Refractory Sprue

[Tasha2004]

My Mom is still having problems with loss of weight, and she says loose stools. She has been gluten-free over 20 years, and is 81.

Recently she had evey test in the world, and is just fine, but did trace a problem to a BP med which was giving her tummy trouble.

Now she still insists she doesnt feel well.

We are seeing the gastro one more time, but this doctor already ran tests and biopsy to check for Gluten sneaking by. Everything looks to be normal.

Wouldnt refracotry Sprue show up in blood tests or biopsies?

Does anyone know?

I need some ammunition to hit the doctor with on Monday.

My Mom just isnt feeling well, and we are trying to make sure it isnt from Celiac.

[nikki-uk]

We are seeing the gastro one more time, but this doctor already ran tests and biopsy to check for Gluten sneaking by. Everything looks to be normal.

Wouldnt refracotry Sprue show up in blood tests or biopsies?

Does anyone know?

I would have thought the biopsies would have shown something up (e.g blunted villi, cell changes) but I suppose as well biopsies could miss any damaged parts

Has your Mum had a colonoscopy as well to check her large bowel??

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Tasha2004]

I would have thought the biopsies would have shown something up (e.g blunted villi, cell changes) but I suppose as well biopsies could miss any damaged parts

Has your Mum had a colonoscopy as well to check her large bowel??

Sorry I can't be of more help.

She had every abdominal test and blood test known to man, I think!

CT scan, Abdominal dopplar, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, blood tests, biopsy, etc etc.

They didnt miss a trick!

[nikki-uk]

She had every abdominal test and blood test known to man, I think!

CT scan, Abdominal dopplar, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, blood tests, biopsy, etc etc.

They didnt miss a trick!

My Mum has a similar problem (with constant D for the last year 6 or more times daily)

She too has had a barrage of tests (all neg) but I sometimes wonder if docs don't dismiss elderly people - as in 'it's old age - you aren't going to feel as good' attitude

A couple more thoughts on your Mum, has she been tested for

Gall Bladder probs,

Pancreatic Insufficiency??

[Tasha2004]

I think she was tested for those. We just got off the phone with the Gastro's assistant. It is looking like depression is causing her tummy problems.

They felt it was highly possible and it seems like all her symptoms really match up.

But yes she is a senior and they do pass over these people quite often.

This time, I think we are on to something.

We'll see Monday, but the doctor is prepared to bring this issue up.

[Canadian Karen]

Have they biopsied for collagenous colitis? It can only be seen by a pathologist through a microscope (hence the other term for it - microscopic colitis).

Karen

[Tasha2004]

Karen: I dont know, they did the endoscopy the same day as the colonoscopy so.......

But to tell you the truth, she tells them she had diarrhea and she tells me loose stools, but then she threw in so many unrelated conditions that we figured depression (ie back pain, leg sore, etc etc)

[Canadian Karen]

Collagenous colitis sure fits the diarrhea bill!

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Trust me, I am the expert at watery diarrhea!