist to see if my joint pain could be psoriatic arthritis. I feel better on the gluten free diet but would still like to know if I am gluten intolerant or have celiacs. I am a little apprehensive about eating gluten again as I do not want the psoriasis to flare up again. The psoriasis began to clear up within days of starting the gluten free diet. Anyone have a similar experience? Should I pursue further testing or just continue on the gluten free diet?

[frieze]

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go to pubmed and type in celiac psoriasis