the Star-Tribune staff | Posted: Thursday, March 24, 2005 12:00 am
From Monday through Saturday, the Central Wyoming Celiac Association, in conjunction with Blue Envelope Health Fair and the Wyoming Health Fairs, is pleased to announce the availability of a free blood test for celiac disease. The blood test being offered is the Human Tissue Transglutaminase ~ Human tTG .
Tests will be given at 112 S. Beech, (SW corner of Beech and First streets), from 6 to 10 a.m. No appointment is necessary. (Additional parking available in lot across from building).
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine.
The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods that contain gluten. For most people, following the diet will stop symptoms, heal existing intestinal damage and prevent further damage.
You do not{M3 need a doctor's order to take this test. You do not{M3 need to fast for this test. Those who are pregnant will not{M3 be able to take this test as the enzymes level in pregnant women do not correctly test negative or positive for celiac disease. Any child over the age of 2 years old, with a parent/guardian consent, may take this test. If you have already followed a gluten-free diet for more than six months, this test will not accurately measure the enzymes. Only those who are not following the gluten-free diet will receive an accurate test result.
Currently, this is the only time that this test will be available in Casper in 2005.
"We are genuinely grateful to the Binding Site, and Prometheus Labs for their sponsorship of this event," said Karen Clayson of the Central Wyoming Celiac Association. "This test is available to anyone wishing to be tested for celiac disease, even if you live outside the Wyoming area. We only have 600 tests available. Once the 600 test kits have been used, no other kits will be available. If you wish to be tested, do not wait."
Clayson said 1 in 133 people in the United States has celiac disease. It may also be as common as 1 in 40 in persons who have symptoms.
All results can be picked up at the Blue Envelope Health Fair on April 16, 2005 at the Casper Events Center. Those not picked up on that day will be mailed to the participant approximately two weeks later by the Wyoming Health Fairs. This test is a diagnostic tool to be used by you and your doctor to determine if you have celiac disease. It is not a diagnosis. Only your doctor can determine if you have celiac disease after reviewing your test results and other possible tests for this disease.
Any questions about the Blue Envelope Health Fair, please contact the health fairs office at 307-233-4455.
If you have any questions about the celiac testing, please contact: Debby at 307-266-4449 or E-mail {M7wyceliacassoc@alluretech.net
Classic Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults
Fatigue, gastrointestinal distress (gas, bloating, nausea, cramps), diarrhea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux, heartburn), indigestion, hyperactivity, anemia, amenorrhea, weight loss/weight gain, infertility, headaches, anorexia, miscarriages, short stature, itchy rash on back, elbows and knees, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, teeth decay,
thyroid disease.
Conditions that Carry a Statistically Higher Risk of Celiac Disease
Autoimmune diseases, Addison's disease, chronic active hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, Type I diabetes, Downs syndrome,
multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Raynaud's disease, rheumatoid arthritis,
scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome.
Conditions that May{M3 be associated with Celiac Disease
ADD/ADHD, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, Lupus,
muscle pain and weakness, Neurological conditions.
Source: Central Wyoming Celiac Association