Straight To Gastroenterologist?

[littlestar]

I think I may have Celiac disease and I want to get tested, but it sounds like it can be very difficult getting a correct diagnosis (especially here in the States). I'm wondering whether I should get tested through my GP, or through a specialist who consults with the local Celiac support group (my insurance will let me see the specialist without a referral).

As a child I had a lot of gastro problems that they never really found the cause for, and as an adult I'm experiencing extreme fatigue, dizziness/"foggy" feeling in my head, depression and irritablity, white spots on my nails, constipation, "floaters" in my eyes (have had several eye doctors comment on how many), joint pain and bloating.

It seems like a lot of doctors are unfamilar with Celiac, or are reluctant to diagnose it so maybe the specialist would be more likely to make a correct diagnosis? Or should I just go to my GP?

Thanks!

[Wandering Hermit]

My advice is to see a specialist. My GP really screwed me up.

[Claire]

It seems like a lot of doctors are unfamilar with Celiac, or are reluctant to diagnose it so maybe the specialist would be more likely to make a correct diagnosis? Or should I just go to my GP?

Thanks!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Skip the GP. Remember that even specialists have limited vision and think within the box of their own speciality. It may take more than one specialist - that's not uncommon. Claire

[ravenwoodglass]

I think I may have Celiac disease and I want to get tested, but it sounds like it can be very difficult getting a correct diagnosis (especially here in the States). I'm wondering whether I should get tested through my GP, or through a specialist who consults with the local Celiac support group (my insurance will let me see the specialist without a referral).

As a child I had a lot of gastro problems that they never really found the cause for, and as an adult I'm experiencing extreme fatigue, dizziness/"foggy" feeling in my head, depression and irritablity, white spots on my nails, constipation, "floaters" in my eyes (have had several eye doctors comment on how many), joint pain and bloating.

It seems like a lot of doctors are unfamilar with Celiac, or are reluctant to diagnose it so maybe the specialist would be more likely to make a correct diagnosis? Or should I just go to my GP?

Thanks!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gastros didn't help me at all, they just labeled me with IBS and I feel delayed my diagnosis by years. The one who found it in me was an allergist, after years of seeing GIs, neuros, rheumys, shrinks, and bone doctors all they gave me was pills and offers for prozac! I was finally diagnosed by an allergist who guided me through an elimination diet. Get blood tested with the celiac panel, if thats positive go to a GI. But if it is negative see an allergist sooner rather than later, and be specific about wanting to do an elimination diet, some don't know how,or don't want to take the time to do this anymore.

[VydorScope]

FIRST Check your ins, some will not cover you unless you see your GP first.