Thanks en bloc. It's going to be for 48 hours. I was in bed till now. I still feel light headed due to effect of the anesthesia. Hopefully tomorrow will be back to normal.

The GI will do a biopsy and I asked if they can also do at the same time for celiac -- she told me its part of the biopsy. Would you know if there is a special biopsy to look for celiac or is this just part of a regular biopsy?

What you describe is similiar to how my Stasis Dermatatis started with the discoloration beginning in the ankles. Eventually darkened and is now on the top of my feet, as well as slowly going to just under the knees. The darkest is definitely the front and back of ankles. Look up Stasis Dematatis on the internet. This will give you a better explanation.


Gerry

Sorry, I don't know about celiac biopsy. I would think when biopsies are taken, it's more then one piece. So maybe there will be a separate one for the celiac testing. But I really don't know about celiac testing.

--can be done at the same time as a standard endoscopy--the tube just has to be inserted farther down, past the duodenum (samples can be taken there) and into the small intestine proper (where more samples can be taken). What is looked for is evidence of lymphocytic infiltrate and villious atrophy.

It's best to have this done with an experienced gastroenterologist who knows about celiac. though. Multiple samples from different areas should be taken, as damage from celiac is often patchy and hard to find, and it's easy to miss damage spots and only get "normal" samples--one of the reasons, traditionally, for celiac underdiagnosis.

Gerry,

I will surely look statis dermatatis on the Internet..... Thank you.

Mary

Glenntaj,
Thank you for your reply. My doctor had me tested for celiac. She treats a handful of celiac patients. So, I hope she knows what she is doing. After the procedure, she talked to my husband, and was told that there was no indication of celiac, but she said that we have to wait for the confirmation of the biopsy result.

Mary

What an irony, while I had the little machine to monitor the stomach activity, my stomach was not acting up. My stomach was feeling nice and easy. But once the 48 hours was up and after I returned the little machine my heartburn starts again. Can you beat that??? And now, I doubt if there was anything recorded in that machine!!! It's a bummer. Lol

Gerry,

I read online about the Statis Dermatatis. I don't have swelling. Although i am not sure if the pain that gets worse when standing or the dull ache I feel is from the neuropathy or from this Statis. Mine is not bumpy or cobblestone looking skin and I don't have skin sores, I guess this would come in due time.

I have problems with varicose veins, but the 2 symmetrical discolorations in my ankles are in the areas where there are no signs of overt veins.

What treatment did you have for this condition? It says online that it is related to heart problem....

Mary

I do not have the sores; but their is the discoloration with some pinkish spots under the skin. This started after I had a surgical procedure for my bladder which also caused edema; not necessarily form the Stasis. This was about four or five years ago. The discoloration started very slowly.

Becuase of the PN cannot use any hose for the edema (use med for edema). I use Lubriderm lotion on my feet, ankles(sometimes vaseline on the ankles) and legs every a.m. after washing. This seems to keep the skin smoother and prevent inflamation/sores.

I saw a dermatologist who diagnosed the Stasis. She did give me a prescription; but not good for the PN burning so just stay with the lotion/vaseline. At first I thought it was the Stasis causing the burning pain; but my internist said this was all from the PN. The discoloration can be embarrassing.

The swelling/edema can be related for some to heart problems. I do not have any heart problems.


Gerry

Oh yes, the discoloration is becoming obvious. Although, aesthetically is the least of my worries now but now that you mentioned about "discoloration can be embarrassing", I agree with you. At this point, I don't think my PCP will think that this warrants any medication or more attention because its not of significant size. I want to rub the area with mineral oil mixed with a moisturizer but my hands cannot do it long enough. My hubby has no choice but to do it for me.

What kind of surgical procedure you did for your bladder, if you don't mind. I thought that bladder cannot be operated on.

Mary