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Validation!
Nov. 8th, 2007 03:36 pmI have an official diagnosis of celiac disease from a gastroenterologist.
There's no damage to my gut, which is normal--I've been GF for three years. They're basing the diagnosis on possibility (I have the genes often correlated with CD) and symptoms.
I do have erosive esophagitis and have been told to go back on PPIs. I can do that. *sigh*
They still want me to see an allergist to rule out some other issues relating to my esopagheal inflammation, but that's fine. I should have a local allergist, anyhow.
Still, though, it's so good to have my intuition *verified* by folks who are experts in the field. I'd been told it was likely by other specialists and have been considered "sprue-like" and have been advised to stay off gluten by my own GP, but this is excellent validation.
Nothing changes now. I'm still GF and will be for life. It does mean that relatives should know, since it's genetic. Having the genes doesn't mean one has CD, it just means that it can be triggered. And there's a tiny subset of folks with gluten-sensitive enteropathy who don't have the genes. It also means Ronan is at risk. And it means that close relatives who have regular bloodwork should include the celiac panel on a somewhat regular basis (1-3 years). (The panel can produce false negatives, but it's a start.)
I forgot to ask if I have both or just one of the genes. I'll call and ask for those results some other time. The doc did use the plural, but I didn't ask.
For those who don't get why I'm happy, I've been ill for over a decade. This is one of the puzzle pieces.
I feel like throwing a party.
There's no damage to my gut, which is normal--I've been GF for three years. They're basing the diagnosis on possibility (I have the genes often correlated with CD) and symptoms.
I do have erosive esophagitis and have been told to go back on PPIs. I can do that. *sigh*
They still want me to see an allergist to rule out some other issues relating to my esopagheal inflammation, but that's fine. I should have a local allergist, anyhow.
Still, though, it's so good to have my intuition *verified* by folks who are experts in the field. I'd been told it was likely by other specialists and have been considered "sprue-like" and have been advised to stay off gluten by my own GP, but this is excellent validation.
Nothing changes now. I'm still GF and will be for life. It does mean that relatives should know, since it's genetic. Having the genes doesn't mean one has CD, it just means that it can be triggered. And there's a tiny subset of folks with gluten-sensitive enteropathy who don't have the genes. It also means Ronan is at risk. And it means that close relatives who have regular bloodwork should include the celiac panel on a somewhat regular basis (1-3 years). (The panel can produce false negatives, but it's a start.)
I forgot to ask if I have both or just one of the genes. I'll call and ask for those results some other time. The doc did use the plural, but I didn't ask.
For those who don't get why I'm happy, I've been ill for over a decade. This is one of the puzzle pieces.
I feel like throwing a party.
