Why A Colonoscopy?

[floridanative]

I am very perplexed. I'm glad on my second visit to the GI doc he told me about Celiac Sprue but he explained that it was an allergy to wheat and didn't even mention the word gluten. So now after reading up on the condition I feel like I know more about it than him. So the same doc is making me have a colonoscopy before doing a stomach biopsy. I'm sure there's some sort of insurance protocol he has to follow. But does anyone out there know if a colon exam is going to show any signs of gluten prolems - if I have any that is?

[Lisa]

Celiac Disease affects the small intestines. Perhaps, depending on your symptoms, there are other digestive diseases that affect the large intestines.

Perhaps he needs to be sure to make a complete diog.. Also, if you are over or around 50 it is not such a bad idea.

I had both, small intestines indicated Celiac as well as a biopsy, large intestines were clear of any issue.

Others on this site have large intestine issues. I am sure that the will sign in.

Testing is the beginning of healing. Best of luck and ask away if you need to.

Lisa B.

[Lisa]

Celiac Disease affects the small intestines.  Perhaps, depending on your symptoms, there are other digestive diseases that affect the large intestines.

Perhaps he needs to be sure to make a complete diog..  Also, if you are over or around 50 it is not such a bad idea.

I had both, small intestines indicated Celiac as well as a biopsy, large intestines were clear of any issue.

Others on this site have large intestine issues.  I am sure that the will sign in.

Testing is the beginning of healing.  Best of luck and ask away if you need to.

Lisa B.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

PS: Celiac/Sprue Disease is not an allergy to Wheat....it is an intolerance to Wheat. (Wheat and other things are toxic to us.)

[bluelotus]

I would also like to see what others feel on colon/intestine exam. I was diagnosed via blood work, but also have a first degree relative that was diagnosed via intestinal biopsy. I saw improvements almost immediately on the diet (save for a few mistakes) and never want to eat gluten (knowingly) again. An allergist today tried to convince me to get the biopsy and go back to eating gluten, whereas I have read that you shouldn't have to go back to eating gluten (its dangerous) and there are other tests available, like the gene test and stool sample test. Any thoughts? I think it is BS to have to wait months to schedule a biopsy when the solution to feeling like crap is to not eat certain foods....but then dr's tell you to eat it anyway. I feel like shaking them.....if only they knew.

[floridanative]

Thanks Lisa B. So far only one anti-body level is way too high, causing me to have malabsorption issues. This at least explains my anemia which was to date unexplained. Now after reading about Celiac disease I'm hoping maybe I have a parasite infection which can also cause malabsorption and seems like the best thing I can have that does. My husband and I don't have kids and we love to travel and eat out frequently. I don't see how I can enjoy traveling anymore if I have celiac disease. I'm getting pretty depressed just thinking about it.

Tiffany M.

[Lisa]

Have you had a full-panel blood test to check what diffencies you may have?

I have gradually lost weight over many years until a period of high stress kicked in celiac disease full blown. You can be A-symptomatic for a long time, even by birth and sometimes it takes a significant issue in your life for celiac disease to rare it's ugly head.

I too have malabsorption issues and am currently talking B-12 shots once a week. I really helps. I have been so run down for so long I don't know what it's like to feel better.

Gluten free cooking is a non-event and easy to handle. (once you understand what to look for), but, dinning out is another.

If you do have Celiac, eating gluten will cause you harm whether or not you have symptoms. So, please read everything you can get your hands on about this. This is a wonderful source of information -- click into all the forums and you will learn sooooooo much. Then you can make your choices.

Celiac is definately a major inconvience, but you can have a very full life once you know what you are dealing with.

[ravenwoodglass]

I am very perplexed. I'm glad on my second visit to the GI doc he told me about Celiac Sprue but he explained that it was an allergy to wheat and didn't even mention the word gluten. So now after reading up on the condition I feel like I know more about it than him. So the same doc is making me have a colonoscopy before doing a stomach biopsy. I'm sure there's some sort of insurance protocol he has to follow. But does anyone out there know if a colon exam is going to show any signs of gluten prolems - if I have any that is?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Celiac will not show on the colonoscopy, you need to go in from the other end and into the small intestine and duodenum to be able to get biopsies from the correct places. I would ask him to do the endoscopy first or for full sedation and both at once.

[VydorScope]

You all missed it

She first off needs to ask her dcotor more questions, and spend less time wonder why he wants to do things BUT

She getting the colonospoy NOT for sprue, but for the Anemia. In the offical diag procedures for un-explaioned anemai, a colonosopy comes before an endoscopy. I know cause I questioned my doc on it and my doc fax'd me the pages out of the offical diag book they have to follow.

If they dont follow the order they run risk of no insurance coverage, malpractice suites, etc. So they normally stick to it pretty tight.

[Lisa]

I had the endoscopy first, two weeks later the colon........ from a Gastro Dr.?

What part of the intestines would the anemia come into play? Don't know other that iron diffic.?

[VydorScope]

I had the endoscopy first, two weeks later the colon........ from a Gastro Dr.?

What part of the intestines would the anemia come into play?  Don't know other that iron diffic.?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Internal bleeding, Cancer, Polyups, internal bleeding hemroids, etc.

[Felidae]

I think they do the colonoscopy to rule everything out that they can.

Bobcat girl, I feel the same way as you. My blood tests were negative for celiac disease and I feel great on the gluten-free diet. I too don't ever want to go back to eating gluten again. My doctor said the biopsy would give a definitive answer, but what if it doesn't? The fact that I don't have D anymore as a result of being gluten-free is great.

[Lisa]

I stand down........you are more knowledable than I and your answer is more conclusive to the question asked. Glad for your impute.

Floridanative, I hope we have not confused you in this discussion. If your insurance will cover testing and your are confident in your doctor and his and your concerns...do it.

We will be thinking about you and feel free to ask or comment about anything.

Take care. Lisa B.

[floridanative]

No - I am not confused now and do feel better. I did think my doc was making sure something really bad isn't wrong re: the colon and then if not, we'll do the biopsy next. I guess I just hate the waiting part. One of my worst traits is my impatience.

Thanks to all who responded and take care -

Tiffany M.

p.s. I just found out today from reg. doc that my homocystene level is way out of wack (11.1) instead of 3 or 4. Does anyone know if there is any way this is related to celiac disease? I had the test at my Dad's Cardiologist insistence to see if I need a rx of folic acid. Anyway, let me know if anyone out there has heard of this test being related to celiac disease. THX!

[elisabet]

No - I am not confused now and do feel better. I did think my doc was making sure something really bad isn't wrong re: the colon and then if not, we'll do the biopsy next. I guess I just hate the waiting part. One of my worst traits is my impatience.

Thanks to all who responded and take care -

Tiffany M.

p.s. I just found out today from reg. doc that my homocystene level is way out of wack (11.1) instead of 3 or 4. Does anyone know if there is any way this is related to celiac disease? I had the test at my Dad's Cardiologist insistence to see if I need a rx of folic acid. Anyway, let me know if anyone out there has heard of this test being related to celiac disease. THX!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you must be very low in folic acid and maybe in vitamin b12 as well-

[skbird]

p.s. I just found out today from reg. doc that my homocystene level is way out of wack (11.1) instead of 3 or 4. Does anyone know if there is any way this is related to celiac disease? I had the test at my Dad's Cardiologist insistence to see if I need a rx of folic acid. Anyway, let me know if anyone out there has heard of this test being related to celiac disease. THX!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You could be deficient if you have Celiac - B12, folic acid, and B6 are often deficient. Also a part of pernicious anemia, which does not refer to iron deficiency anemia. It can be dangerous to be so high on homocystene, can cause heart conditons. A good B12, B6 and folic acid supplement would be a great idea - especially a sublingual one.

Stephanie

[floridanative]

My B12 level was low normal according to test from three weeks ago. By the way, what is a sublingual supplement?

Tiffany M.