Opinions Much Appreciated

[Mysh]

Hello, looking for some thoughts/opinions similiar to a post that was just done about further testing (I didn't want to hijack that thread).

I was diagnosed approximately 3 weeks ago. I cant get into a gastroenterologist for another 3 weeks, and then it would probably be another 3-4 weeks before he can do a biopsy.

I am, after reading up a bit on Celiac wondering if I need to go ahead with a biopsy or whether it would be bneficial to either a) seek further or more elaborate tesing and just go a dietician or whether I should just continue on the course my doctor has set me on.

My test results so far include:-

Transglutaminase IgA - 4 Range <5

anti - Gliadin IgA - 22 Range <20

anti - Gliadin IgG - 46 Range <20

This is all I've had apart from the usual blood screen. My iron and B12 levels have been severly low my entire life.

I should add that my gluten intake will be from hidden/cross contamination. I figured out years ago that I feel better when I don't eat "Carbs", so I rarely eat bread, pastas. Like I said, it's been years since I've had a regular diet. My doctor of course doesn't know this - we barely discussed the diagnosis at all and she has referred me elsewhere.

That being said, I am concerned that I am going in for a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis, when infact I am happy to deal with the diagnosis as it is.

Someone mentioned before that my body might be already either in a healing state or one where it has effectively healed and I am being glutened which is causing my issues.

Thoughts very much appreciated. Should I go for more tests? Can someone interpret my blood tests? Any advice welcome too.

Thanks!

[Mysh]

:unsure: anyone?

[ravenwoodglass]

That being said, I am concerned that I am going in for a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis, when infact I am happy to deal with the diagnosis as it is.

Thanks!

IMHO the answer is in bold above. You have positive blood work and if that and resolution of symptoms is enough for you then the choice to biopsy or not is up to you.

[GFinDC]

The way I understand it, the biopsy is a hit or miss thing, and can give false negatives in the best situation. If you have been pretty much gluten-free for a while, there is probably an even lower chance than usual that the biopsy will show something conclusive. At least that's how my non-doctor head sees it.

[Mysh]

Thanks everyone. I'm still in two minds about it although I am leaning towards not having it done more than having it done.

I am going to see my GP again and also a naturopath so things might be a bit clearer after that. I have also come across a dietician who has celiac herself so if I can get in to her i think it will be money well spent.