Small Bowel X-ray?

[Rox]

Hello all,

Another newbie with a question…

I just saw a gastroenterologist after a positive blood test for anti-endomysial antibodies. I've been doing a ton of reading and am getting set to go gluten-free immediately after my endoscopy (in 2 weeks).

In addition to the endoscopy, the gastroenterologist has also scheduled a small bowel x-ray. She said that because my blood test results were very high, she's concerned that the villi damage is extensive and wants to take a look along the entire length of the small bowel. Does anybody have any experience with this procedure and/or how well damage will show up? I haven't come across any mention of it as a diagnostic tool for celiac disease in any of my reading.

Thanks!

PS… For anybody who's in limbo waiting to see a specialist:

After getting my blood test results at the end of July, I was referred to the gastro and given an initial appointment date of 20 October. Three months seemed like an incredibly long time to wait (and continue to eat gluten). I was getting very frustrated and about ready to forget the test and go gluten-free (many thanks to everybody that posted their thoughts on the 'to test or not to test' debate - it was really helpful to read them all).

In desperation last week I called the gastro's office and left a message saying that I lived close by, had a flexible schedule and would be more than happy to come in on short notice if they had a cancellation. They called me back the next day and I saw the doctor on Friday. Persistent polite phone calls to the office might pay off!

[Ursa Major]

I have NEVER heard that an x-ray of the small bowel is helpful in diagnosing celiac disease. It seems like a silly idea.

[penguin]

They might be able to see some characteristic scalloping folds in your intestine with the small bowel x-ray. At any rate, it couldn't hurt, because they can see lots of things in x-rays, and as long as they already have your arse hanging out of a hospital gown, eh, why not?

[Rox]

Thanks Penguin... that was my thought as well. Glad to hear that your biopsy was okay . I feel less anxious about mine after reading your post.