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New Here, Possible Celiacs? (Long!)


Lyss2686

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Lyss2686 Newbie

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!


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cyclinglady Grand Master

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 Newbie

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 Collaborator

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 Grand Master

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!

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