Celiac Disease Support Group

Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder of the digestive system that occurs in genetically-predisposed individuals. It is characterised by damage or flattening to all or part of the villi lining the small intestine, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients. This damage is caused by eating anything with gluten (gliadin), a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley...

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Labs ....Help!

staylor0808
staylor0808
Long story short I have not felt good for some time. I had a positive ANA and equivical Rheumatoid factor 3 years ago. I went about my life until the last 6 months which started with increased joint pain. Then, since Dec. I have an itchy rash located in both palms, behind my knees, and the top of my foot. I started putting two and two together and went back to the rheumatologist who ordered a ton of labs. She thinks it could be celiac disease. The problem is I got the results and she has no openings to explain them for 3 more weeks. I'm counting on you guys to help ease my anxiety about all this. I also had a skin biopsy that showed Spongiotic dermatitis which can be caused from a food allergy.

Lab results from Quest:
Gliadin Antibody, IgG 4 20 Antibody detected

tTG IgA Ab 1 < 4 no antibody detected

Reticulen IgA Ab negative


Thank You!!
staylor0808
staylor0808
Posted funny but my only abnormal lab was the Gliadin Antibody, IgA my result was 41. The reference range was &lt; 20 no antibody detected.
nanny1611
nanny1611
Not being a doctor, I can't interpret your lab results. However, what you posted the second time sure would seem like you're positive for reacting to gliadin, which is the primary gluten protein to which people react (although there are others). Please be assured that learning to live gluten-free (GF) seems overwhelming at first, but after a little while you will learn to deal with it. I've been GF for 8 years, and know that there is a lot more available today than even 8 years ago.

The first thing that I did was to make simple GF meals, such as meat, vegetables, fruit, rice, potatoes, etc. Then I started to search for recipes so that I could make GF goodies. It's much safer to make your own food. I have found thousands of GF recipes on Pinterest (no exaggeration). Also, it's easy to search for GF recipes online. One of our members, Lynn22, has started a &quot;Sharing Our Gluten Free Recipes&quot; group here on DS. Here is the link to that group.
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/sharing-our-gluten-free-recipes

Once you begin your GF life, you will feel better. But realize that it takes a little time. I've read that it takes 6-12 months to heal the intestines. One article even suggested 18 months. The most difficult thing is reading all the labels. Wheat, rye, and barley are obvious. But it's the hidden names for gluten that take more time. Here are some websites with lists. When I first went GF, I took a list to the grocery store so I wouldn't buy anything with gluten. Even then, I accidentally was glutened by MSG (monosodium glutamate), which most often contains gluten.
http://celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/sources-of-gluten/
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/copingwiththediet/a/Gluten-On-Food-Labels.htm
http://gluten.lovetoknow.com/Other_Names_for_Gluten
http://udisglutenfree.com/2013/08/19/hidden-sources-of-gluten/

You may feel overwhelmed right now, but we are here to help. Feel free to ask questions.
staylor0808
staylor0808
Thank you Nannie! I've been told not to change my diet until seen by a GI dr. I guess it could change my results. The first appt. they have is in May : ( I guess 8 weeks away isn't to far away when I have suffered so long.