Question About Follow-Up Blood Work

[plain_old_donut]

Hmmm, Where to start?
My Dad has CD, but I have no idea how he was diagnosed, and his explanation doesn't make sense.
He was diagnosed with "Tropical Sprue Infection" in the mid 60's. He presented with the classic symptoms of chronic diarrhea, malabsorbtion, and severe weight loss. He claims he was diagnosed as the result of a bone marrow biopsy taken from the sternum.
I do not know if he was put on antibiotics or not, but he was put on a gluten free diet. At some point in time the diagnosis was changed from Tropical Sprue to Celiac Sprue, but he thinks they just changed the diagnosis because it did not "go away" as it would have if it were Tropical Sprue.
He was never extremely careful about his diet, because he thought, "just a little won't hurt". His frequent emergency bathroom trips and embarrassing accidents should have been proof enough that he was wrong, but he just chalked it up to his disease.
As far as I know, he has not ever had any follow-up blood work. I know that in the last 11 years that he has lived in Missouri, he has not had any, since I have been fairly active in his healthcare.
So, to add to an already long post, since I have recently taken over cooking for him and researching Celiac Disease, (we are approaching 100% gluten free, but still cross contamination problems, and hidden gluten that I am now learning about on this forum) here is my question -
Should I have his doc do blood work or a biopsy to see how he is doing?
If so, what blood tests? And does he need to have them repeated yearly?

He is 78, and 20 years or so ago had colon cancer, with 18" of colon removed and very poor prognosis of recovery. He was not expected to wake up from surgery, then was told he probably only had a few months left, especially since he refused chemo and radiation therapies. So, I am really blessed to still have him around, and I would like to keep him around a whole lot longer, so any helpful advice would be appreciated.

Sorry for the long-winded post.

[aklap]

Hi P_O_D,

Wow - interesting story! Was he stationed in the South Pacific [or somewhere triopical] for the dx of Tropical Sprue?..

The reason for followup blood work is for dietary compliance. Ummm, it sounds like he has not be the most compliant eater How long has it been since he's had a good physical? I think having all the fat soluble vitamin[B12, K, D, maybe E] levels checked would be a good idea. Certainly a celiac followup might not be a bad idea - you'd at least have a baseline as to where he is right now. Then in another 3 or 6 or 12 months do another one to see how it's doing [probably much better since DD will be doing the cooking for him heheee]

If nothing else - he is a survivor!! Wow!! Do you think he submit to a physical and bloodwork?

You are very good to be doing research for him!! My memory is failing...do you have gluten issues too?

Keep up the great work!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[plain_old_donut]

Yes, he was stationed several tropical locations during his 20+ year military career.
I'm sure he would have no problem with having a physical and bloodwork done, but I believe I will have to educate the doc about CD.
We have already seen some improvements to his overall health.

As for my gluten issues, well, I didn't think so, till I started doing research for him, but apparently yes, I do. Hypothyroid, Obesity, Acid Reflux, and other symptoms that have come and gone over the years. I never had the "classic" symptoms.
But... I start a new job next month and should have enough money to pay for the testing. I have to pre-pay, then get reimbursed, not very convenient, especially for expensive stuff like this.
So I am making sure I eat gluten foods every day until then, so I can get as accurate a result as possible.

[aklap]

Yeah - educating Docs about CD - sounds normal. Unfortunately

It's great the he's seeing improvement already.

Here's some info for you [if you haven't already seen it]

Our Thread on Celiac Blood Work Tests - Lists the complete CD blood work panel and links to other testing info.
Our Thread on Univ of Chicago CD Center - Followup Testing - What & how often you should be tested after going GF.
Our Path's to Gluten Free-dom Thread - Stories on how & why we are GF.
Our Thread on Info aimed at Medical Professionals - An index of articles from Medical Journals, Continuing Ed, etc. Things that you might pass on to your Doctor.
Our Thread on Dietitian's Resources - Links to info aimed at RD's [and their clients].
Clan Thompson's Ask the Doctor - Testing - Lots of good testing in here.

Having look thru of the this info, should help with the education [of yourself and the docs! ] I included the link on the complete CD panel - we know he has CD - so it's more for reference sake. Do check out the Followup Testing for Univ. of Chicago and the Info aid at the Med. Professionals!

Yeah - it sounds like you might benefit from a GFD too! The funny thing about CD..."Classic" symptoms are not typical. Only 50 odd percent of dx'ed Celiacs have gastro issues....and what do the docs usually look for? Yup - The Big D!. That's why the doc [or the patient or their care taker] has to be on the ball.

Our Thread on CD Symptom List - List many symptoms, common & uncommon assoc. with CD.

I am glad you are going to get tested. Any brothers and sisters should get tested too! Also - a single test does not clear you for life. You need to have follow up testing.

Please - keep us informed in your progress!!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa