what can I ex

[cowsrule58]

I have been told I need to go get a blood test for celiac's and then be refered to a GI specialist, can anyone PLEASE tell me what to expect when I go there? I am so nervous and scared and I just need some answers before I go to settle my anxiety down. It is running over load. I do not like tests especially ones that pertain to my GI tract. please someone talk to me thanks

[aklap]

Hi Cowsrule (I like the name )

It's not too big of deal. They just draw some blood out of your arm. They are looking for certain antibodies in your blood stream. These are the blood tests they will probably run:

antigliadin IgG
antigliadin IgA
Anti-tTG and/or anti-endomysials
total IgA serum level

NOW, what may happen if you test positive, is that they may want to scope you (put a tube down your throat) and take some intestinal biopsies (don't worry you don't feel it). They look at the biopsy to see if there is villi damage. This is the gold standard for diagnosing CD. This procedure is not too bad either. They give you some pretty good stuff so they you know what's going on. Once your done, you go home - it's a couple hour deal. You sleep really well when you get home. You have to have someone drive you home. While I was awake and talking on the way home...I didn't remember any of it afterwards

Try to relax...it'll be OK
_________________
Al

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

[daughteroftheking]

I was pretty nervous too when I had to get mine done. But it really isn't too bad. The only part you will feel and remember is the taking your blood. And that isn't even that bad. For the scopes, they make you drink some stuff and not eat solid food like 10 or 12 hrs ahead of time. Then once you get there, they put you to sleep and you wake up and its all over and you don't feel or remember anything. There is no pain involved - just lots of sleep! Its sorta nice cuz afterwards the sleeping medicine is still in you so you basically just sleep all day. I'm sure that you will be ok and at least this way you can definately know for sure if you have Celiac or not. If you have any more questions please feel free to write and ask me anything! I would be glad to help!

[maria1223]

there is nothing to worry about I hate to tell you the worst part is if they have to do a colon osc. drinking that stuff the day before you have it you better stay close to your bathroom.I have celiac sprue & possiable chrons I always hurt my bones & muscles & joints I'm in & out of the hospital at least 3 times a week for cat scans, MRI's , xrays & severe stomach pains