Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Am I Asking For The Right Tests

Tammiejo

Recommended Posts

Tammiejo Newbie
Tammiejo
Posted

I suspect I am reacting to gluten. I have have experienced most of the symptoms listed on the site to some degree for years and just assumed it was just the way I am, deal with it. I recently woke up to a rash all over my body that looked like Chicken Pox. I have had small outbreaks that I attributed to allergies, working out..... but never like this. I have had Chicken Pox and measels before, but went to the Dr to be sure I did not have anything contagous. He ran tests for those (all negative) and added a test for Celiacs. I had never even heard of it before but after reading the site, I seemed to fit the bill. I have been gluten-free for 3 weeks and feel much better. I am an inch smaller around the middle! The blood work came in and the Dr says negative but it appears he did only the IgA? I am not sure what I am looking at or how to read this so I am hoping to get some guidance here....

Immunoglobulin A, serum 171 f 68-378 mg/dL

Tissue Transglutaminase Ab, IgA 1 f < 20 Units

I would love to order a pizza for dinner, but..... I haven't been constipated or have diarehha in 2 weeks.... My skin is almost clear...

I'd appreciate any advise I can get!!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

He ran the tTG IgA, which is probably the best screening test for Celiac. According to it, you were negative.

The other test is the total IgA, which measures your ability to produce IgA antibodies. If you were IgA deficient, and had Celiac, you couldn't test positive on any of the IgA based tests (tTG IgA, AGA IgA, EMA IgA, etc). According to your bloodwork, you are not IgA deficient.

No one blood test is perfect for every individual. You could have damage that isn't picked up by the bloodwork. Or, you may not have Celiac and still have a non Celiac gluten sensitivity. Or, you could not have a problem with gluten.

Some people prefer to keep gluten out of their diets, regardless of testing, because they feel better off of it. They don't know "what" it is. Others prefer to push for a firmer diagnosis (including biopsy) to rule in/out Celiac.

*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
Posted

were you consuming gluten at the time the blood was drawn? if you had stopped eating gluten for 3 weeks and then had the blood taken, the results could be inaccurate.

Tammiejo Newbie
Tammiejo
Posted
  • Author

I was eating gluten at the time of the test. Just the 3 weeks it took to get my results. I never would have suspected it and even thought the Dr was a bit daft when he mentioned the test, but figured it couldn't hurt. He was only looking at the skin issue at the time. The stomach issues I have had for so long that I didn't consider it important at the time. It was not anything new or different. And fatigue? I am training for a marathon, of course I am fatigued.

It wasn't until I started reading the site that all the symtoms I would never have put together suddenly fit. I think I'll stay gluten-free for a bit and see if I continue to feel better.

Thanks!!

Tammiejo Newbie
Tammiejo
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the translation! I still don't think I'll run right out and order that pizza tonight, but maybe I'll introduce some gluten back in a few weeks and see what happens.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,991
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    ZENken
    Newest Member
    ZENken
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Wheatwacked
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      Have faith, you will survive. I get mine from Pipingrock.com.  500 capsules of 10,000 IU for $22.  That is almost two years worth for me.  250 caps 5000 IU for $6.69 if you only take 5,000 a day.  It's like half the price of Walmart.
    • Wheatwacked
      Outgrow celiac?

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      Testing can't alone be trusted.  Else why would it take so many years of testing and retesting and misdiagnosis to finally be told, yes you have Celiac Disease. As to what to eat, I like pre 1950 style food.  Before the advent of TV dinners.  Fresh food is better for you, and cooking from scratch is cheaper.  Watch Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals for how to cook.  Keep in mind that she is not gluten free, but her techniques are awesome.  Just use something else instead of wheat, barley, rye. Dr Fuhrman is a ex cardiologist.  His book Eat to Live and Dr Davis' book Wheatbelly were instrumental in my survival.
    • Scott Adams
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch--thanks for the tip about Dupixent, and I've added it to the article:  
    • Scott Adams
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I just want to clarify that what I posted is a category of research summaries we've done over the years, and nearly each one shows that there is definitely a connection to celiac disease and migraine headaches. The latest study said: "the study did indicate some potential causal associations between celiac disease and migraine with or without aura, as well as between migraine without aura and ulcerative colitis...this study did not find evidence of a shared genetic basis..." Anyway, there is definitely a connection, and you can go through more of the articles here if you're interested: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/migraine-headaches-and-celiac-disease/
    • SusanJ
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By SusanJ · Posted

      Two months ago, I started taking Dupixent for dermatitis herpetiformis and it has completely cleared it up. I can't believe it! I have had a terrible painful, intensely itchy rash for over a year despite going fully gluten-free. See if your doctor will prescribe Dupixent. It can be expensive but I am getting it free. When the dermatitis herpetiformis was bad I could not do anything. I just lay in bed covered in ice packs to ease the pain/itching and using way too Clobetasol. Dapsone is also very good for dermatitis herpetiformis (and it is generic). It helped me and the results were immediate but it gave me severe anemia so the Dupixent is better for me. Not sure if it works for everyone. I cannot help with the cause of your stress but from experience I am sure the severe stress is making the celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis worse. Very difficult for you with having children to care for and you being so sick. Would this man be willing to see a family therapist with you? He may be angry at you or imagine that your illness is a psychosomatic excuse not to take care of him. A therapist might help even if he won't go with you. Also do you have any family that you could move in with (with the kids) for a short time to get away? A break may be good for you both.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.