First Gi Doc Appt

[Christine0125]

I have my first GI doc appt on thursday after a positive blood test and referral from primary doc. What should I expect? I suspect he's going to want to do an endoscopy.

In online research I also found out that the hospital where my husband works (about 45 minutes away) has a celiac speciality clinic and they are involved in a lot of celiac research. Is it worth pursuing an appt with a specialist? I hate to take the time to go there if any doc will say the same thing "eat a strict gluten free diet and see us in 6 months."

[Chuck1004]

Hi Christine,

Which specific blood tests did you have?

[Christine0125]

Hi Christine,

Which specific blood tests did you have?

I didn't make a copy of the lab order but I believe it was considered the full celiac panel. I know it was trans... something or other and antibody... I am going to ask for a copy of the results. When the nurse called me she indicated I was positive but didn't give me specific numbers.

[Bubba's Mom]

I have my first GI doc appt on thursday after a positive blood test and referral from primary doc. What should I expect? I suspect he's going to want to do an endoscopy.

In online research I also found out that the hospital where my husband works (about 45 minutes away) has a celiac speciality clinic and they are involved in a lot of celiac research. Is it worth pursuing an appt with a specialist? I hate to take the time to go there if any doc will say the same thing "eat a strict gluten free diet and see us in 6 months."

Most GIs will want to do an endoscope. It lets them know the state of your small intestine, and can be used as a reference point in your healing. Several biopsies should be taken, not just one or two.

The biopsies are then sent to a lab to be viewed under a microscope. The lab person is the one who writes a report on the findings.

Whether you go to a specialist is a matter of personal preference? A competent GI should be able to take biopsy samples just fine though.

[Chuck1004]

I recently had a positive blood test for Tissue Transglutaminase antibodies, which was reported on the test as TTG AB IGA, and my understanding is that virtually all Celiacs will have a positive hit on this particular test, but not all positive hits as necessarily Celiacs, as it can indicate other autoimmune issues. They will follow up with the endoscopy to confirm the finding and report back on the degree of damage.

In my case it was the GI doc who performed the test and later did the endoscopy, so I would imagine the GI specialist will schedule you for the endoscopy and do other followup bloodwork.

[Christine0125]

I had my appointment today and the doctor's first words after reviewing my lab results were "you definitely have celiac disease." I now have an endoscopy scheduled to make sure nothing else is going on, a DEXA scan and additional labs ordered (vitamins, iron recheck, and some others).

He gave me copies of my labs:

tTG-IgG Ab - 42

Endomysial IgA - positive

Endomysial Ab - 1:10

Iron - 40

Saturation 9%

I'm confident I'm on the right path to healing.

[Chuck1004]

I had my appointment today and the doctor's first words after reviewing my lab results were "you definitely have celiac disease." I now have an endoscopy scheduled to make sure nothing else is going on, a DEXA scan and additional labs ordered (vitamins, iron recheck, and some others).

He gave me copies of my labs:

tTG-IgG Ab - 42

Endomysial IgA - positive

Endomysial Ab - 1:10

Iron - 40

Saturation 9%

I'm confident I'm on the right path to healing.

Your TTY levels are similar to mine. I believe the endomysial reading is the genetic test for Celiac Disease (I did not have that test) but at the very least is as clear cut and accurate as you can possibly get. Best of luck on your endoscopy (It is a snap) and let us know your results!

[Bubba's Mom]

I had my appointment today and the doctor's first words after reviewing my lab results were "you definitely have celiac disease." I now have an endoscopy scheduled to make sure nothing else is going on, a DEXA scan and additional labs ordered (vitamins, iron recheck, and some others).

He gave me copies of my labs:

tTG-IgG Ab - 42

Endomysial IgA - positive

Endomysial Ab - 1:10

Iron - 40

Saturation 9%

I'm confident I'm on the right path to healing.

Looks like the GI is right up to date as to what follow-up should be done? Congrats on getting answers to your symptoms..and welcome to gluten-free!

[Di2011]

So nice to see a topic that includes positive interaction with medical profession! You are very lucky. Please let everyone on here know who and where you have been treated so that local people can access.

[Di2011]

BTW I checked with the moderators and we can name the 'good' medical helpers.

We should refrain from bagging and naming((not sure if this an Aussie term.. negative feedback)) bad ones.