Biopsy Results - Should I Be Nervous?

[WinterSong]

Hi,

I've already been diagnosed with Celiac based on a "very positive" blood test. The doctor says there's no doubt about it. I got my endoscopy done last week, and he said that I show all of the internal signs of Celiac. So I basically know that I have it. I'm now gluten-free and feeling much better.

I have an appointment with my doctor to go over the results next week. My question - knowing that I have a diagnosis, is there anything else I should be nervous about when I have my meeting with him? Are there any other complications he may be able to tell me based on my biopsy results?

[RyanP]

Welcome to the club! (Ok, so it's not always the most FUN club...) but the good news, as you are already finding out, is that you are going to start feeling a lot better!

I wouldn't be overly concerned about finding other things wrong when you get your biopsy results. The doctor will typically take biopsies from other locations while doing the endoscopy. Usually your lower esophagus and stomach in addition to the upper part of the small intestine (which is where Celiac will show up). Things that commonly show up there are some swelling in your esophagus due to chronic heartburn (if you're prone to that), or overall swelling of the stomach. There are some other scarier things, but these aren't really related to Celiac.

In all likelihood, your doctor wants to discuss the results in person because this is a conclusive finding that requires some major life changes. He/she will hopefully fill you in on the overall findings from the endoscopy, tell you (again) about celiac, and talk about what the next steps are. (Thats how my post-test appointment went down anyway.) More than any of that though, they will want to answer any questions you have. (Which if you're like me, you will forget or not be able to think of on the spot like that.)

Good luck, and enjoy your recovery!

-Ryan

[cassP]

i wouldnt be nervous at all.. you're now on the path to feeling much much better and being healthy. just go over it all with your doc- ask if everything else looked okay. and if you have any other concerns- ask him if and when u should maybe also get a colonoscopy. most of the time everything is great down there, but i had a colonoscopy before i self diagnosed- because i had so much pain, i wanted to make sure there was nothing else involved besides my assuming a gluten/small intestine issue. i was relieved to have everything check out ok.

next up- you really need to start with some blood tests to check for other issues that are quite common in those with celiac. the most common seem to be: B12, D, & Iron deficiencies, and Thyroid disease. you may be completely fine- but trust me- from my experience- better to check them all out now- vitamin supplementation &/or meds can really help u recover quicker and save u any uneccessary discomfort. i for example went thru a good year of pretty bad muscle spasms before i found out i was D deficient.

good luck and welcome

[WinterSong]

Good news! My follow-up with my doctor went well. My biopsy was positive, and he was able to show me that my villi were blunted. He tested my thyroid, as well, and luckily it's normal. I got a lot of my questions answered about my lactose intolerance, and he seemed pleased with how I've been following the diet so far. Going back in three months to get my blood tests re-checked - my levels were pretty high (tTG was greater than 300 - yikes!), so here's hoping they go down soon!

[MsCurious]

Good news! My follow-up with my doctor went well. My biopsy was positive, and he was able to show me that my villi were blunted. He tested my thyroid, as well, and luckily it's normal. I got a lot of my questions answered about my lactose intolerance, and he seemed pleased with how I've been following the diet so far. Going back in three months to get my blood tests re-checked - my levels were pretty high (tTG was greater than 300 - yikes!), so here's hoping they go down soon!

That is GREAT news JessicaNYC! Congrats on getting things going in the right direction. It sounds like you're adjusting really well, and have a great outlook on things. I think that is half the battle. Great to hear success stories like yours. Glad you're doing better!