Concerned

[TeresaF]

Hi, 

I am booked in for a colonoscopy and endoscopy later this month.

I visited my GP a few weeks ago because I have been battling to lose weight, she referred me to have some blood tests which showed I was anemic and my liver enzymes were elevated.

I was then told to complete a stool sample that came back positive for fecal occult blood.

I haven’t had the blood test for Celiac disease.

I have had issues in the past with indigestion and I can often get bloated after eating pasta at night but seem fine with bread.

I have been reading up online about Celiac and there seems to be a few symptoms that could be relevant. I went into early menopause at 38, suffer badly with allergies and histamines in certain foods (can’t drink wine). My memory is terrible, especially with figures lately and my hearing is getting bad. (I am 44 so shouldn’t really be age related yet).

I think I am just concerned about the positive occult blood test the most, hoping it isn’t something sinister.

I am eating gluten still in readiness for the endoscopy but I just wish it was sooner so that I could have some answers.

Anyway, thanks for reading. It is good to be able to discuss this as I am trying to not discuss it with my husband and kids too much so that they don’t get worried.

 

 

 

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, Teresa!

When the endoscopy is done, will the doctor also take biopsies to check for celiac disease? You don't actually say but I assume this to be the case since you mention you are purposely still eating gluten before the scoping.

[TeresaF]

36 minutes ago, trents said:

Welcome to the forum, Teresa!

When the endoscopy is done, will the doctor also take biopsies to check for celiac disease? You don't actually say but I assume this to be the case since you mention you are purposely still eating gluten before the scoping.

Hi, yes she has mentioned she wants the endoscopy to check for Celiac so they will be taking samples.

[Wheatwacked]

Your mix of symptoms could definitely be Celiac. There was a study that people who use Acid reducers (PPI) and histomine blockers eventually are diagnosed with Celiac Disease, as opposed to those who are prescribed only one or the other.  While waiting for your gastro appointment any chance of getting your doctors to go ahead and get a Celiac Blood panel and vitamin D plasma test done? Low D is ubiquitous.

Anemia, B12 deficiency, gastritis, bloating, fecal occult, allergies, endometriosis and actually all of your symptoms, just some of the over 200 symptoms that have been linked to Celiac Disease. Liver enzymes could be low Choline  due to Celiac Disease caused malabsorption.

[Scott Adams]

If I were you I'd request the blood panel for celiac disease while you're waiting, as this would likely be needed anyway to make a diagnosis, and is usually done before an endoscopy for celiac disease. Here is more info: