celiac test positive 21 what does this mean?

I had a blood test for celiac, rang the doctors and results r back, the receiptionist gave me the results over the phone, but I have no idea what it means, positive 21, she has no idea either, anyone know as I would like to deal with it if I can, rather that wait till after easter to c the doctor, can any one help please

[marielita]

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was about 3 years old, and I have no clue what "positive 21" means, but I can only tell you that if it is positive, it is best for you to start following a gluten-free diet as soon as possible.

Gluten is a protein (or part of a protein) found in Wheat, Barley, Rye and possibly Oats (I don't eat them just in case, because it's protein is so similar to that one from wheat that may affect you, I don't want to take the chance).  Eat fruits, veggies, rice, rice noodles (make sure there's no gluten in them, they are usually well labeled.  Always read the labels before you buy.  You will see how quickly you will start to feel better.  My sister (32 years old) just got diagnosed last year and she said after 1 week of diet she felt so much better, rested, no more constipation or exhaustion, better mood, it's unbelievable how this disease may affect you.

Hope it all works out for you and best of luck!

[kt2tk]

Hope it works, but have to wait to c doctor, the receptionist had no idea what it ment, but I looked on the net and it said mild celiac, I am fed up with the pain, its not constant but feeks like broken glass movinf through my bowel, thanks for ur help

[finepickle]

The usual progression is they (doc-heads) do the blood antibody tests first and then do an endoscopy, taking 4 or 5 biopsy samples of the small intestine lining.  Just saying since that is probably the next step that will be recommended, and a GI would do that procedure.  Also, you can find a lot of people with celiac on celiacdotcom forum.  As far as the 21 reading, it depends on the test.  There are like 5 different antibodies they test for celiac, or really gliaden antibodies, that may show reactions.  The 21 reading probably is a bit high from what I have read, but being any amount high is not good.  Your body doesn't make anitbodies for no reason.  They attack things it considers invaders (like gliaden the wheat gluten protein) and destroys them.  Unfortunately for celiacs, that includes intestinal linings that gliaden proteins get stuck in.  It can seem like a terrible thing to have celiac at first, but it is something you can learn to live with over a few months.  Adjusting to the diet is something it take a while to learn.

[kt2tk]

Thank-you for explaining, I stopped taking anything with gluten in and am feeling a bit better, my results are anti tissue transglutaminase; abnormal; level HI 21 u/mL, then endomysial, abnormal; positive, referral for futher gastrenterological investigations including duodenal biopsy for management of suspected coeliac disease. If that means anything as my local doctor had no idea, thanks again

[CalGal]

If you've stopped eating gluten your biopsy may come up negative and the doc will say you don't have celiac disease. With those antibody levels, you might want to consider yourself a celiac person, and skip the biopsy. If you're feeling better it's probably not worth going back on the gluten.

[spiritualgirlygirl]

I actually have a ?.  I have had "irritable bowel" for years.  Years ago I had issues with diarrhea - had a colonoscopy - findings: still "irritable bowel."  Now, diarrhea issue again.  It started in Feb. anywhere from 3 -10 times a day.  Talked to dr. around 4 weeks with problem.  No infections like ecoli etc... she told me to come back if it lasted longer than 6 weeks.  Well, it went on for 7 weeks, and then seemed to get a little better for a couple of weeks.  Now, "it's" back again.  Really bad just like back in Feb.  there are times when I can't even make it to the bathroom in time:(((  I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy on the 15th of May.  I've learned a little about Celiac Disease in the past couple of days.  I'm thinking it's a possibility.  Should I have some blood work done?? I've also read that I shouldn't start a gluten free diet til I have the blood work done.  I'm just hoping for some advice because if I can skip the colonoscopy that would be GREAT!!! I also developed an itchy blistery rash last week after being in the sun on my arms and a little on my face and read this can be a symptom also of Celiac.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much

[kt2tk]

I know exactly what u mean, also the feeling of getting nowhere, I wasn't told anything about what to do for my blood test, I stopped taking gluten as much as I felt I could, I had the test but was then told I should have been eating normally before the test, the colonscopy was not bad at all, they were gentle and it was interesting as well, believe me I was petrified and then after was wondering what all the fuss I made was about, I have been told by everyone that until the tests r done to carry on eating as normal as that then gives a true result, I know its hard as I suffered the same as u r. Good luck