Good News for an Old Celiac

[Oldturdle]

     Hey you guys.  I am a 70 year old female, diagnosed a little over a year ago with celiac disease, via biopsy and blood tests.  Right before I started the gluten free diet, my tTG IgA was >2500, with negative  being <14.9.  A couple months later, I was retested, and my tTG IgA was 684, with negative  being <14.9.  Fast forward to the present, a year after going gluten free, and my tTG IgA is 3, with negative being 0-3.  (I used a different lab.)

    I was thrilled!  My Gastroenteroligist was impressed.  "This means you have really been sticking to your diet," he said.

     At this time, I also had a variety of the typical labs that are affected by celiac disease---a CBC,  B12, ferritin, vitamine D and thiamine.  All were normal.  I did not have these labs drawn before going gluten free, so I do not know if there was a change.   I also had another EGD.  The doctor said everything "looked good," but we are still waiting for the results of the biopsies to come back.

     To my knowledge, I have not had one bite containing gluten since I started my diet.  However, I am not Gestapo strict in regards to cross contamination.  My husband is not gluten free, and still keeps his glutinous treats in our kitchen.  I try to keep my foods sealed, and away from his, but not always.  We share a "four hole toaster."  I have my side, and he has his.  We go out to eat fairly often, and I talk to the waitress, and do my best with my orders.  Of course, I always take one or two Gliadenx before resturant meals, or eating at friends homes.

     I realize all of us celiacs are different, but this regiment has worked for me, and I am very grateful for the knowledge I have gained from this sight.

[RMJ]

Congratulations!  I hope the biopsy confirms the good news from the antibody tests.