Raised Antibodies

[cdfiance]

Does anyone know if an isolated glutening incident would cause antibody levels to be raised significantly and how long they would stay raised? Alex (my fiancee) had her six month follow-up with her GI and he did a Celiac panel. She was glutened almost a month ago and we don't know if that will affect the results of the panel.

We didn't get around to telling the GI about the gluten incident (quick, quick visit) but if her levels are elevated and he wants to see her again we'll definitely inform him about it. I was just hoping someone might know how likely it is that her levels would be affected. We're hoping to avoid the doctor wanting to do another follow-up endoscopy in the event that her antibodies are elevated. She really is starting to feel quite good so I don't think we need a biopsy to know that her villi are getting back to normal.

Thanks,

Ryan

[jerseyangel]

Hi Ryan,

It's unlikely that a single gluten incident would cause her antibody levels to rise.

Generally, it takes months of eating a decent amount of gluten every day to get them high enough again to register.

Recently, I had mine done at about 2 years post diagnosis. I was smack dab in the middle of a 5-6 week period where I was glutening myself regularly by using a facial product that contained wheat derived ingredients. (the label looked fine--the wheat was "hidden in the ingredient list)

I was even sick the day the blood was drawn.

My results were all "normal". I wouldn't worry too much about this. You and Alex have been so careful.

I should clarify that I slathered the product on and could literally taste it at times--meaning I ingested some on a regular basis.

[LisaJ]

I also think her antibody levels will be fine. I was tested about 6 months after going gluten free, and I had accidentally glutened myself 2 weeks before my bloodwork and it was still back to normal. If you have been really careful otherwise, I'm sure they'll be fine!

[cdfiance]

Patti and Lisa, thank you both for the replies! It's a relief to hear that her levels should be fine. I was really afraid that she would be talked into having another scope if her antibodies were high.

Patti, I'm really sorry that you had such a long glutening. Hidden gluten should be illegal. I wish every product had a check box that just said gluten or no gluten.

Thanks again for the help. I take so much from this forum and give so little. I hope Alex and I can eventually be able to pay it forward and help other new Celiacs. I'm going to encourage her to check out the forum now that she's feeling much better than she was. She's knows no one with Celiac so it would be good for her to have people to relate to. I think she would benefit from both getting and giving knowledge. She's a bit more shy and reserved these days so I don't know if she'll join up but I do think it would be good for her.

Ryan

[jerseyangel]

You're so welcome, Ryan--really, that's what we're here for

It would be great if Alex joined up here. Please tell her that she can contact me anytime, and that we'd love to see her on the board when she's ready.

You two take care

[happygirl]

Thanks again for the help. I take so much from this forum and give so little. I hope Alex and I can eventually be able to pay it forward and help other new Celiacs. I'm going to encourage her to check out the forum now that she's feeling much better than she was. She's knows no one with Celiac so it would be good for her to have people to relate to. I think she would benefit from both getting and giving knowledge. She's a bit more shy and reserved these days so I don't know if she'll join up but I do think it would be good for her.

Ryan

Ryan---you give so much to Alex. I think the vast majority of board members are happy to see a family member so supportive of the one with Celiac, especially after all Alex has gone through. Those with supporitive family members know that it makes SUCH a huge difference in their quality of life. Alex is lucky to have a caring partner, and I know everyone who has followed your story is relieved that she is steadily improving. This board is proof that there are Celiacs everywhere, so hopefully she'll meet a "real life" one some day .

Even if she's not ready to post, encourage her just to read. Even th topics that she doesn't think might interest her....as you know, the threads go on tangents, so you never know what bit of interesting info you will find in any given thread!

[cdfiance]

The GI's office called and Alex's antibodies were indeed normal and he doesn't need to see her for another 6 months! We are very happy about that. We were engaged shortly before Alex got sick and were planning to get married this weekend but life intervened and instead we're celebrating 6 months gluten-free. It makes Alex a bit sad but I think her returning to health is more exciting than a wedding. That being said, I still can't wait to marry her, as soon as she's healthy enough to enjoy the whole wedding thing.

It would be great if Alex joined up here. Please tell her that she can contact me anytime, and that we'd love to see her on the board when she's ready.

Thank you, I will. That is very kind.

Thanks as always,

Ryan