No Biopsy But Positive Blood Work For celiac disease

[Kris Fisher]

In April is was diagnosed as having celiac by a blood test. The Dr said I should then have a biopsy of my small intesting and then go on the celiac diet. I thought hey lets skip the biopsy and just go straight to the diet. Well now I'm wondering if I should have the biopsy to prove that I have celiac disease 100%. What are your thoughts. I have reflux which I had a surgery to correct and ever since I've has very painful bloating problems. Celiac seemed to be the answer but the other day my stomach blew up before I ate anything so that makes me wonder if it's celiac and maybe something else. Do you think having the biopsy 2 months later is going to show anything? I also have small blisters on my hands, which I've has since I can remember. Is this the rash related to Celiac. They are not itchy just very small lister bumps on my fingers and palms. They only bother me because I can see them.

My youngest Daughter was diagnosed with gastritis early last year so I thought being I'm a celiac maybe she has it. Gastritis is caused by alcohol, smoking and stress. She is 6 so she could have been misdiagnosed! I brought her in and my Dr said to keep her on prilosec for 3 months and see how it goes. Should I bring her in and demand the test or wait. I want to bring her back in but the Dr makes me feel like I'm crazy. I know Celiac is 100% so why wouldn't he want to rule her out?

By the way, this is a great website!

[flagbabyds]

Welcome

and I think that a blood test is a 100% procedure, and a lot less invasive, that proves that you have it, and you hould be on the diet. About the continuing stomach stuff, you need to make sure there is no cross contamination in your house, also look into all your beauty products, because those could make you sick.

I woudl say get your daughter tested ASAP because the earlier you do it, the less pain she will go through later in life.

~molly

[Guest nini]

If your blood test was positive, you absolutely have it and do not need to confirm it with a biopsy. I did not have the biopsy nor will I ever. My daughter's blood test was negative, but I put her on the diet and she has improved miraculously on the diet. She eats healthier than most kids her age, she doesn't like a lot of the junk food even if it's gluten-free... In my personal opinion, how you respond to the diet is the most valid diagnostic tool... Dr.s aren't going to tell you that because they don't make any money off of a diet!

My daughter had been diagnosed with reflux (GERD) and IBS as an infant... I definitely think those were mis diagnosis...

[Kris Fisher]

Thanks Nini, I will probably stay away from the biopsy, not because I'm a fraid of procedures but If the Dr didn't push it maybe I really don't need it. I'm feeling better now that I'm not eating so many vegy's. Those were making me feel horrible. Anyway, I will call and get my Daughter in and rule her out hopefully. My other two daughters don't seem to have any sypmtoms so I leave them be for now. I appreciate your help.

[Kaycee]

Kris, I had a blood test, and it was positive. The doctor told me to keep going with the the gluten free diet, and that I would need a biopsy. His main reason for me to have the biopsy was to make sure that there was no other damage done through being coeliac. He wasn't too worried if that showed up nothing, as nothing would change his mind that I had coeliac. By the time I get my biopsy it might be a few months away, and he did not want me to continue eating gluten all that time.

I do want to have the biopsy done, as I am older, 49, and have only been diagnosed this year, and I am worried there could be a bit of damage. On top of that my father's family have a history of bowel cancer, so I know I will have to go that way too eventually. In New Zealand we can go through the public health system which takes a bit of time, but at least we don't have to pay. Otherwise if we have insurance, or can afford to pay, we can go private, and the biopsy would be done sooner.

So I am just waiting.

Cathy

[gfp]

If your blood test was positive, you absolutely have it and do not need to confirm it with a biopsy.

I absolutely agree ...moreoever if you are to have a biopsy you have to eat gluten while you wait ...

To me the usefulness of a biopsy is pretty limited diagnosis wise, even if its negative and you have a full celiac suite of +ve bloodtests you are not going to just keep eating gluten until you do get a positive biopsy!

However if the Dr. has a valid reason or you have a history of cancer in the family it might be something to put minds at rest or to have in a few years to check for damage but as a means to diagnose its pretty meaningless and a bad sampling or half and half results will just cast doubt on the diagnosis.