Biopsy results from endoscopy show evidence of celiac disease and lab work results in a weak positive TT IgA result of 4

[Rhonda H]

I recently had an endoscopy for what we thought was for reflux.  The biopsy results showed evidence of celiac disease.  I followed the next day with lab work using the TT IgA test which resulted with a weak positive of a 4 (normal range 0-3).  I don't meet for follow up with my GI Dr. for a few weeks but curious what this might mean.  I generally eat a low carb diet and have been for about a year but not carb free. I eat breads in moderation.  I wonder if my low carb diet lifestyle "skewed" the results.  I don't have most symptoms of those the celiac disease but I know everyone is different.  I wonder if it's possible I just have a gluten sensitivity  and could go "gluten free" rather than the more serious work so many people with this disease to clean their home and life of any gluten? 

[Scott Adams]

If you have a positive endoscopy result, including a positive blood test for celiac disease, it definitely means that you probably have celiac disease. Since you were eating a low gluten diet your blood test results were likely lower than they would have been if you were doing a proper gluten challenge before the test. You could not get false positive results from eating a low gluten diet before these tests--this could only produce false negative results.

[Rhonda H]

Is there any form or celiac disease that I can completely eliminate gluten from my diet but not have to worry so much about cross contamination or other more serious changes in my household? 

[Scott Adams]

No, celiac disease requires a 100% gluten-free diet. 

This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):

 

 

[Rhonda H]

Thank you.  My ultimate hope was that I certainly could go 100% gluten free but my husband not be impacted so severely by not being able to have certain foods, cookware and utensils, etc. in a shared space with me.  My understanding is I may have to do a completely kitchen clean out and segregate foods with gluten and rid our kitchen of non-stick cookware, some wood and plastic (which we don't really have any anyway).

 

[Scott Adams]

I live in a mixed household, so it can be done, but it does take understanding from those in the family who still eat gluten.