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Endoscopy or colonoscopy for coeliac diagnosis?
Answered 4 years ago
My doctor has referred me for colonoscopy but my coeliac friends had endoscopies to confirm. I don’t want a camera up my bum if it’s not necessary. Have you had either of them to diagnose coeliac disease?
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ANSWER
4 years ago
I hope it's not a colonoscopy. The prep for one is awful
ANSWER
4 years ago
Endoscopy nurse here. You definitely need an endoscopy (gastroscopy) as they look at the intestinal villi in your small bowel. Normal villi are finger like and wave about, in celiac disease these villi flatten and take on a very different appearance, your gastroenterologist will also take biopsies to confirm. That’s why it’s also important to maintain a normal diet prior to your scope, because if you start a gluten free diet the villi will repair themselves possibly resulting in a misdiagnosis. Colonoscopy only looks at your large intestine and and these villi can’t be seen from that direction. Depending on your symptoms and medical history there may be reason To do both, but that’s between you and your doctor.
Was it your GP who said you’d need a colonoscopy? They may be out of date with their training in this area and you should discus it with a specialist.
Was it your GP who said you’d need a colonoscopy? They may be out of date with their training in this area and you should discus it with a specialist.
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REPLY
4 years ago
Thankyou so much. Yes it was my gp who said it had to be a colonoscopy. I said I thought the camera was down your throat and she said no, it has to be a colonoscopy. I mentioned my friends with celiac had an endoscopy and she just shrugged her shoulders and said no. But since looking at celiac health pages they all say endoscopy is what’s required. I’ll go back to her, cancel my referal and see someone else. She also told me I could go gluten free while waiting for the appointment as I don’t need gluten in my system for the test. Thanks again.
REPLY
4 years ago
You could ring the specialist you’ve been referred to and explain and just ask if you need a new referral. They might say they can do the endoscopy with your current referral.
REPLY
4 years ago
Great idea, I’ll do this thanks.
ANSWER
4 years ago
I had a colonoscopy to rule out Crohn's disease as the two can display similar symptoms. I ended up only have celiac. Your doctor may more think it is crohns and has done this for a reason
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REPLY
4 years ago
No, I tested positive for the celiac gene. It’s only celiac that she thinks I have. But thanks anyway.
ANSWER
4 years ago
Technically colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy 😉
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REPLY
4 years ago
They look at different areas.
ANSWER
4 years ago
Endoscopy. That's what I had.
ANSWER
4 years ago
Normally an endoscopy is done because they need samples from the small intestine.
ANSWER
4 years ago
You don’t need to worry about the camera, they give you so much sedatives you won’t even know about it. The worst thing is the ore and all the stuff you have to drink to clean out your bowel.
Also, take the advise of your doctor, your medical professional whom I assume you trust over friends. And if you really want to know why a colonoscopy not an endoscopy then ask your doctor that questions .
Also, take the advise of your doctor, your medical professional whom I assume you trust over friends. And if you really want to know why a colonoscopy not an endoscopy then ask your doctor that questions .
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REPLY
4 years ago
I did ask doc, she said that’s what they do and shrugged her shoulders. Coeliac health page says endoscopy because small intestine needs checking. Colonoscopies check large intestines. Conflicting info which is why I’m asking in here.