Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Hi Louise, I'm a bit of an un-hypochondriac who avoids medical procedures as much as possible. That said, my biopsy wasn't that bad at all. All I remember is watching the dials on the gauge as the anesthesiologist put me to sleep, and waking up what seemed to be a couple of minutes later. The only thing I didn't expect: my throat hurt afterward for several days. Not terribly, but enough so that I really wanted cool drinks and ice cream, so I'd advise you to stock your freezer. Also, if your Dr. doesn't automatically do this for you, make sure you request copies of the photographs and test results. They are interesting and informative. (I had Dr. Mahedevan, at UCSF. She's great.) Good luck--it's really not that bad. --lp palmer@... ________________________________________ From: [ ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell [louise_gd@...] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an " annual biopsy " . Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Do you have to eat gluten for a few months in order to do the biopsy? From: Palmer, <palmer@...>Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy" " < >Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 2:43 PM Hi Louise,I'm a bit of an un-hypochondriac who avoids medical procedures as much as possible.That said, my biopsy wasn't that bad at all. All I remember is watching the dials on the gauge as the anesthesiologist put me to sleep, and waking up what seemed to be a couple of minutes later.The only thing I didn't expect: my throat hurt afterward for several days. Not terribly, but enough so that I really wanted cool drinks and ice cream, so I'd advise you to stock your freezer. :)Also, if your Dr. doesn't automatically do this for you, make sure you request copies of the photographs and test results. They are interesting and informative. (I had Dr. Mahedevan, at UCSF. She's great.)Good luck--it's really not that bad.--lppalmersmccd (DOT) edu____________ _________ _________ _________ _From: [ ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell [louise_gd (DOT) com]Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PMCeliac Bay AreaSubject: [ ] 1st BiopsyHi:I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official.I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc.And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an "annual biopsy". Ugh.Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous.Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I'm sorry you had a sore throat after the CD biopsy/endoscopy. I've been luckier -- I've had four endoscopies, and I haven't had any after-effects at all -- no sore throat or anything else. My GIs pattern, which I believe is common, is to do a second biopsy six months after one goes completely GF. This second biopsy confirms the diagnosis and checks to see that one is healing properly. After that second biopsy, most people don't need another one. I've had more, but that's because I have other health problems. IMPORTANT: You should be eating a full gluten diet right up until the biopsy. If not, be sure your doctor knows this. The biopsy should examine your stomach and esophagus as well as your upper intestine. Verify with your doctor that you will be sedated. Sometimes, the endoscopy is combined with a colonoscopy. In that case, you'd need to use a special laxative beforehand. If it's just an endoscopy, all you have to do is "fast" for some prescriibed period beforehand. You won't even need to undress completely. -----Original Message----- From: Palmer, <palmer@...> < > Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 2:43 pm Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi Louise, I'm a bit of an un-hypochondriac who avoids medical procedures as much as possible. That said, my biopsy wasn't that bad at all. All I remember is watching the dials on the gauge as the anesthesiologist put me to sleep, and waking up what seemed to be a couple of minutes later. The only thing I didn't expect: my throat hurt afterward for several days. Not terribly, but enough so that I really wanted cool drinks and ice cream, so I'd advise you to stock your freezer. Also, if your Dr. doesn't automatically do this for you, make sure you request copies of the photographs and test results. They are interesting and informative. (I had Dr. Mahedevan, at UCSF. She's great.) Good luck--it's really not that bad. --lp palmersmccd (DOT) edu ________________________________________ From: [ ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell [louise_gd ] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an "annual biopsy". Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 If you’ve been GF for years, a biopsy probably wont prove anything. You have to be eating gluten for the endoscopy to see the damage. Since you’ve been GF – the idea is that you’ve healed and there’s no damage. So im not sure why your doc would prescribe you get one? Anyone else? Ive had 2 and also a capsule endoscopy. No pain on my end except for a sore throat the after the first one. I was in “twilo” anastasia. Not painful and takes less than 5 minutes. No annual biopsy needed. Don’t be nervous…it’s really nothing. - From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an " annual biopsy " . Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Yes. Ugh. ________________________________________ From: [ ] On Behalf Of jasmine forcier [jazzerita@...] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:01 PM Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Do you have to eat gluten for a few months in order to do the biopsy? From: Palmer, <palmer@...> Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy " " < > Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 2:43 PM Hi Louise, I'm a bit of an un-hypochondriac who avoids medical procedures as much as possible. That said, my biopsy wasn't that bad at all. All I remember is watching the dials on the gauge as the anesthesiologist put me to sleep, and waking up what seemed to be a couple of minutes later. The only thing I didn't expect: my throat hurt afterward for several days. Not terribly, but enough so that I really wanted cool drinks and ice cream, so I'd advise you to stock your freezer. Also, if your Dr. doesn't automatically do this for you, make sure you request copies of the photographs and test results. They are interesting and informative. (I had Dr. Mahedevan, at UCSF. She's great.) Good luck--it's really not that bad. --lp palmersmccd (DOT) edu<http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to=palmer%40smccd.edu> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _ From: @ groups. com<http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to= %40\ > [ @ groups. com<http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to= %40\ >] On Behalf Of Louise Audell [louise_gd (DOT) com<http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to=louise_gd%40>] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an " annual biopsy " . Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 You should be eating gluten -- but no one is sure how long you must eat it or how much. This is something you must discuss with our doctor. I had a false negative blood test, followed by a biopsy. I didn't know that gluten was needed for the biopsy. I stopped eating gluten during the couple of months when I waited for the biopsy. (I had no symptoms at the time -- I just thought it was good to stop.) Even though I had stopped eating gluten about two months before, my biopsy showed damage. The biopsy was positive. Another biopsy six months later showed little damage. H. Yes. Ugh. ________________________________________ From: [ ] On Behalf Of jasmine forcier [jazzerita ] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:01 PM Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Do you have to eat gluten for a few months in order to do the biopsy? -----Original Message----- From: Palmer, <palmer@...> < > Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 3:11 pm Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Yes. Ugh. ________________________________________ From: [ ] On Behalf Of jasmine forcier [jazzerita ] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:01 PM Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Do you have to eat gluten for a few months in order to do the biopsy? From: Palmer, <palmersmccd (DOT) edu> Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy " " < > Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 2:43 PM Hi Louise, I'm a bit of an un-hypochondriac who avoids medical procedures as much as possible. That said, my biopsy wasn't that bad at all. All I remember is watching the dials on the gauge as the anesthesiologist put me to sleep, and waking up what seemed to be a couple of minutes later. The only thing I didn't expect: my throat hurt afterward for several days. Not terribly, but enough so that I really wanted cool drinks and ice cream, so I'd advise you to stock your freezer. Also, if your Dr. doesn't automatically do this for you, make sure you request copies of the photographs and test results. They are interesting and informative. (I had Dr. Mahedevan, at UCSF. She's great.) Good luck--it's really not that bad. --lp palmersmccd (DOT) edu<http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to=palmer%40smccd.edu> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _ From: <http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to= %40> [ <http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to= %40>] On Behalf Of Louise Audell [louise_gd (DOT) com<http://us.mc389.mail./mc/compose?to=louise_gd%40>] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an "annual biopsy". Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 My doctor hasn't prescribed a biopsy, I am. I have an appointment with my Dr. next week to discuss this. I keep getting everyone telling me that there's no official diagnosis until I get one, and that we're just "guessing/estimating" that this is the real problem.I've also had my first child. She's now 2. I was told they couldn't really test for the Celiac gene if they didn't know which one I had, and only a biopsy would tell me this. Also, that my daughter would need to be re-tested when she's 4 or 5 because this one might not be...I think she said...accurate, until my daughter is older. I'm also not convinced that I've completely recovered from gluten, and that I'm eating 100% gauranteed, gluten-free. I'm trying, and I stick to things that don't make me sick...I read labels, I use this forum, I make phone calls, etc. At this point, I'd be checking to see if there's any damage or other problems going on in there...a colon check would be good too...as it's seemed for years that my body just won't ride itself of toxins, no matter what I do! Something's fishy.Gotta start some place... Louise Audellart + designlouiseaudell.com(510) 531-4607From: Wallace <AWallace@...> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:03:00 PMSubject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy If you’ve been GF for years, a biopsy probably wont prove anything. You have to be eating gluten for the endoscopy to see the damage. Since you’ve been GF – the idea is that you’ve healed and there’s no damage. So im not sure why your doc would prescribe you get one? Anyone else? Ive had 2 and also a capsule endoscopy. No pain on my end except for a sore throat the after the first one. I was in “twilo†anastasia. Not painful and takes less than 5 minutes. No annual biopsy needed. Don’t be nervous…it’s really nothing. - From: [mailto:celiacbayar eagroups (DOT) com] On Behalf Of Louise Audell Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an "annual biopsy". Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 The testing for the celiac gene(s) is a blood test (there may be a saliva test, but I did the blood test) and no one would know which gene you had until the test results came back from the lab. The genetic test just tells you if you have an ability to develop celiac, not if you actually have it. The antibody blood test tells you if you have the antibodies to gluten, which would indicate a diagnosis of celiac disease. And the biopsy shows possible damage to the lower intestine and confirms diagnosis and serves as a baseline for possible future biopsies; it doesn't provide any genetic information. I was told they couldn't really test for the Celiac gene if they didn't know which one I had, and only a biopsy would tell me this. -----Original Message----- From: Louise Audell <louise_gd@...> Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 5:37 pm Subject: Re: [ ] 1st Biopsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I don't understand why you're eating GF if you're going to have a biopsy. Have you had a CD blood test? A strongly positive blood test would be a pretty definite diagnosis, although some people prefer to have a biopsy as further confirmation -- as following a GF diet for a life time is a big commitment. You say, "I was told they couldn't really test for the Celiac gene if they didn't know which one I had, and only a biopsy would tell me this." I don't understand this at all. I've never heard of a biopsy revealing a celiac gene. A gene test is something quite separate from a biopsy. Can anyone here discuss this more fully? If you need a colonoscopy as well as an endoscopy, combining the two is much more efficient. However, only your doctor can say whether both are necessary. Your insurance company would complain loudly otherwise! From: Wallace <AWallaceeastonbellsports> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:03:00 PM Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy If you’ve been GF for years, a biopsy probably wont prove anything. You have to be eating gluten for the endoscopy to see the damage. Since you’ve been GF – the idea is that you’ve healed and there’s no damage. So im not sure why your doc would prescribe you get one? Anyone else? __._, _.___ Messages in this topic (9) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar MARKETPLACE Mom Power: Discover the community of moms doing more for their families, for the world and for each other Change settings via the Web ( ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 3 New Members Visit Your Group =2 0 New web site? Drive traffic now. Get your business on search. Sell Online Start selling with our award-winning e-commerce tools. Small Business Group Own a business? Connect with others. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him a similar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosis through biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for that long without going back on gluten for a period of time. My advice? Don’t bother. Who really needs the diagnosis anyway? From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an " annual biopsy " . Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 A couple of years ago I had an endoscopy done at UCSF, by a very high-ranking doctor there. He told me that the IgA tTG test would give reliable results even for people who weren't eating gluten. I asked him three times, as I thought I must be hearing wrong. He kept me assuring me that this is true. I haven't found any evidence to back this up. I do read that this test has a much higher degree of accuracy than other tests. I found one site that stated that "some physicians require than one eat gluten for a period of 2-4 weeks before testing." This sounds rather ambiguous -- some physicians. Everything I've read, other than that, has indicated that gluten is necessary for testing to work. H. Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him a similar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosis through biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for that long without going back on gluten for a period of time. -----Original Message----- From: Lillyth Denaghy Keogh-Quillan <lillythdenaghykeogh@...> Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 9:06 pm Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him a similar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosis through biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for that long without going back on gluten for a period of time. My advice? Don’t bother. Who really needs the diagnosis anyway? From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, th ings I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an "annual biopsy". Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Making a diagnosis of celiac official has one downside --- up until then it isn't on your file as a definitive diagnosis and doesn't affect your health insurance. Once it is a firm diagnosis, it can cause problems getting health insurance. Some people have been repeatedly denied. From: Sent: Wed Sep 16 21:31:56 2009Subject: Re: [ ] 1st Biopsy A couple of years ago I had an endoscopy done at UCSF, by a very high-ranking doctor there. He told me that the IgA tTG test would give reliable results even for people who weren't eating gluten. I asked him three times, as I thought I must be hearing wrong. He kept me assuring me that this is true. I haven't found any evidence to back this up. I do read that this test has a much higher degree of accuracy than other tests. I found one site that stated that "some physicians require than one eat gluten for a period of 2-4 weeks before testing." This sounds rather ambiguous -- some physicians. Everything I've read, other than that, has indicated that gluten is necessary for testing to work.H.Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him asimilar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosisthrough biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for thatlong without going back on glutenfor a period of time. -----Original Message-----From: Lillyth Denaghy Keogh-Quillan <lillythdenaghykeogh@...> Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 9:06 pmSubject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him asimilar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosisthrough biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for thatlong without going back on glutenfor a period of time. My advice? Don’t bother. Who really needs the diagnosis anyway? From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Louise AudellSent: Wednesday, September 16,2009 2:41 PMCeliac Bay AreaSubject: [ ] 1stBiopsy Hi:I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. Ihad the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diaryfree, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official.I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's donethese? Questions to ask my doctor, things I should ask for before having thisprocedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is itpainful? How long does it last? etc-etc.And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an "annual biopsy".Ugh.Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous.Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I’ve heard the same thing (gluten being required for proper results) from every doc I’ve ever heard from or talked to, including ALL the docs at the Stanford Celiac Conference. It doesn’t even make sense for it to work otherwise, if one is not consuming gluten, the antibodies trying to fight it off would not be present. That is just simple logic. I’m not sure what your doc at UCSF was thinking… From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Harper Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 9:32 PM Subject: Re: [ ] 1st Biopsy A couple of years ago I had an endoscopy done at UCSF, by a very high-ranking doctor there. He told me that the IgA tTG test would give reliable results even for people who weren't eating gluten. I asked him three times, as I thought I must be hearing wrong. He kept me assuring me that this is true. I haven't found any evidence to back this up. I do read that this test has a much higher degree of accuracy than other tests. I found one site that stated that " some physicians require than one eat gluten for a period of 2-4 weeks before testing. " This sounds rather ambiguous -- some physicians. Everything I've read, other than that, has indicated that gluten is necessary for testing to work. H. Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him a similar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosis through biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for that long without going back on gluten for a period of time. -----Original Message----- From: Lillyth Denaghy Keogh-Quillan <lillythdenaghykeoghcomcast (DOT) net> Sent: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 9:06 pm Subject: RE: [ ] 1st Biopsy Per Dr. Greene, when I asked him a similar question a few years back, there is NO way to get an official diagnosis through biopsy (or any other method) once you have been gluten free for that long without going back on gluten for a period of time. My advice? Don’t bother. Who really needs the diagnosis anyway? From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Louise Audell Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:41 PM Celiac Bay Area Subject: [ ] 1st Biopsy Hi: I'm considering having my first biopsy for an official diagnosis for Celiac. I had the blood test done years ago, and have been living GF and somewhat diary free, all this time, but now I'd like to make the diagnosis official. I've never had a biopsy before...any tips 'n tricks from anyone who's done these? Questions to ask my doctor, th ings I should ask for before having this procedure done (like being knocked out, hah-hah!), and how does it work? Is it painful? How long does it last? etc-etc. And, will I have to do this again? As in, have an " annual biopsy " . Ugh. Please advise...I'm a bit scared/nervous. Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 This message was originally sent on Wed 9/16/2009 3:50 PM. I just noticed, however, that the text of the message had somehow gone missing. I managed to get a copy and have pasted it in below. Sorry for the delay. Pam Newbury, list moderator Hello Louise, If you have been truly gluten-free it doesn't make sense to put yourself through a biopsy. It won't be accurate for celiac disease. Your doctor should have mentioned that to you. In addition, to restart eating gluten for a month in order to get an " accurate " test is dangerous and I really wouldn't recommend it. If you know that you react to gluten that truly is enough. There is no need for an " official " diagnosis. Biopsies are no longer considered the " gold standard " for celiac disease. You can get a blood test to see if your immune system is still reacting to gluten or if your gluten-free diet has allowed it to regain its strength. Let me know if you have any further questions. Best, Dr Vikki sen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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