I was wondering about the accuracy of the IGG test. Apparently that is the only celiac related test that my doctor did, which I was not happy about. We haven't gotten any results back on anything yet. I have another appt coming up and this time I am demanding that I get the full panel done. I don't understand why it is so hard for doctors to listen to their patients!

The IgG is the least accurate test of them all. The tTG is the most accurate test.
The full panel should be done which includes: IgG, IgA, total serum IgA, EMA, tTG

Dear Kaiti,

I had an Endoscopy/Colonoscopy in July. The doctor (whom I am very happy with) said the small bowel biopsies showed flattening of the villi and increased inflammatory cells suggestive of celiac sprue. Antibody blood tests revealed 2 of the antibody tests were in the normal range and 2 were in the elevated range. He suggested I go gluten-free and go back to him, which I did in October. Shortly before my appointment with him, I discovered that the calcium tablets I have been taking contained gluten! Instead of taking another blood test, he suggested I do a gluten challenge, which I am now doing. I am feeling fine, as I did before the tests. After 3 months, I will return to the doctor for more blood tests and eventually a repeat endoscopy and colonoscopy. (As an aside, he found a polyp in July that had to be removed by a surgeon and it was stage I cancer. Luckily I didn't have to go through chemo.) Another side note is that he found a small area suggestive of colitis during the colonoscopy. All of this from a "routine" colonoscopy!

My doctor said that the 2 antibody tests that are the most accurate were normal in my case. Also, the 2 antibody tests that are the most inaccurate were elevated in my case. What I am wondering is: If I return to the doctor after my gluten challenge and the antibody tests are all normal, and a repeat biopsy still reveals inflammatory cells and flattened villi, where does that leave me? Isn't the wheat/gluten issue the only thing that would cause flattened villi?

I'm not asking for a medical opinion here, just if you or anyone else here has experienced this type of situation.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying my morning mini-wheats and toast and a host of other wonderful wheat products. I am not getting my hopes up--just enjoying a 3-month vacation from gluten-free!!

Thanks for listening.

Sharon

Sharon, based on those results, a positive biopsy and 2 positive blood tests, I would say that you have celiac disease and I am confused as to why the doctor is trying to prove it There are other things that can cause flatening of the villi; however, if you have positive celiac bloodwork, then my guess is that you have celiac. Did you feel better on the gluten-free diet? Feeling better on the gluten-free diet is also a positive test.

Hi Kaiti,

I felt exactly the same on the gluten-free diet as I did before and as I feel now--fine! That's why I have to rely on the results of tests. I have no symptoms. For those of you who unfortunately get very ill after ingesting gluten, you go gluten-free and feel better, case closed. I think my doctor just wants to be sure.
Thanks for your opinion.

Sharon

I have to agree with Carrie on this one. You clearly have celiac disease...a positive biopsy and positive bloodwork = celiac disease. I'm also confused as to why your doctor would want to have you go gluten-free, then do a challenge, and then redo the tests. To me the tests were not inconclusive the first time.