Abnormal Blood Test- No Symptoms

[MyGlutenFreeJourney]

My mother was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a few months ago. We were all surprised, as was she, because she had no symptoms (or at least she didn't recognize them). She found out she had it based on results of a colonoscopy which prompted further testing.

To be on the safe side, I figured I should get a blood test to rule it out since I didn't seem to have any symptoms. To my surprise, my doctor told me that my test results were abnormal enough for me to contact a specialist...

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum 247, Range: 70-400

Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA 45, Range: 0-19

t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA <2, Range: 0-3

I have tried finding information about this to see if it really looks like I could have Celiac or not. Have my first appointment on Monday with a GI and am figuring (from what I've read) that a formal diagnosis can't be made without a biopsy of the lower intestine?!. I've been told not to start gluten free because it can skew results...

So I have been definitely eating gluten, with the idea that if I turn out to have Celiac I won't be able to eat any of these foods ever again. And now, I'm noticing "symptoms", such as bloating and gassiness, and general stomach upset. I'm figuring it probably mostly has to to with stress, but who knows.

I guess my question right now, is based on my blood results, are my chances of having Celiac high and once I get a biopsy (if that's what they need to do), how soon did most people get results back from that? I feel like I'm gaining weight because of all the gluten foods that I'm trying to eat. Am I crazy for eating like this? I just know that once I get a formal diagnosis (if I do), I will give up the gluten completely.

Thanks for your comments or advice.

[Newbee]

The blood tests are very accurate for celiac. So considering that and the fact that you have a first degree relative with the disease, the chances you have the disease are pretty good. My brother went through the same thing. I had symptoms and was diagnosed with late stage celiac. I told my family to be tested. My brother tested very slightly positive with the blood test. He didn't have symptoms and didn't think he had the disease. When he went to the GI doctor they told him he needed a biopsy (if you test positive with the blood test they should be recommending a biopsy to check for sure). His biopsy was positive for the disease. He was in the beginning stages of the disease (which probably accounts for why he did not notice symptoms yet). I think it was a blessing he found it when he did. Having late stage of the disease has led to other diseases and complications for me and very slow healing. So if you do have the disease, I hope similarly that it is early stage of the disease. That's really when you want to catch the disease. It can be hard to follow the gluten free diet (definitely hard getting started), but you do get used to it. I wish you the best of luck.

[MyGlutenFreeJourney]

Thank you so much. I figure I have it and feel like it's a blessing to find out now before getting the things that go along with it later on like my Mom is getting and my grandmother got (though she wasn't diagnosed with Celiac, she showed many of the symptoms and had other autoimmune issues. Just frustrating having to wait I guess.

Will keep everyone posted.

Thanks again!