New To This - Help!

[evierp]

I was recently given 2 blood test to check for Celiac. I came back positive for both, although I'm not really even certain exactly what they were. One was to test for a DNA indicator.

Quick background, I've been having symptoms for about 2 years. Right after it started, I had my gallbladder taken out. Although that resolved a lot of the pain, I've still have had a low grade fever, inflammation indicators in my blood and general fatigue and bloating for the entire time.

So, as an almost last resort...my doctor sent me to a rheumatologist who did some tests and decided that she didn't that that it was related to her but wanted to do a few more blood test, including Celiac.

So, I'm getting these results from her and now she wants to send me to a gastro. But in the mean time, I'm really concerned about the results and what this will mean.

I assume that even with both indicators, I'll probably need a small intestine biopsy? Is this really the only way to tell for sure?

I've read online about a lot of studies showing a large increase in certain types of cancer. Can anyone tell me about this?

I appreciate all the help. This is a shock to me and I have no idea how long I'll have to wait to see the specialist and do more testing.

Thanks!!

[ShayFL]

Welcome.

Stick to your normal diet until you see the GI doctor. A biopsy can give you more proof of celiac. But with 2 positive blood tests, you are celiac. There are no false positives.

After your biopsy. I mean right after, you will need to stop eating gluten.

There are some great books that will explain it all. "Dangerous Grains", "Going Against The Grain" and some books by Dr. Peter Green.

It is far too complex to explain it all here. But, yes, certain cancers including lymphoma, stomach and intestinal cancers are more common in celiacs as is type 1 diabetes (which can come at any age).

The good news is that after 5 years on a Gluten Free diet, your risk for these cancers will be the same as the general population. Do not worry about them. Just go gluten free. But not until after your biopsy.

[Lisa]

Evie, Welcome here!

Your DNA test were positive which indicates that you MAY be predisposed to a gluten intolerance, allergy or Celiac.

These are the tests that you doctor needs to order (all of them):

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

Should these test be positive, that in itself is a diagnosis. An endoscopy/biopsy can also rule in Celiac Disease. But, it cannot rule it out due to the inaccuracy of both tests. As stated, there are some false negatives, but no false positives.

An endoscopy can also look for other issues in your small intestines. It might be good to test if you have had a history of digestive issues.

Should you need to go gluten free, know that it's not the end of the world. You need to be a quick learn in the beginning, but soon it becomes second nature. I do not feel deprived in the least.

Read as much as you can from this site. This is the best source you can find. Good luck.