Understanding my lab results.

[BFristoe03]

I just received my lab results and I'm more than confused.    I asked my doctor to test me for celiac because I just have been feeling like crap lately and it's random but constant, if that makes any sense.  I was told when I was younger that I had IBS and was told to avoid red meat, dairy and fried foods.  The problem was/is, I could eat a salad with none of the above ingredients and still get a flare up.  In the last few months it seems as if my symptoms have been getting worse and new symptoms have appeared.  My skin gets really itchy, but no rash.  Sometimes I'm constipated but mostly loose stools, headaches are a norm lately.  My back is always hurting, my foot hurts (maybe planters fasciitis), but if I avoid foods with gluten I noticed that the inflammation was almost nil.  Anyway...this is why I asked the doctor to give me the test.  She called me last week and the conversation went like this.  "Hi Brandie, I have your test results, looks like you have celiac, do you have any questions?"  Unfortunately she called while I was sitting with my grandmother in hospice, so no, my brain wasn't thinking of questions at the time and she didn't offer any advice either.  I've called and left my doctor two messages now and I still haven't heard back.  (Disclaimer:  We did just have a MAJOR hurricane hit, so I know that I'm not a high priority and that's okay, but I still want some answers.)  Here are my lab results:

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum:  298 Normal (Reference Range: 87-352 mg/dL)

Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA:  11 Normal (Reference Range: 0-19 units)

t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA:  46 High  (Reference Range: 0-3 U/mL) (Negative 0-3, Weak Positive 4-10, Positive >10)

Endomysial Antibody IgA:  Negative

Someone, please help!

 

[Scott Adams]

Your doctor does appear to be correct, if these are your blood test results, so be sure to discuss them in more detail with her. Before starting a gluten-free diet it is possible that she may want you to undergo an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, so be sure not to go gluten-free until directed by your doctor. 

On a positive note, if this is the source of your various health issues you should see a big improvement of your symptoms once you do go gluten-free.

[drkelli]

The gold standard is still an endoscopy to confirm. She should refer you to a gastro. Good luck. 

[squirmingitch]

I agree. Make sure you keep eating gluten until after the endoscopy. 

Yes, I'm sure she's probably swamped but do try to get clarification on whether she's going to refer you to a GI. If your insurance does not require a referral then you could go ahead & make an appt. yourself. 

I hope you & your home are okay. If you're talking about Michael, I'm about 200 mi east of that area & will be eternally thankful it did not track this way.