My Very Expensive Lab Work Is Back

[Carolita]

Hello guys,

I went to pick up my lab work results today after canceling my appoinment yesterday since I still don't know if my insurance will help me cover the $800 something for the tests.

Anyway, the doctor only ordered two of the tests:

Test

IgG Gliadin Antibody

Results 31.5

0.0-29.9

IgA Gliadin Antibody

Results 18.0

0.0-29.9

As you can see, the IgG came back positive but the IgA came back negative. Does anyone know what that means.

How crucial are the other three tests? Would I know if I have celiac only with these two tests?

Also, my iron came back low

Test

% Saturation

Results 7

21-38

Iron

Results 38

50-170

TIBC

Results 555

240-450

Also my MCH, MCHC and RDW came back slightly off

Test

MCH

Results 26.7

27.0-31.0

MCHC

Results 32.6

33.0-37.0

RDW

Results 15.6

11.5-14.5

I'm so upset with the clinic right now because when I saw that my iron was low I called back asking if I could re-schedule as soon as possible. I had asked earlier if only the Celiac test came back abnormal and if every thing else had come back normal and the nurse told me that every thing else had come back normal. Never did she tell me my iron was low and that my MCH, MCHC and RDW were slightly low and high. Anyway, she told me I would have to wait until the 20th b/c I had canceled and the Dr. was pretty booked. I asked her if the Dr. could prescribe some thing for my iron mean while (I figure they might have to give me a shot??) but she said that she couldn't and I had to wait until the 20th. She also said something like "that is why we wanted you to come in. we didn't want to send you home with results you didn't understan" That is when I let it all go ... I told her I understood perfectly clear that my Celiac test was + and therefore I shouldn't eat gluten and that I also understood my iron was low and I was feeling very sick and she had told me everything else was normal. She then said that she would talk to the doctor and call me back. Grrrrrrrrr. I hope I'm not over reacting. I don't feel well at all. I have cut down the gluten (as far as I can tell) but I keep feeling like I'm going to pass out, very dizzie and tired

Thanks for reading me, I needed to let it all out with someone who would understand. My husband tells me I'm going to be OK but I'm very worried.

Carol

[Guest nini]

sorry you are getting the runaround with these yahoo's... you don't need the other tests on the panel since you did get a positive on the ones you had...

[jerseyangel]

Hi Carol--So sorry you had to go through that. As you know, anemia is a very common symptom of Celiac. Since you have your positive diagnosis, why wait for the doctor to tell you to begin the gluten-free diet? I would suggest just concentrating on going 100% gluten-free right now--today. Start with your food, and then check on your personal care products. Sometimes, the medical professionals can't seem to get out of their own way on this. The treatment for Celiac is the gluten-free diet--there's no other remedy or pill. You are dizzy and tired, in part, because of your anemia--I had it also. Nothing ever got rid of it completely until I went gluten-free. In 6 months gluten-free, my levels returned to normal. I did, and still do take a Centrum every day--it contains the MDR of iron. I did use iron suppliments before I was diagnosed, but found they made me sick--lots of stomach upset. Your husband is right--you will be fine. Try not to worry--begin your new gluten-free lifestyle, and you know that you can come here anytime for help with it

[penguin]

Only my Gliadin IgG came back positive as well, but I had the complete panel. My IgA was a low as could be. My doc put me on the diet because of that and my anemia and whatnot to see if it worked. I told her about my reaction to CC exposure to gluten and she dx'ed me Celiac on the spot.

All of your bloodwork looks a lot like mine, actually. My MCV was high and my MCH was low, and my MCHC was within normal range, barely.

At least they dx'ed you even though only your IgG was high and anemia was all they had to go on, blood wise.

At least you know what to do, right? As you heal, your anemia should go away pretty quickly, so you probably won't even need shots.

Dr's are a pain, and beware of crossing the nurses, they're the gatekeepers.

[mmaccartney]

I'm not a Dr, but I believe that the IgG antibodies are less specific, meaning that it points in the direction of celiac, or gluten intolerance, but could be other things as well. the IgA test is more specific to celiac/gluten intolerance.

My son had simliar results, but we haven't had further testing done. There is no way in he** that I am going to allow an endoscopy and biospy on my son. We are trying to get his pediatrician to order the enterolab test for further dx.

[Carolita]

sorry you are getting the runaround with these yahoo's... you don't need the other tests on the panel since you did get a positive on the ones you had...

Hello Nini. Thanks for the reply. I really do hate how things are done some times at the doctor's office. I love medicine and I hate seeing people struggling with sickness and on top of that with the doctors/nurses and medical insurances. So I guess the IgG coming back positive means I have Celiac Disease. Is a biopsy needed?

Thanks again,

Carol

[Guest nini]

is the biopsy needed? in my opinion no... how your body responds to the diet is going to be your best indicator. I didn't have a biopsy. My dr. said the only reason to have one was if I did NOT respond to the diet and then we would see if there was something else going on... but as far as dx'ing celiac, it has been considered the "gold standard" but that methodology is quickly being replaced as it is outdated and not very accurate. It can only rule it in if it's positive, it can never ever rule it out if it's negative.

[wolfie]

Hi Carol...

Only my IgG was positive, too. My IgA was low. I was going to do the biopsy, but had gone gluten-free first and then found out that could skew the results. Plus, I felt a lot better on the gluten-free diet almost immediately. I still have up and down days, but overall, there is no doubt in my mind that gluten and I are NOT friends. The gastro was in agreement, as long as I am feeling better. If I start not feeling well again, I will revisit the biopsy route.

I hope you can get a solution and start your road to recovery. This is a fantastic place to learn.

((HUGS))

[Carolita]

Hi Carol--So sorry you had to go through that. As you know, anemia is a very common symptom of Celiac. Since you have your positive diagnosis, why wait for the doctor to tell you to begin the gluten-free diet? I would suggest just concentrating on going 100% gluten-free right now--today. Start with your food, and then check on your personal care products. Sometimes, the medical professionals can't seem to get out of their own way on this. The treatment for Celiac is the gluten-free diet--there's no other remedy or pill. You are dizzy and tired, in part, because of your anemia--I had it also. Nothing ever got rid of it completely until I went gluten-free. In 6 months gluten-free, my levels returned to normal. I did, and still do take a Centrum every day--it contains the MDR of iron. I did use iron suppliments before I was diagnosed, but found they made me sick--lots of stomach upset. Your husband is right--you will be fine. Try not to worry--begin your new gluten-free lifestyle, and you know that you can come here anytime for help with it

Hello Jerseyangel. Thanks for reading me and replying. I'm glad to read that the low iron is a symptom of the celiac disease. My husband is at the store right now buying me supplements for iron and vitamin C. I believe he stated C is necessary for iron absorption. The weird thing is that I feel better when I eat a good balance meal but of course it makes me sick of my stomach some times (like when I go out to restaurants) probably due to the gluten. I already started the gluten free diet and as far as I can tell my personal care products don't contain gluten. Well, I'm still waiting to hear from the hair studio were I buy my shampoo and conditioner. I have emailed them but they haven't replied yet. I had asked them before about the yeast b/c I was also diagnosed with Candida and they told me their products were yeast free. I will probably call them soon. I was feeling very dizzy and some what disoriented when I wrote the post but since then I had a plate of eggs and black beans and it has made me feel better. Two hours earlier I had eaten puffed rice with milk, a spoon of flaxseed oil, vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium and magnesium. I too used to take a Centrum but my immunologist took off of it when I started my yeast / carb free diet for the Candida. He told me I could take vitamins but not combined in a pill like that because the B complexes usually made people with Candida problems feel worst.

Thanks for the support.

Carol

[Guest nini]

most Celiac experts will recommend that you not only take a good multi vitamin (gluten-free of course) but also digestive enzymes and probiotics

[Carolita]

Only my Gliadin IgG came back positive as well, but I had the complete panel. My IgA was a low as could be. My doc put me on the diet because of that and my anemia and whatnot to see if it worked. I told her about my reaction to CC exposure to gluten and she dx'ed me Celiac on the spot.

All of your bloodwork looks a lot like mine, actually. My MCV was high and my MCH was low, and my MCHC was within normal range, barely.

At least they dx'ed you even though only your IgG was high and anemia was all they had to go on, blood wise.

At least you know what to do, right? As you heal, your anemia should go away pretty quickly, so you probably won't even need shots.

Dr's are a pain, and beware of crossing the nurses, they're the gatekeepers.

Hello Chelsea ...

You made me laugh about not crossing the nurses. She hasn't called yet so she is probably not very happy with me right now. The bad thing is that on the 20th I was going back to get my second Hepatitis B shot and she is the one who will be administering it ... ouch!!!

So there are a lot of similarities between our test results. That makes me feel better. I have started the gluten free diet but I'm sure there are still some things I'm missing since I'm still not feeling well. Actually I was some what gluten free since about a year ago when I started the yeast free diet. I was feeling so good until about 2 weeks ago. Thank goodness I found this internist who mentioned Celiac Disease. I had never heard of the disease before until then. Anyway, the Dr. at least is trying to diagnose me correctly, right? If the nurse would only be more understanding of my situacion though, it would be so much better.

Thanks for your help,

Carol

[Carolita]

I'm not a Dr, but I believe that the IgG antibodies are less specific, meaning that it points in the direction of celiac, or gluten intolerance, but could be other things as well. the IgA test is more specific to celiac/gluten intolerance.

My son had simliar results, but we haven't had further testing done. There is no way in he** that I am going to allow an endoscopy and biospy on my son. We are trying to get his pediatrician to order the enterolab test for further dx.

Hello Michael.

According to the result sheet they gave me this AM, for celiac disease IgG antibodies are more sensitive than IgA antibodies, but IgA antibodies are more specific than IgG.

I'm sorry your son is sick. It most be very hard especially since children don't understand what is going on.

Thanks for the reply. I hope your little boy gets better soon.

Carol

[Carolita]

is the biopsy needed? in my opinion no... how your body responds to the diet is going to be your best indicator. I didn't have a biopsy. My dr. said the only reason to have one was if I did NOT respond to the diet and then we would see if there was something else going on... but as far as dx'ing celiac, it has been considered the "gold standard" but that methodology is quickly being replaced as it is outdated and not very accurate. It can only rule it in if it's positive, it can never ever rule it out if it's negative.

Thank you Nisla. I like that ... I don't like the thought of the biopsy.

[mmaccartney]

Carol,

You are quite welcome!

All these tests can be confusing, they make sense to me now, but 10 months ago when I was going through dx it was so confusing!!

Has your DR tested you for IgA deficiency?? Some celiacs test positive for IgG and neg for IgA due to IgA deficincies!

Here is from Open Original Shared Link perhaps it might help...or could confuse you more ;-)

======================================

The first serologic marker reported to be of use in the diagnosis of celiac disease was the IgG class antigliadin antibody (AGA). Though sensitive, this antibody is also found in other diseases and is therefore not specific for celiac disease. IgA class AGA is more specific, however about 2 % of patients with celiac disease have selective IgA deficiency. A positive IgG and IgA AGA gives a reported sensitivity of 96 % to100 % and specificity of 96 % to 97 %. If only the IgG AGA is positive an evaluation for selective IgA deficiency should be undertaken. Antireticulin antibodies (ARA) have also been reported in individuals with celiac disease, but are nonspecific. IgG ARA is relatively useless, but IgA ARA has a high sensitivity and specificity in adults (97 % and 98 % respectively). In children these values are much lower. Recently two antibodies, IgA class antiendomysial antibody (EMA) and human jejunal antibody (JAB), have been identified which are highly sensitive and specific for active celiac disease (100 % sensitivity and specificity reported in one study). The one best characterized is the EMA, an antibody against endomysium reticulin fibers. In adult studies, EMA was only found in patients with active celiac disease and not other diseases. The test is less powerful in children as EMAs have been detected in other childhood diseases. The more important limitation of EMAs in children is the reported fall in sensitivity observed in children with celiac disease less than 2 years old. Even the EMA and JAB antibody tests in adults are not fool proof as they may not be positive in individuals with celiac disease and IgA deficiency.

A panel of these antibodies seems to be most useful in the diagnosis of celiac disease. A combination of IgG AGA, IgA AGA and EMA have a reported positive predictive value of 99.3 % when all were positive and a negative predictive value of 99.6 % when all were negative. These antibodies tend to lessen or disappear when individuals are maintained on a gluten-free diet. Antibody testing is important in screening individuals who are at risk for having celiac disease but have no symptomatology, in individuals with atypical symptoms or extraintestinal manifestations of celiac disease, and in individuals with presumed celiac disease who fail to respond to a gluten-free diet. Patients with postive antibody tests must undergo small intestinal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of mucosal involvement.

=

[Carolita]

Hi Carol...

Only my IgG was positive, too. My IgA was low. I was going to do the biopsy, but had gone gluten-free first and then found out that could skew the results. Plus, I felt a lot better on the gluten-free diet almost immediately. I still have up and down days, but overall, there is no doubt in my mind that gluten and I are NOT friends. The gastro was in agreement, as long as I am feeling better. If I start not feeling well again, I will revisit the biopsy route.

I hope you can get a solution and start your road to recovery. This is a fantastic place to learn.

((HUGS))

Thanks Kim. I'm glad you are doing better and hopefully will not need the biopsy. I hate the though of having a biopsy.

Yes, I love it here. You guys are great.

Hugs,

Carol

most Celiac experts will recommend that you not only take a good multi vitamin (gluten-free of course) but also digestive enzymes and probiotics

Thanks ... I heard about probiotics also. I'm going to start looking for them.

I mentioned the digestive enzymes to my husband but he stated that he has learned in his nutrition class that they become amino acids before getting to the small intestine and that don't really help ?????? But they have helped you, right?

Thanks again,

Carol

[Carolita]

Michael,

Thanks for information. I'll tell the Dr. next time we talk. She only did the tests I mentioned above. I hope I don't have something else. celiac disease can be controlled and I don't know what other diseases also have a + IgG but they might not be controlled. Do you know what does other diseases are?

Thanks,

Carol

[penguin]

Michael,

Thanks for information. I'll tell the Dr. next time we talk. She only did the tests I mentioned above. I hope I don't have something else. celiac disease can be controlled and I don't know what other diseases also have a + IgG but they might not be controlled. Do you know what does other diseases are?

Thanks,

Carol

I've read that Chron's can cause a high IgG, but I couldn't find anything else that correllated. Too much gobbeldy-good to muck through...

[Guest nini]

Thanks ... I heard about probiotics also. I'm going to start looking for them.

I mentioned the digestive enzymes to my husband but he stated that he has learned in his nutrition class that they become amino acids before getting to the small intestine and that don't really help ?????? But they have helped you, right?

Thanks again,

Carol

I take a product by Market America from their Isotonix line it has the digestive enzymes with the probiotics, it is in a powdered form that you mix with a measured amount of water and drink it. It absorbs much much faster than swallowing a pill, and yes I have found that it helps me a lot.

[slpinsd]

Carolita-

i also had only a slighltly elevated IgG, very symptomatic, and the dr saw damage during my endoscopy. the + bloodtest doesn't mean you have celiac, but it does mean you are gluten intolerant. even though the other tests may be more specific, you could still have celiac. i did not have anemia but i had a b-12 deficiency; the MCV was elevated also. i hope the gluten-free diet works for you.

[Carolita]

I take a product by Market America from their Isotonix line it has the digestive enzymes with the probiotics, it is in a powdered form that you mix with a measured amount of water and drink it. It absorbs much much faster than swallowing a pill, and yes I have found that it helps me a lot.

Hello Nilsa. Thanks for the info. I'm glad it has helped you. I'll check it out.

Carol

________________________________________________________________

Hello slpinsd.

Thanks for the reply. I hope it works for me too. I pulled out the list of things I could and couldn't eat when I was diagnosed with Candida and the truth is that I have not been following it 100%. I started to feel better and recently I had started eating things I shouldn't. I went back to the list last night and I'm planning to follow it 100% now and I will add the gluten free to it as well. I started taking an iron supplement last night. I hope my body starts absorving at least some of it. The % daily value is 250% so I hope it helps at least some.

You were B12 deficient. That is not good. I hope you are doing better.

Thanks again,

Carol