Yesterday We took my 15 year old to GI Dr. To discuss my sons possibilities of having celiac disease, "We won't know for sure, he says without the biopsy " Since my son has 3 other autoimmune diseases he has a even greater likelihood. So both my 2 year old (you can learn about 2yr olds appointment in earlier post) and 15 year old are scheduled for a small intestinal biopsy in August.

Small intestinal biopsy

"Small intestinal biopsy is considered the most accurate test for celiac disease. Small intestinal biopsies can be obtained by performing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). During an EGD, the doctor inserts a long, flexible viewing endoscope through the mouth and into the duodenum. A long, flexible biopsy instrument then can be passed through a small channel in the endoscope to obtain samples of the intestinal lining of the duodenum. Multiple samples usually are obtained to increase the accuracy of diagnosis. A pathologist then can examine the biopsies (under a microscope) for loss of villi and other characteristics of celiac disease such as increased numbers of lymphocytes.

Small intestinal biopsy does however, have some limitations. For example, acute viral gastroenteritis and allergy to cow's milk or soy protein can cause abnormal small intestinal biopsies that are indistinguishable from celiac disease. However, acute viral gastroenteritis is not easily confused with celiac disease because of the difference in the acuteness of symptoms. (Acute viral gastroenteritis has a sudden onset of symptoms and last only a few days.) It is however, easier to confuse cow's milk and soy protein allergies with celiac disease, but these allergic conditions are rare and primarily occur in young children. Despite these limitations, small intestinal biopsies are recommended even for individuals who have abnormal antibody tests for celiac disease. (See discussion that follows.)"

I have mixed feelings about the whole procedure the all natural side of me says don't get the biopsy and give the diet a try without the biopsy. Then we would never "Know" and would we really stick to such a strict diet without "knowing"? I don't know I go back and forth for so many reasons. The side that says yes do have the procedure done is obviously weighing in since appointment has been made. So many professionals are saying this is the way to go. And I do trust their doctor. I am putting this in the doctors hands and more importantly Gods hands.

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