Repeat Endoscopy

[tunibell]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 5/09 after being symptomatic for a mere 3 months. At the time, my endoscopy/biopsy showed mild gastritis, duodenitis, scalloped intestinal folds, and mildly blunted villi. I have been meticulously gluten-free ever since.

It took about 4 months for me to feel all better. At around the 6-month mark, I started to get horrible acid reflux. At its worst, I was talking a PPI in the morning and an H2 blocker in the evenings. I followed this regimen for approximately two months. Last week, I decided to take matters into my own hands; I stopped all the drugs and have been following an elimination diet. The acid reflux went away almost overnight, so I am assuming that either a) the course of medication did its job or I have an intolerance to something other than gluten.

Because of the reflux, my GI decided to do a repeat endoscopy, and it seemed reasonable to check on the healing of my celiac disease at the same time. The results (thus far) have been mixed: although the scalloping on my intestines has disappeared (a good sign), I still have mild gastritis and full-blown duodenitis. My esophagus was completely fine.

I expected the gastritis, but why do I still have the duodenitis??? Is this a common finding at 8-months on the diet? Obviously, I'll know more when I get the biopsy results (which will show villi regrowth or lack thereof and any bacterial infections), but in the meantime, I'm feeling terrified that something else is really wrong with me. Anyone have any experience in this area???

[ravenwoodglass]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 5/09 after being symptomatic for a mere 3 months. At the time, my endoscopy/biopsy showed mild gastritis, duodenitis, scalloped intestinal folds, and mildly blunted villi. I have been meticulously gluten-free ever since.

It took about 4 months for me to feel all better. At around the 6-month mark, I started to get horrible acid reflux. At its worst, I was talking a PPI in the morning and an H2 blocker in the evenings. I followed this regimen for approximately two months. Last week, I decided to take matters into my own hands; I stopped all the drugs and have been following an elimination diet. The acid reflux went away almost overnight, so I am assuming that either a) the course of medication did its job or I have an intolerance to something other than gluten.

Because of the reflux, my GI decided to do a repeat endoscopy, and it seemed reasonable to check on the healing of my celiac disease at the same time. The results (thus far) have been mixed: although the scalloping on my intestines has disappeared (a good sign), I still have mild gastritis and full-blown duodenitis. My esophagus was completely fine.

I expected the gastritis, but why do I still have the duodenitis??? Is this a common finding at 8-months on the diet? Obviously, I'll know more when I get the biopsy results (which will show villi regrowth or lack thereof and any bacterial infections), but in the meantime, I'm feeling terrified that something else is really wrong with me. Anyone have any experience in this area???

Most like you have both for the same reason. I had both also and the the inflammation (thats what 'itis' stands for in doctor speak) turned out to be from soy. Other issues that had continued after I had been gluten-free also got better when soy was gone.

It is a really good sign that you have felt better since starting the elimination diet. That does IMHO indicate that something you were still consuming is something you need to live without. It seems for us the most common cointolerances are soy and/or dairy. Be patient when adding foods back in and give each a full week before you decide it's okay. If it turns out that you are intolerant to one or both you have lots of company here so ask any questions you need to.