Is A Minor Case Of Celiac Like Being Kinda Pregnant?

[Ridgeback Momma]

Hi.

I have been seeing a Gastrointestinal Doctor since January 2006. I have had multiple blood tests, ultrasound, provided an oily stool sample, 72 hour fecal fat test, abdominal CAT scan and had an Endoscopy.

The results of these tests were somewhat inconclusive:

I have nutrient difficencies - but was prescribed supplements.

Antibodies for celiac are present in my blood but not for all types.

The blood test showed no genetic marker & no one in my family has celiac disease. I have a twin brother and no, we aren't adopted.

Yes, I have had measureable oil/fat in my stools. But, the visible (in the toilet) oil hasn't returned in months & the 72 hour fecal fat showed fat present but, again not in huge quantities.

I have abdominal pain on my left side near my belly button at least once a week & nasuea often.

I dont know the results of my CAT scan but, my endoscopy showed slightly stunted villia (sp?).

I have diarreha (sp?) often.

Doctor put me on the drug: Levbid.

At my last appointment my doctor was on vacation & the covering doctor told me he thought I had a minor case of celiac disease. Is that possible? Or is it like telling someone they are a little pregnant?

Anyone else have a similar experience? I am very frustrated and feel like I am a medical anomoly. Help?

[LKelly8]

At my last appointment my doctor was on vacation & the covering doctor told me he thought I had a minor case of celiac disease. Is that possible? Or is it like telling someone they are a little pregnant?

A "minor case" of celiac is NOT possible. Perhaps he meant your celiac symptoms were currently mild or he suspected you don't have celiac but are gluten intolerant.

Or maybe the covering doctor was clueless.

[eKatherine]

You didn't say if your doctor put you on a gluten-free diet. Considering how many tests he ran, and is still not sure, why don't you just go gluten-free for a month and settle once and for all whether it's making you sick? I'd hate to think he's planning on waiting to treat your gluten intolerance when you're at death's door.

[Guest nini]

slight blunting of the villi is indicitive of early stages of Celiac or they didn't take enough samples to get samples from more damaged areas. Celiac is Celiac is Celiac. There is no MILD cases of it, either you do or you don't, and it sounds like you do. Since you've had all the tests, the only thing to do is try the diet wholeheartedly, 100% and watch your symptoms improve. Make sure all your vitamins and meds are gluten-free too.

If you are in the early stages (which I say you are) and the Dr. is just not willing to dx based on that, don't wait until the symptoms get worse (and they will) to do something about it. The only treatment is the gluten-free diet and you do not need a Dr.s permission to be on it. Take charge of your health, try the diet for a good 6 months then if you still have doubts, challenge yourself by eating some big gluteny meals...

[Ridgeback Momma]

Hey. I have a Flex Sig or Colonoscopy coming up. I hope it clears this up & gives me a diagnosis one way or the other. If it doesn't than, I will try the diet. It is nice to know we aren't alone. Thanks to everyone who responded. I really needed your advice.