Blood Test Results Just Back

[thefreespirit]

Hi

Last Wednesday I had my blood test done. At the time I checked with the nurse who took the sample what I was being tested for. He told me EMA, tTGA, Liver function and Thyroid function. This was as I had discussed with the doctor so was as I expected.

I phoned up today and the receptionist didn't really know anything about my tests, but she said that Liver was normal, Thyroid normal, EMA satisfactory and the 'other one' which she didn't seem able to identify, she said was elevated and the doctor wants a call back. Unfortunately he can't see me until next Thursday. Do you think I can assume that the unidentified result is the result of the tTGA test?

If it is, it really helps me as it may be a step towards getting someone to take 'this thing' seriously. I was diagnosed with IBS about 20 odd years ago but no treatment offered has ever helped and I have remained convinced for many years that what I have is gluten intolerance.

Thanks for any insights. xx

[sa1937]

Hi

Last Wednesday I had my blood test done. At the time I checked with the nurse who took the sample what I was being tested for. He told me EMA, tTGA, Liver function and Thyroid function. This was as I had discussed with the doctor so was as I expected.

I phoned up today and the receptionist didn't really know anything about my tests, but she said that Liver was normal, Thyroid normal, EMA satisfactory and the 'other one' which she didn't seem able to identify, she said was elevated and the doctor wants a call back. Unfortunately he can't see me until next Thursday. Do you think I can assume that the unidentified result is the result of the tTGA test?

If it is, it really helps me as it may be a step towards getting someone to take 'this thing' seriously. I was diagnosed with IBS about 20 odd years ago but no treatment offered has ever helped and I have remained convinced for many years that what I have is gluten intolerance.

Thanks for any insights. xx

Sounds like it would be the tTG. When you see the Dr., be sure to pick up a copy of all the lab tests they've run. Hopefully he had the lab run the complete celiac panel, which includes more than the EMA and tTG.

[thefreespirit]

Hi Sylvia

Thank you for your response. I was able to see the doctor this afternoon. He was very helpful and quite understanding. He does not believe I have celiac disease, although he does believe I am probably non celiac disease gluten intolerant. Anyway, he has sent off a referral for me to see a GI specialist. Apparently both my tests were negative and he feels that is a good indicator but he thinks the specialist will probably ask for a biopsy to see exactly what is going on. He agrees that after all this time I need some answers.

The reason that the doctor wanted a call back was in fact my iron deficient anaemia. My haemoglobin count was down to 9.3, from 11 last time I had it done a couple of months ago, so I've had to go back onto iron. Which obviously will make my symptoms worse, but there you go.

He was quite concerned that my fibroid has grown to about 11 - 12 cms, which he said is about 16 weeks pregnant! He also seemed rather disturbed that at 58, I have not yet been through menopause, although my periods have become significantly lighter and less frequent, anything up to 3 months apart now.

My doctor has put in for an early scan for my fibroid, so I expect that to be in the next couple of weeks.

I have told him that I shall continue gluten-free for the time being, as it makes me feel so much better. Of course, when I see the specialist if he decides to do a biopsy he may want me to go back on gluten. But that could be quite a wait.

FS xx

[Whatnext?]

I have told him that I shall continue gluten-free for the time being, as it makes me feel so much better. Of course, when I see the specialist if he decides to do a biopsy he may want me to go back on gluten. But that could be quite a wait.

FS xx

I'm not sure how long you've been gluten free, but if you think you need an endoscopy you may want to start eating gluten right away.

I also recommend that you ask for the doctor's office send you a copy of the results of any test you have had done or have done in the future. It always helps to have a copy for your records and to research the results. It's just good to be as informed as possible.

Good luck with your search for a diagnosis.