Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Help With Test Results

Solandra

Recommended Posts

Solandra Rookie
Solandra
Posted

A little background: Diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (and tumor, removed last month and wasn't cancer, just from the Hashi's) in Feb. 2012. Endocrinologist decided to test me for Celiac/Gluten Intollerance in March. The test results came back as:

IgA, Serum - 357 (70-310 is normal)

Gliadin Ab, IgA 22 (0-19 is normal)

TTG Ab, IgA 5 (0-19)

TTG Ab, IgG 4 (0-19)

She said it looked like I had a mild intolerance but "normal" people have those kinds of results and I should, at some point, maybe try a gluten free diet. I decided to do it immediately and have been gluten free for almost two months... it's tough when work brings in muffins and bagels! But anyway, what do you guys think? Should I bother avoiding gluten? I'd prefer not to if I don't HAVE to. An acupuncturist who comes to my work told me everyone with Hashimoto's should avoid gluten because it stimulates the immune response and your body will attack your thyroid more. So, I'm getting told different things, and I'm just wondering. It hasn't been that difficult, just a little annoying, to be gluten free.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


beachbirdie Contributor
beachbirdie
Posted

A little background: Diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (and tumor, removed last month and wasn't cancer, just from the Hashi's) in Feb. 2012. Endocrinologist decided to test me for Celiac/Gluten Intollerance in March. The test results came back as:

IgA, Serum - 357 (70-310 is normal)

Gliadin Ab, IgA 22 (0-19 is normal)

TTG Ab, IgA 5 (0-19)

TTG Ab, IgG 4 (0-19)

She said it looked like I had a mild intolerance but "normal" people have those kinds of results and I should, at some point, maybe try a gluten free diet. I decided to do it immediately and have been gluten free for almost two months... it's tough when work brings in muffins and bagels! But anyway, what do you guys think? Should I bother avoiding gluten? I'd prefer not to if I don't HAVE to. An acupuncturist who comes to my work told me everyone with Hashimoto's should avoid gluten because it stimulates the immune response and your body will attack your thyroid more. So, I'm getting told different things, and I'm just wondering. It hasn't been that difficult, just a little annoying, to be gluten free.

It is meaningful that you tested positive, even "low" positive, for gliadin antibodies. Your body is seeing gluten as an invader, and attacking it. If not celiac, you are gluten sensitive. I have always heard Hashi's patients should avoid gluten, and having hung out on several thyroid forums for over 10 years. The experience of fellow Hashi's sufferers confirms that a gluten-free diet has been very helpful to them.

I have Hashi's, but have not lived gluten-free for long though I generally ate low quantities of bread and pasta just for weight control. I went on a glutening binge over the last 6 months, and I can really feel the irritation in my neck in the thyroid region. It is so uncomfortable! I am back to feeling some of what I felt before I got treated; the sensation of not wanting the neck of my shirts or the sheets in my bed to touch that part of my neck; kind of like having a little swollen lump in my throat, too. The acupuncturist gave you good advice.

Yes, it is quite worthwhile for you to be gluten free.

Solandra Rookie
Solandra
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for replying. I also had weird sensations and didn't like anything on my neck, either. I figure I do NOT want to go through surgery again to get the other half of my thyroid removed, so if I can prevent more tumors from growing by reducing my immune response, it would be worthwhile. Good to know that you also think I am gluten intolerant and should avoid it.. someone on a Thyroid forum said the same thing. *sigh* Guess I have all the confirmation I need to give me the willpower to avoid the bagels in the breakroom. ;)

sa1937 Community Regular
sa1937
Posted

Welcome, Solandra! Well, you could bake something so delicious that your co-workers would be envious of what you're eating and wish they could skip the bagels!

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I think your doctor is wrong and you are probably Celiac.

You may expect some elevation in tests from having another ai disease, but your doctor is incorrect to assume this is normal.

You need a full vitamin work up - iron, b's, d, call/mag and k.

And a new doctor??

Solandra Rookie
Solandra
Posted
  • Author

She's an Endocrinologist, so I'm not expecting her to be super well versed in this.. but she had a good idea to at least test me. I will ask my regular doctor when I see him, and just continue to avoid gluten because I feel better. That's interesting that you think I have full blown Celiac.. someone else told me that years ago and I didn't think anything of it. I have been low on vitamin D and iron for YEARS! Makes so much sense now.

  • 3 months later...
Solandra Rookie
Solandra
Posted
  • Author

I asked my family doctor for a second opinion.. He said it's an inconclusive test result but that I could try eating toast or something to see how it affects me. I'm scare of getting sick, though. What should I look for it I try it? I miss bread and stuff and don't want to avoid gluten if I don't HAVE to, you know? Should I try?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Welcome!

Yes, you can have Celiac Disease with only slightly positive blood - I had only slightly positive tests and my kids all tested negative but had celiac symptoms that improved gluten-free.

Since you have seen some improvement gluten-free, had a positive blood test and have Hashi's - I'd say it would be a good idea to remain gluten free for at least 6 months then re-run blood work. Especially your vitamins/minerals (Bs, D, K, Iron, Ferritin, Copper, Zinc). You'll likely have some improvement showing that you are absorbing your nutrients better gluten-free. Malabsorption is an important indicator of Celiac Disease.

I'd imagine you will see other things improve as time passes gluten-free. If you are still in doubt as to whether you need to remain gluten-free after six months - you could do a gluten challenge/more testing.

Good Luck!

Solandra Rookie
Solandra
Posted
  • Author

I have been pretty much gluten free since March I think.. Except I was eating Thai and realized it had soy sauce. I didn't notice any discomfort, though, so maybe a small amount doesn't bother me? Who knows.. I guess I could challenge and see what happens, but I also don't want to cause problems. I keep getting told different things by medical professionals, so that makes this whole thing confusing, and plus I'm a whiney baby and don't want it to be true! LOL

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

You are not a whiney baby - living gluten-free is tough for everyone at first - especially if you aren't certain there is a need. Given that you mentioned that it wasn't that difficult for you - I'd say stay with it until you are certain you want to challenge. I have one son that had improved health after going gluten-free, but doesn't have severe reactions to cross-contamination or accidental glutenings like the rest of our family, so is considering a challenge - he's been on the fence for a few months.

Living gluten-free does become much easier the longer you do it...at some point it becomes natural. You can find replacements for any gluten treat you are missing.

MitziG Enthusiast
MitziG
Posted

I agree that you are most likely celiac. It is not unusual for blood tests to be negative, and the one you tested positive for is very specific for celiac. They should have tested EMA as well- probably too late to do it now though. Also, your doc should have ordered an endoscopy to confirm Celiac. It is tough to commit to a gluten-free diet for LIFE when you don't know for sure.

That said, Hashimotos and Celiac go hand in hand. That you have Hashi's AND a positive blood test leaves little doubt that you are Celiac. You would do well to consider yourself one.

Solandra Rookie
Solandra
Posted
  • Author

Ok.. I will trust you guys one this one, it's just confusing. But, I went by Whole Foods today, which for some reason is the first time I went there since my diagnosis, and I found a giant WALL of gluten free stuff, along with fresh bread.. I got a loaf of fresh whole grain gluten free bread, along with some rosemary focaccia bread. THIS MADE MY DAY! I will have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I also found frozen DOUGHNUTS! OMG! I feel a little more positive now.. at least, once in a while, I can still have bread and doughnuts.. makes my life a little happier. :)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Jay Heying
      - Jay Heying replied to Jay Heying's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      6

      Celiac friendly probiotics

      Thank you so much for the advice!! I will try to make a batch this weekend. Have a great weekend,
    2. Florence Lillian
      - Florence Lillian replied to Jay Heying's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      6

      Celiac friendly probiotics

      In response to your questions regarding probiotics. I have had Celiac for 40 years. Stomach issues: digestion, IBS to chronic constipation, bloat after eating anything. I was unable to eat a healthy variety of foods, tried probiotics supplements - some made me worse, others made no difference. After reading about people with Crones, IBS, etc, who made...
    3. slkrav
      - slkrav posted a topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      0

      Gluten free beer ?

      Help me out here. Lauren Dam gluten-free beer from Spain is listed as gluten free. Yet its made from Barley Malt. I thought barley and any form had gluten. Anybody have any more information about it?
    4. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Colleen H's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      16

      Ibuprofen

      Ferritin levels. And see what your hemoglobin looks like too, that will tell you if you are anemic? You can have 'low normal' levels that will not be flagged by blood tests. I had 'low normal' levels, my lab reading was. c12, just over what was considered normal, but I had small benign lesion on my tongue, and sometimes a sore mouth, and a consultant maxillofacial...
    5. Mari
      - Mari replied to KathyR37's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      5

      New here

      Hi Katht - I sympathize with your struggles in following a gluten-free diet and lifestyle. I found out that I had Celiac Disease a few months before I turned 70. I just turned 89 and it has taken me almost 20 years to attain a fairly normal intestinal function. I also lost a lot of weight, down to 100 lb. down from about 140 lb. What Trents wrote you was...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,883
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Jrgrimes914
    Newest Member
    Jrgrimes914
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Jay Heying
      Celiac friendly probiotics

      By Jay Heying · Posted

      Thank you so much for the advice!! I will try to make a batch this weekend. Have a great weekend,
    • Florence Lillian
      Celiac friendly probiotics

      By Florence Lillian · Posted

      In response to your questions regarding probiotics.  I have had Celiac for 40 years.  Stomach issues: digestion, IBS to chronic constipation, bloat after eating anything.  I was unable to eat a healthy variety of foods, tried probiotics supplements - some made me worse, others made no difference.  After reading about people with Crones, IBS, etc, who made their own probiotics I started making Milk Kefir: not water Kefir. There are 10 probiotics in milk KEFIR. After 3 weeks I was able to eat more, no gas, no IBS.  If you have a computer just ask for videos on making milk Kefir. I branched out and make my own Kombucha for even more probiotics. I do not make my yogurt because there are only about four probiotics in that. I started this when I was 82 and I still make my own Kefir and Kombucha. My stomach issues were fixed with the Milk Kefir alone. If you decide to try making it, make certain you order MILK GRAINS. The finished product tastes a bit like Buttermilk. I hope this helps in your journey to good health.
    • slkrav
      Gluten free beer ?

      By slkrav · Posted

      Help me out here. Lauren Dam gluten-free beer from Spain is listed as gluten free. Yet its made from Barley Malt. I thought barley and any form had gluten. Anybody have any more information about it?
    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      Ferritin levels.  And see what your hemoglobin looks like too, that will tell you if you are anemic?  You can have 'low normal' levels that will not be flagged by blood tests.  I had 'low normal' levels, my lab reading was. c12, just over what was considered normal, but I had small benign lesion on my tongue, and sometimes a sore mouth, and a consultant maxillofacial ordered an iron infusion for me as he felt my levels were too low and if he  raised them to 40, it would help.   Because you are not feeling 100% it might be worth looking at your levels, then discussing with your doctor if they are low normal.  But I stress, don't supplement iron without your levels being monitored, too much is dangerous.
    • Mari
      New here

      By Mari · Posted

      Hi Katht -  I sympathize with your struggles in following a gluten-free diet and lifestyle. I found out that I had Celiac Disease a few months before I turned 70. I just turned 89 and it has taken me almost 20 years to attain a fairly normal intestinal  function. I also lost a lot of weight, down to 100 lb. down from about 140 lb. What Trents wrote you was very true for me. I am still elimination foods from my diet. One person suggested you keep a food diary and that is a good idea but it is probably best just to do an elimination diet. There are several ne and maybe one for celiacs. I used one for a while and started with plain rice and zucchini and then added back other foods to see if I reacted or not. That helped a great deal but what I did not realise that it would only very small amounts of some foods to cause inflammation in my intestine. Within the last few years I have stopped eating any trace amounts of hot peppers, corn and soy(mostly in supplements) and nuts, (the corn in Tylenol was giving me stomach aches and the nuts were causing foot pains). Starting an elimination diet with white rice is better than brown rice that has some natural toxins. In addition it is very important to drink sufficient plain water. You can find out how much to drink for your height and weight online. I do have difficulty drinking 48 ounces of water but just recently have found an electrolyte supplement that helps me stay well hydrated, Adding the water and electrolytes may reduce muscle cramps and gag spams you wrote about. . Also buy some anti-gluten enzyme capsules to take with meals. I use GliadinX advertised here. These are a lot of things to do at one time as they reflect my 20 years of experience. I hope you do what you can manage to do over time. Good luck and take care.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.