Clan Thompson's Celiac Site

Q & A

QUESTION: My husband is a newly diagnosed celiac -- both blood tests and biopsy after many years of misdiagnosis, nearly 15 years. He has also had a bone density scan which showed low bone mass in some areas. Since the bone density scan was done at our request (from information we gathered from the internet and celiac list) and not suggested by the doctor, we are concerned that other tests should be performed that we don't know about. What other tests should be done on a newly diagnosed celiac and also what tests are periodically done and how often? What other things should we be looking for as future problems?

DR. RUDERT: Congratulations to you for requesting a bone density scan after your husband was diagnosed as having Celiac Disease. I agree that this study should be performed in all individuals diagnosed as having celiac sprue. All individuals should have routine blood work including chemistry profiles and a CBC. The majority of my patients also have B12 levels and folic levels drawn and may require coagulation studies and this is often determined on an individual basis. Repeat celiac antibodies are generally ordered 6 to 12 months after diagnosis although this varies from physician to physician.

My main focus is to take an in depth history on every patient and then tailor a program in order to optimize their health and prevent complications and future problems especially as they relate to vitamin deficiencies. All individuals should be taking gluten-free multi-vitamins and occasionally additional vitamin, mineral, and essential fatty acid supplements are necessary. My main focus is patient education and all of my patients are given extensive information and guidance in order to optimize their health, especially as it pertains to hidden gluten in various products. All patients are urged to buy each of the pocket guides published by Clan Thompson and the recent Gluten-Free Drug Database is unsurpassed.

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