Two Positive Blood Tests, Is Endoscopy Necessary?

[beebee07]

I have been getting progressively sicker for many many months culminating in being hospitalised four times over the past month and being bed-ridden for two months. The hospital doctors and my General Practioner did every test and scan imaginable. Finally last Monday (28th May) I got a call from the hospital physician to say that the EMA and tTG blood results were positive and that I most likely had Celiac Disease and to start eating gluten-free straight away(four days ago). I was referred to a Gastroenterologist who is doing an endoscopy in exactly one week. I have been gluten free for four days and whether it is coincedence, pyschological etc I have been feeling a fair bit better the last few days although not anywhere near 100% well (mind you haven't felt that way for years). My nasty morning "epsiodes" upon waking seem to have died down a lot. My question, getting to the point is, do I have to be back on Gluten for my endoscopy next week? I will have been gluten-free for 10 days by then. I have had such mixed feedback from the doctors. First the Gastro's nurse said "yes, you must be back on gluten to get a true biopsy result". Then my GP called the Gastro and he said "no, continue eating gluten-free, 10 days isn't long enough to reverse any positive biopsy result". Any feedback would be much appreciated!

[nora-n]

Latest news is that with children, they only need two positive Ttg test that are high, plus symptoms and relief of symptoms on a gluten free diet, to get a diagnosis.

But not so yet with adults. They still need the biopsy.

Be sure they take lots of samples, not just two or so.

Here in Europe, we really recommend getting the biopsy. They also look for other things, and sometimes people get another biopsy in a year or two for follow-up, and they need something to compare to.

It is not recommended to go gluten free before the biopsy. The biopsies can become partially healed in two weeks. It is kinda like if you bite your tongue or cheek, it heals that fast further down too.

[beebee07]

Thank you for the feedback. This is all very very new to me. Much appreciated