Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I've had 2 blood tests done for celiac: one was a test for antibodies, which came back semi-positive, but inconclusive. So, I took a gene test which came back negative. I assume you've had blood drawn before?? It's definitely not painful at all. The other test that doctors like to do to diagnose celiac is a small intestinal biopsy. If your blood test for antibodies comes back positive, they will usually do this to determine if you have celiac disease. It is the best way to know for sure. I have not had this done. It requires having a tube inserted through your mouth (or nose? i'm not sure) down your esophagus and stomach to your small intestine. They take a small piece of tissue to examine. This sounded horrifying to me, but they do sedate you and it doesn't require the prep that a colonoscopy does. It is supposed to be pretty simple. If you are dead set against this kind of thing, you could ask your doctor about the gene test. It's not as definitive as the biopsy, especially if it's positive. BUT, if your antibodies are elevated, the gene test comes back positive, and your symptoms go away when you don't eat gluten...I think that's evidence enough. It is up to you and your doctor though. The first step is to actually see one. I'm sure they will start with a simple blood test.. nothing to be afraid of.

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Kim

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