New Here, Possible Celiacs? (Long!)

[Lyss2686]

Just found this board thanks to Google, looks like lots of good information. Looking for some insight/thoughts...

 

 

I'm 27, and really for as long as I can remember have had stomach issues.  I always just attributed it to having a "nervous stomach", as I also suffer from generalized anxiety, diagnosed within the last few years. Now I'm starting to think it may be Celiacs.

 

If i'm being totally honest, I definitely don't have the best diet.  I eat lots of pasta and grains because it is easy. I know that's not good(esp. if I do have Celiacs) and have been working on being better about it.

 

A few weeks ago, I started having some weird symptoms that I thought were related to a B12 deficiency. I had a low B12 level back in 2012, but was told it didn't need to be treated.  I went to see my doctor at the beginning of September, and after blood work was done just got a call that said "everything's fine", even though my b12 level was on the low side (345).  I have been taking a B12 supplement since there is really no harm in it. I continued to have some symptoms, although some seemed to be improving. 

 

Last week however, I started getting several other GI symptoms.  Strange stomach gurgling while eating/right after eating/in between meals, loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, bloating(more so than usual), change in bowel movements. Along with headaches, extreme fatigue some days. I still have very little appetite, although I try to make myself eat.

 

I also just lost my insurance coverage, which complicates things because I will most likely not get coverage again until January 1st 2015.

 

I found a free clinic near me that will see me without insurance, so I'm hoping they will be willing to test for Celiacs/other GI issues.

 

Guess this was more of a vent(sorry!), but any thoughts/insights would be appreciated!

[cyclinglady]

No insurance? No COBRA? You have 30 days to enroll in a U.S. health plan if your plan was terminated (special circumstances) so you do not have to wait for the enrollment period which is coming up and wait until January.

I doubt a clinic will pay the approximate $450 for the panel. Can you pay out-of-pocket?

Your symptoms sound like celiac, but no one can diagnose over the internet. You have the choice of going gluten free, but a firm diagnosis is helpful if you have kids, etc. I wish you well and hope you can get help.

[Lyss2686]

No insurance? No COBRA? You have 30 days to enroll in a U.S. health plan if your plan was terminated (special circumstances) so you do not have to wait for the enrollment period which is coming up and wait until January.

I doubt a clinic will pay the approximate $450 for the panel. Can you pay out-of-pocket?

Your symptoms sound like celiac, but no one can diagnose over the internet. You have the choice of going gluten free, but a firm diagnosis is helpful if you have kids, etc. I wish you well and hope you can get help.

 Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I had one of the health exchange plans and due to my own error, was dropped from coverage. Figures that these symptoms flared up immediately after.

[SMRI]

You can sign up for a non-exchange private plan since you lost your coverage..you can sign up for a non-exchange private plan anytime really.  Get some quotes from a couple bigger insurance companies in your area and sign up for coverage.  Most companies will have temporary plans, meant to last between 30 days and 3 months, that you could get as well but generally they do not cover pre-existing conditions because of the nature of those plans.

[cyclinglady]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I had one of the health exchange plans and due to my own error, was dropped from coverage. Figures that these symptoms flared up immediately after.

I am so sorry! I hope you can get tested. My husband went gluten-free per the advice of my allergist and his GP some 13 years ago. He would be the first to tell you that I have had it easier with an official diagnosis, but gluten makes him sick. There is no way he is up to a gluten challenge. He has been doing well ever since then -- all his symptoms have resolved.

It is a hard place to be in. Hugs!