Confused by test results.

[Ashtae220]

Hi Everyone,

I have been having significant gastric issues for the past four years (cramps, diarrhea, bloating, painful gastric attacks often after eating regardless of what I eat, etc). I was finally seen by a gastroenterologist. He tested me for celiac and I got the following results: Positive anti-deamidated gliaden IgA Ab, but negative IgG and negative anti-TTG Ig A and IgG. I also had positive HLA DQ8 in my genetic testing and mildly elevated ESR and CRP . I had a colonoscopy and nothing was found, but my Dr isn't convinced I don't have celiac or gluten sensitivity since one of my tests were positive and I have one genetic variant.

My head is spinning trying to make sense of all of this. I thought celiac was ruled out with my negative biopsies. Is there any significance to having one test positive and the others negative? I would appreciate any feedback!

[GodsGal]

  On 9/18/2021 at 5:09 AM, Ashtae220 said:

Hi Everyone,

I have been having significant gastric issues for the past four years (cramps, diarrhea, bloating, painful gastric attacks often after eating regardless of what I eat, etc). I was finally seen by a gastroenterologist. He tested me for celiac and I got the following results: Positive anti-deamidated gliaden IgA Ab, but negative IgG and negative anti-TTG Ig A and IgG. I also had positive HLA DQ8 in my genetic testing and mildly elevated ESR and CRP . I had a colonoscopy and nothing was found, but my Dr isn't convinced I don't have celiac or gluten sensitivity since one of my tests were positive and I have one genetic variant.

My head is spinning trying to make sense of all of this. I thought celiac was ruled out with my negative biopsies. Is there any significance to having one test positive and the others negative? I would appreciate any feedback!

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Hi Ashtae220,

Thanks for posting. I can imagine that it would be confusing. I am not a medical professional. From what I have read, my understanding is that it is possible to have positive blood work and a negative biopsy. I read that there are situations and locations where celiac disease is diagnosed based solely on blood work.  Would you be willing to post your blood work numbers as well as the normal ranges? 

You mentioned that you get symptoms no matter what you eat. Often people with celiac have other food intolerances as well. Historically, mine have been dairy, iceberg lettuce, raw broccoli, raw cauliflower, and cucumbers (if I ate too much). I have found that I can now eat a whole cucumber without problems! And I did eat a small piece of raw broccoli without an issue.

I would suggest taking the plunge, and going gluten free. Also, you may benefit from removing any milk or oat products from your diet as well. 

I know that it is overwhelming. But you can do this!

[RMJ]

A colonoscopy cannot detect celiac disease.  Did you perhaps have an endoscopy?

Biopsies done during an endoscopy can miss celiac disease because the damage may not be evenly distributed.

[Ashtae220]

  On 9/18/2021 at 11:03 PM, RMJ said:

A colonoscopy cannot detect celiac disease.  Did you perhaps have an endoscopy?

Biopsies done during an endoscopy can miss celiac disease because the damage may not be evenly distributed.

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Sorry! I got a colonoscopy and endoscopy. 

[Scott Adams]

One positive blood test, combined with the genetic marker for celiac disease, should be enough to diagnose you, and I realize that some doctors may still not give you a diagnosis if you have a negative biopsy. If I were you I'd go gluten-free based on what you've shared, but be sure to discuss this with your doctor as they may want to run more tests.