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Pondering Skipping Biopsy...

glutenfreejd

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glutenfreejd Newbie
glutenfreejd
Posted

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. A few months ago I had a positive blood test for celiac and was referred to a specialist for a confirmation biopsy. In the meantime I went gluten free as my symptoms had become so bad I was having difficulty working. The other day I got a call back from the clinic with my appointment date, but now I'm not sure I want to do it as I would have to start eating gluten again for it to be accurate. Since I've been dating gluten free I've noticed I've become even more sensitive, if I accidentally eat something a bit contaminated I have a pretty strong reaction. Is there any benefi to the biopsy that would compel me to go through this process I imagine to be so horrible? Thanks:)

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Katrala Contributor
Katrala
Posted

Most doctors will tell you to not go gluten-free until the biopsy.

The good thing about the biopsy is that you'll have a baseline and any other problems can be discovered.

Also, you'll have a 100% diagnosis.

If you're OK with not having an official diagnosis (you may find a doctor who will diagnosis without, though,) then go ahead and skip it.

From personal experience, I was glad I had it. But there are many people here who didn't and are still happy with their choice.

MitziG Enthusiast
MitziG
Posted

Dr Alex Fasano is considered THE leading expert on Celiac Disease. He recently stated this in Gluten Free Living Magazine:

"I was the one who said the gold standard was the biopsy. Now

I am saying I was wrong.

The blood tests are extremely accurate at showing a positive Celiac. False negatives- very common. False-positive? nope.

You have Celiac Disease. You can have a biopsy, but, since you have been gluten free for awhile, even if you go back on it for weeks, or months...there may not be enough damage to show positive in a biopsy.

They may do the biopsy, and not take enough samples, or not take them from the right spots, and miss the damage. Celiac is often patchy.

Or they may biopsy damaged areas, and the lab tech who reads the samples may not be experienced, and may miss it.

So...if you get a negative biopsy- what will you do? Probably start questioning yourself. Doctors cant see beyond lab results generally, and they will most certainly dismiss it, and say all of your problems are not from Celiac, and write you a rx for antidepressants.

That said, I had the biopsy, and it was positive, and I needed that confirmation to resolve to stick with the diet. But I also had not been gluten free when I had it.

Not saying you shouldn't do it...but be prepared for the very real likelihood that it will deny what is most definitely true.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Often times, a biopsy can find additional issues, which otherwise might go unresolved. And, with digestive concerns for a period of time, a biopsy can look for the level of damage.

I'm certain you will get opinions from either directions. Take it all in and make the choice you are most comfortable. :)

MitziG Enthusiast
MitziG
Posted

Often times, a biopsy can find additional issues, which otherwise might go unresolved. And, with digestive concerns for a period of time, a biopsy can look for the level of damage.

I'm certain you will get opinions from either directions. Take it all in and make the choice you are most comfortable. :)

This is a very valid point. I am not against biopsy, by any means. I just worry that people feel they aren't a "real celiac" without that dang biopsy report!

luvs2eat Collaborator
luvs2eat
Posted

Apparently my blood test was SO positive that my doctor told me biopsy wasn't necessary! I ended up having one several years later for heartburn/GERD issues and there were celiac indications in there, but as it turned out, the biopsy really wasn't necessary. The blood tests told me what I needed to know... NO MORE GLUTEN FOR ME!!

glutenfreejd Newbie
glutenfreejd
Posted
  • Author

Thanks everyone, that was really helpful. No test for me!! I don't feel like a slip of paper will make me feel any better. I've been feeling so great, I don't want to mess with it. Thanks again!!

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Mom-of-Two Contributor
Mom-of-Two
Posted

My bloodwork was also super positive, I see the GI this Thursday and am also thinking I may not do a biopsy. If you are feeling better, I would hate to see you reintroduce gluten :( sounds like you have your answer!

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    • marion wheaton
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By marion wheaton · Posted

      Thanks for responding. I researched further and Lindt Lindor chocolate balls do contain barely malt powder which contains gluten. I was surprised at all of the conflicting information I found when I checked online.
    • trents
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By trents · Posted

      @BlessedinBoston, it is possible that in Canada the product in question is formulated differently than in the USA or at least processed in in a facility that precludes cross contamination. I assume from your user name that you are in the USA. And it is also possible that the product meets the FDA requirement of not more than 20ppm of gluten but you are a super sensitive celiac for whom that standard is insufficient. 
    • BlessedinBoston
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By BlessedinBoston · Posted

      No,Lindt is not gluten free no matter what they say on their website. I found out the hard way when I was newly diagnosed in 2000. At that time the Lindt truffles were just becoming popular and were only sold in small specialty shops at the mall. You couldn't buy them in any stores like today and I was obsessed with them 😁. Took me a while to get around to checking them and was heartbroken when I saw they were absolutely not gluten free 😔. Felt the same when I realized Twizzlers weren't either. Took me a while to get my diet on order after being diagnosed. I was diagnosed with small bowel non Hodgkins lymphoma at the same time. So it was a very stressful time to say the least. Hope this helps 😁.
    • knitty kitty
      My only proof

      By knitty kitty · Posted

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    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      I have been diagnosed with celiac in 1994, in remission not eating wheat and other foods not to consume  my household eats wheat.I have diagnosed sibo, hernia ibs, high blood pressure, menopause, chronic fatigue just to name a few oh yes and Barrett's esophagus which i forgot, I currently have bumps in back of my throat, one Dr stated we all have bumps in the back of our throat.Im in pain.Standford specialist really dismissed me and now im really in limbo and trying to get properly cared for.I found a new gi and new pcp but its still a mess and medical is making it look like im a disability chaser when Im actively not well I look and feel horrible and its adding anxiety and depression more so.Im angery my condition is affecting me and its being down played 
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