Help..new Patient, Doc Appt Tomorrow

Dedrasmom · November 15, 2006

HI, totally new here and would like some quick feedback if possible. My 52 yr. old husband was recently diagnosed with anemia. ( He also has low calcium, & other mineral deficiences) That led to me thinking that he could possibly have celiac. I read a brand new book from my local library that made me think it was a possibililty.

His GP sent him to a surgeon to set up a colonoscopy & endoscopy to see what was causing the anemia. When I mentioned celiac to him, he was very negative and said that he couldn't possibly have it because he didn't have diarrhea as a symptom. I told him that I had just read a new book that stated that constipation could also be a symptom but he didn't seem to believe me. One of those type of docs that has a mindset about certain diseases and won't be swayed. Funny enough, after he left the room he wrote an order for the bloodwork for celiac and gave it to a nurse to hand to us.

Anyway, I would like some feedback on his test results. They called and said everything was normal but looking at the results one part does not look normal to me.

Antigliadin abs, IgA 3 range (0-4)

Antigliadin Abs, IgG 6 (0-9)

Endomysial Antibody IgA 167 (70-400)

t-Transglutaminase 22 (>10=Positive) H

I think it is that last part that makes me wonder. He goes back to GP tomorrow so would love some feedback soon.

Thanks so much, Belinda in NC

CarlaB · November 15, 2006

The last part looked positive to me. That is the test for an autoimmune reaction, and I've heard that it's very specific for celiac. Did they take a total IgA? If not, he could be IgA deficient, which would explain the raised tTg and the low IgA.

Did they take biopsies when they did the endoscopy?

He could try the gluten-free diet to see how he does. In some ways (insurance reasons) it's not so bad being gluten-free by choice rather than by firm diagnosis ... this way you don't get denied for insurance or have a pre-existing condition. If his issues resolve going gluten-free, then you know he needs to be gluten-free, and you don't need a doctor to supervise the diet.

Welcome to the forum!

Dedrasmom · November 15, 2006

Hi Carla, thank you so much for your response. I didn't think I was nuts. Test results that are out of range usually mean there is a problem. I did not like this surgeon at all because of his mindset about celiac and because he made a negative comment about people finding info on the internet. If I didn't find info on the internet I would probably be very ill from thyroid disease. I think these forums are the best for info. That's where I got most of my thyroid info that was so helpful.

My husband has not had his colonoscopy & endo yet. I think after we see his GP tomorrow, if he agrees that the test show something is off that we will reschedule his procedures with the gastro doc who did my colonoscopy. I really like him and he actually did the blood test for celiac on me without me even asking. We had just planned to go to this surgeon because he was the one his GP recommended.

I think I will go ahead & get a correct diagnosis because he has some other medical issues so want to be sure. Thanks again, Belinda

CarlaB said:
The last part looked positive to me. That is the test for an autoimmune reaction, and I've heard that it's very specific for celiac. Did they take a total IgA? If not, he could be IgA deficient, which would explain the raised tTg and the low IgA.

Did they take biopsies when they did the endoscopy?

He could try the gluten-free diet to see how he does. In some ways (insurance reasons) it's not so bad being gluten-free by choice rather than by firm diagnosis ... this way you don't get denied for insurance or have a pre-existing condition. If his issues resolve going gluten-free, then you know he needs to be gluten-free, and you don't need a doctor to supervise the diet.

Welcome to the forum!

Dedrasmom · December 18, 2006

Hi Carla, just wanted to let you know that my husband had his endoscopy and low and behold he does have celiac. I couldn't believe it. I basically diagnosed him myself. Thank goodness for the internet and help from people like you. I am so glad to know that there may be an explanation for some of the things that have been going on with him.

We go to the hospital Tues. to talk to the nutritionist although I have read enough to pretty much know what he can eat. Already been to the health food store and got a few things.

I'm sure I will be spending a lot more time on this site now becoming more informed and getting recipes etc.

Thanks again for your input and Happy Holidays!

Belinda in NC

Dedrasmom said:
HI, totally new here and would like some quick feedback if possible. My 52 yr. old husband was recently diagnosed with anemia. ( He also has low calcium, & other mineral deficiences) That led to me thinking that he could possibly have celiac. I read a brand new book from my local library that made me think it was a possibililty.

His GP sent him to a surgeon to set up a colonoscopy & endoscopy to see what was causing the anemia. When I mentioned celiac to him, he was very negative and said that he couldn't possibly have it because he didn't have diarrhea as a symptom. I told him that I had just read a new book that stated that constipation could also be a symptom but he didn't seem to believe me. One of those type of docs that has a mindset about certain diseases and won't be swayed. Funny enough, after he left the room he wrote an order for the bloodwork for celiac and gave it to a nurse to hand to us.

Anyway, I would like some feedback on his test results. They called and said everything was normal but looking at the results one part does not look normal to me.

Antigliadin abs, IgA 3 range (0-4)
Antigliadin Abs, IgG 6 (0-9)
Endomysial Antibody IgA 167 (70-400)

t-Transglutaminase 22 (>10=Positive) H

I think it is that last part that makes me wonder. He goes back to GP tomorrow so would love some feedback soon.

Thanks so much, Belinda in NC

GlutenWrangler · December 19, 2006

It never surprises me how pathetic doctors can be. I'm glad you found the right diagnosis.

wolfie · December 19, 2006

Good for you for sticking to your guns and getting your husband diagnosed! I wish some of these ignorant doctors would get with the program!

Hope that your husband starts to feel better soon!

Ursa Major · December 19, 2006

Good for you for figuring out your husband's problem and making sure he gets diagnosed! When a man is anemic, that should ALWAYS send up a red flag. Men in general don't get anemic unless they have celiac disease or leukemia. I'm glad it's the celiac disease with your husband, as it's easy to get him feeling better, and getting his levels up again.

Are you going to go gluten-free with him? It would be easier for you when cooking, and safer for him if there is no gluten in the house, as you'll avoid cross-contamination issues.