Normal Biopsy From Endoscopy

[mabel68]

I was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago with Celiac Disease. At that time, I was also diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. For about the last 6 months, I have not followed the gluten-free diet. I had an endoscope and a colonoscopy done yesterday and the only thing that came of it was the diagnosis of the ulcerative colitis, again. I asked about the villi and the celiac and my gastro doc said that it was normal. I asked specifically if the villi were flat or affected and he said no...perfectly healthy. So, does this mean that I do not have celiac disease then? Isn't the endoscope/biopsy the confirming factor?? Thanks for any advice.

[Lisa]

I was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago with Celiac Disease. At that time, I was also diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. For about the last 6 months, I have not followed the gluten-free diet. I had an endoscope and a colonoscopy done yesterday and the only thing that came of it was the diagnosis of the ulcerative colitis, again. I asked about the villi and the celiac and my gastro doc said that it was normal. I asked specifically if the villi were flat or affected and he said no...perfectly healthy. So, does this mean that I do not have celiac disease then? Isn't the endoscope/biopsy the confirming factor?? Thanks for any advice.

How were you diagnosed with Celiac Disease initially?

Did you have a recent biopsy with your endo? Many times damage is not visible.

[ravenwoodglass]

How strictly had you followed the diet before you stopped and started eating gluten again? If you were strict did you get any relief from the diet at all ?

It can take some time to redamage the small intestine badly enough for damage to be easy to find. It can be patchy and multiple biopsies have to done as the damage is not always visable to the 'naked' eye.

[mabel68]

How were you diagnosed with Celiac Disease initially?

Did you have a recent biopsy with your endo? Many times damage is not visible.

[mabel68]

I was initially diagnosed with the endoscopy and followed up with blood work. I never had any symptoms other than anemia.

This recent endoscope and biopsies came back "normal".

I never noticed any real relief from the diet because I didn't have any of the gastro symptoms to begin with. The anemia was improved, but I was also put on iron supplements.

I had followed the diet very, very strictly for the 1st year, although I admit it was a learning process. Then, on and off for the next year and then definitely for the last 6 months, I did not adhere to the diet much at all. I have the anemia back currently, but the ulcerative colitis can account for that, couldn't it?

[Lisa]

I was initially diagnosed with the endoscopy and followed up with blood work. I never had any symptoms other than anemia.

This recent endoscope and biopsies came back "normal".

I never noticed any real relief from the diet because I didn't have any of the gastro symptoms to begin with. The anemia was improved, but I was also put on iron supplements.

I had followed the diet very, very strictly for the 1st year, although I admit it was a learning process. Then, on and off for the next year and then definitely for the last 6 months, I did not adhere to the diet much at all. I have the anemia back currently, but the ulcerative colitis can account for that, couldn't it?

Many people here have not had the digestive symptoms similar to you. Some are asymptomatic and have no symptoms what so ever. That's the hard kind because you don't know when you have kicked in that autoimmune response when your body attacks itself.

Do you have any other symptoms, joint aches, headachs, balance issues, thyroid issues, diabetic issues? The reason for the strick gluten free diet, when diagnosed is to prevent other, more serious complications down the road.

What was the reason for you follow up endo?

I don't know if you were misdiagnosed, because you have not given us the details. And, I am certainly glad that you are seeking answers to your questions, because a diagnosed person with Celiac Disease, not adhearing to the diet, is only asking for trouble down the road.

I hope you find your answers.

[JodiC]

I was initially diagnosed with the endoscopy and followed up with blood work. I never had any symptoms other than anemia.

This recent endoscope and biopsies came back "normal".

I never noticed any real relief from the diet because I didn't have any of the gastro symptoms to begin with. The anemia was improved, but I was also put on iron supplements.

I had followed the diet very, very strictly for the 1st year, although I admit it was a learning process. Then, on and off for the next year and then definitely for the last 6 months, I did not adhere to the diet much at all. I have the anemia back currently, but the ulcerative colitis can account for that, couldn't it?

Yes

[Nancym]

I think it can take a lot of years before the damage adds up. I wouldn't push your luck.