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mejco Joined: 28 Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Location: midwest	Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:40 am    Post subject: What tests are needed for a follow-up? Hi I was dx'd in June 2005 with Celiac Sprue - have been faithful in avoiding gluten. I've never had any follow up tests to see how I'm doing. I was dx'd at age 77 and am now 80 years old. Can someone guide me on a follow-up procedure. The Dr. who gave me the diagnosis said to me "You don't need me anymore. Call this woman and she'll tell you all you need to know". He gave me a hand-written note with the name and phone # of the woman I was to call. He also told me to make an appointment with a Dietician for a gluten-free diet. I called the woman the very next day and she taught me how to read labels and a vast amount of resources, including the link to this forum, Naturally I won't go back to that Gastro because he obviously does not offer help to celiacs, and dismissed me. I learned everything Celiac on the internet. I have an app't for 8-14 for a follow-up with a different Gastro, but I'm concerned he might not know how to follow up. Would it to be proper to inform him of the tests I want?? I read that at my age, I may never fully heal so I decided to wait to do a follow up. Do I need to ask for an endoscopy? and which blood tests? Thanks in advance for any help you can give. If I didn't make my question clear, please let me know. mejco (Maryellen) _________________ This, too, shall pass
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cruelshoes Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2501 Location: Washington State	Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:04 pm    Post subject: http://celiacdisease.net/assets/pdf/CDCFactSheetsFollowUpTests7.pdf Quote: Follow Up Test #1: tTG-IgA: This test result should be negative The numerical value of the test doesn’t matter as long as the result is negative. Follow Up Test #2 Anti-gliadin IgA: This result should have a very low negative value In this case, the numerical value does matter, because a high negative test result still indicates that a patient is eating gluten. A low negative indicates that the diet is working well. Antibody tests should be undertaken yearly to ensure that gluten is not sneaking back into your diet. Many celiac specialists say that a repeat biopsy is not indicated if the bloodwork is negative. I have heard some recommend a repeat biopsy every 3 years. Welcome to the aboard. Congrats on more than 3 years GF. My 3 year GF birthday is coming up in a week or so. _________________ -Colleen Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy 9-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy Daughters have negative bloodwork - so far! A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt
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mejco Joined: 28 Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Location: midwest	Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 6:31 pm    Post subject: follow up tests Colleen Thank you for your swift reply and the great link. That is so helpful. I see that I should have asked this question a couple of years ago! I'll take this information to my Primary Dr. also. I am his first and only Celiac patient, so he surely needs this information. Congratulations to you also on nearly 3 years GF. Best wishes and good health to you and your family. I think the GF diet is best for everyone, & most of us eat too much wheat. I hope the girls remain negative in their tests. A few of my children have been tested and all are negative so far. Thanks again for the helpful link. Maryellen _________________ This, too, shall pass
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