Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Trying to get diagnosed

Ladybug karin

Recommended Posts

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted

Any advice will be appreciated..I'll try and keep this as short as possible..I have family history of coeliac disease ..father ,grand father ..cousins etc ..two years ago started with  the symptoms myself ..( although thinking that have had problems for years ) but this time I've come out with the most unbelievable itchy blistering rash which is driving me insane . spent the last 18 months by process of elimination found gluten containing foods was the culprit..went to gp explained family history..the fact rash started after an extremely stressful time ...her answer ..you don't look like you have an allergy.!!!! ...to which I quickly put her right about it being an auto immune disease..of which I already have one ..hashimotos....she agreed to do test thrusting the form in my hand saying " well when it comes back negative we can put that one to bed can't we " ..today I had the results ...negative ...now feel I can't go back and ask for further investigation...if I do what do I say ..

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Were you still eating gluten foods when you were tested? If you were not then the tests would be negative. Can you get an appointment with a celiac knowledgable dermatologist? Your rash may be DH, the skin form of celiac. Some folks with DH test negative on blood tests but a diagnosis of DH is a diagnosis of celiac and no further testing would be needed.

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted
  • Author

Hi ..yes I looked on this site about blood tests and made sure I was eating gluten..another question though ..I have been having steroid injections in my back and to an injured thumb ..I'm also taking hydroxychoroquine for inflammatory arthritis ,blood tests for RH (blood test came back negative for that too) ..but was prescribed medication for my achy joints , sorry going off subject..was wondering if any of these medications could have an effect on blood tests ...I am going to go back to gp thank you for your advise and ask to be referred to a dermatologist..I need to get this skin prob sorted either way ...it's the most unbelievable itchy stingy burning feeling I've ever felt. Other symptoms I have are fatigue, pins and needles , headaches, wind , bloated tummy , but no weight loss ..I've actually gained weight but think that could be from the steroids ..sorry to go on , 

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted
  • Author

Not sure if I have done this correctly..tried to show pic of rash 

14914916935111684351227.webp

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Read through our DH section.  I am pretty sure that steroids can impact test results not to mention that some DH suffers do not test positive on the celiac blood tests even on a gluten diet.  There is a very specific way to biopsy DH (to verify antibodies in the skin), so finding a celiac-savvy dermatologist is critical.  

Hope this helps! 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
25 minutes ago, Ladybug karin said:

Not sure if I have done this correctly..tried to show pic of rash 

14914916935111684351227.webp

Honestly, based on our forum DH posters threads, there is no way to visually identify your rash.  A skin biopsy obtained specifically to DH specifications is required.  My non-doctor opinion?  Your family history and your insanely itchy rash?  My money would be on celiac disease, if I were a betting gal!  

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for all  your replies ..I am going to push gp to refer me to dermatologist and will make sure they know about coeliacs ...to tell the truth I'm at my wits end ..and understand I can't be diagnosed by a pic ..was wondering if it looked like something others had , this morning when I received negative results ..I cried ..needed to ask someone who would understand..This is the first time I've ever gone on a forum ..and I must say a big thank you for reading and taking the time to reply 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Jmg Mentor
Jmg
Posted

Hi and welcome :)

1 hour ago, Ladybug karin said:

..sorry to go on ,

Absolutely no apology neccesary!

21 minutes ago, Ladybug karin said:

this morning when I received negative results ..I cried .

I know exactly how you felt / feel. I tested negative but was convinced I had my answer. The test wasn't conducted well but such was my reaction to the gluten-free diet I was given an endoscopy. It was also negative, but the gastro told me to avoid gluten for life and boy did I agree with him. So whilst you should still seek answers and make sure you get all the follow ups available remember that you may have already found the reason and that when the diagnostic process is completed there's nothing to stop you going gluten free and establishing for yourself whether its the source of your symptoms. There are lots of good doctors and specialists out there, but there are also some awful and ignorant ones. Don't be afraid of speaking up for yourself and seeking a second opinion. Draw all the support you need from everyone here. We've almost all been through some crappy times whilst seeking answers and sometimes the answer isn't as definitive as you'd wish. Chin up! :)

There's a forum FAQ stickied above and awhile ago I collected some links and sample answers in this thread, maybe it will be of some use:

Best of luck!

ps, I got spots like that on my back and chest and going gluten and mostly dairy free cleared them up. I'd also bet that you've found your answer! 

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted
  • Author

Well today I took your advice ..went back to gp and asked to be referred to a dermatologist.. it was a struggle she kept saying " but your blood test is negative you don't have coeliac" but after reading information on here I was able to explain ...she said oh you know more about it than I do , ...and agreed to send referral but can take up to 3 months for appointment..she told me to stop eating gluten !!!!..I told her  I will when all investigations are done no matter what the results 

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Good for you! I hope it doesn't take 3 months though. any way you can speed that up? Call for cancellations???? Go to another derm???

You need to bring a print out of how the dh biopsy is done correctly. Not ON a lesion but on clear skin ADJACENT to an active lesion.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted
  • Author

Thank you so much for that information yes I'll print it out and take it with me ...the problem here with the nhs...it's a waiting game ..and have to take what your given in regards to which consultant you see,  although yes good idea I will phone and ask about cancellations . I'm feeling lots more positive today than yesterday after all the helpful replies and information and quite proud of myself for being more assertive at the doctors today :D

Jmg Mentor
Jmg
Posted
58 minutes ago, Ladybug karin said:

good idea I will phone and ask about cancellations .

That's definitely your best option (from a fellow Brit) :)

If it's any consolation the dermatologist I eventually saw was the standout physician out of a not very impressive bunch in my diagnostic adventure. I almost required the crash cart when he asked me about my blood test results, he'd actually read my notes :o

 

Ladybug karin Rookie
Ladybug karin
Posted
  • Author

What ....actually read them :blink:

Jmg Mentor
Jmg
Posted
2 hours ago, Ladybug karin said:

What ....actually read them :blink:

I think the golf club must've been closed that day. After nurse administered the smelling salts I was able to continue.

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted
2 hours ago, Jmg said:

I think the golf club must've been closed that day. After nurse administered the smelling salts I was able to continue.

:lol::lol::lol:

  • 2 months later...
artistsl Enthusiast
artistsl
Posted

Please keep us posted on what you find regarding the process for DH diagnosis. I've had a bilateral rash on my knuckles for eleven years that drives me nuts. Sometimes it itches so bad that it consumes every thought and keeps me awake throughout the night. I went gluten free and after four months it went away entirely for the first time in eleven years. I've performed at least ten gluten challenges on myself and it comes back within 2-6 hours every time I consume gluten. I went to see a dermatologist and she said that she will perform a biopsy and to call her next week when a blister starts to form and from there she will biopsy. She said that sometimes it can take 3-4 biopsies in order to get a positive. So I am thoroughly confused as to whether I need to do a 12 week gluten challenge or just eat it a few times and have it biopsied. ?

 

Hang in there though. Your rash will get better in time. 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Aretaeus Cappadocia
      - Aretaeus Cappadocia replied to lmemsm's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      13

      Finding gluten free ingredients

      I shop a fair bit with Azure Standard. I bought Teff flour there and like it. they have a lot of items on your list but probably no soy flour, at least not by that name. https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/flour/teff/brown/teff-flour-brown-unifine-gluten-free/11211?package=FL294 As mentioned in another answer, Palouse is a high quality...
    2. Aretaeus Cappadocia
      - Aretaeus Cappadocia replied to lmemsm's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      13

      Finding gluten free ingredients

      fwiw, I add nutritional yeast to some of my recipes. since going gluten free I eat almost no processed foods but I imagine you could sprinkle yeast on top.
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Charlie1946's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      11

      Severe severe mouth pain

      @Charlie1946, There are many vitamin deficiencies associated with PCOS and Celiac disease and mental health issues. The malabsorption of nutrients caused by Celiac can exacerbate PCOS and mental health issues. Vitamin B 3 Niacin (the kind that causes flushing) improves sebaceous hyperplasia and PCOS. (300 mg/day) Vitamin B 1 Thiamine improves...
    4. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Charlie1946's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      11

      Severe severe mouth pain

      Hi @Charlie1946 I am so sorry to hear you are suffering with this problem. Just a few other thoughts. I had debilitating anxiety prior to my diagnosis. I was never admitted to a hospital but thankfully had a lot of support from friends and family, and found a couple of publications contained really helpful advice: for depression, The Depression...
    5. trents
      - trents replied to Charlie1946's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      11

      Severe severe mouth pain

      @Charlie1946, as an alternative to milk-based protein shakes, let me suggest whey protein. Whey and casein are the two main proteins found in milk but whey doesn't cause issues like casein can for celiacs. Concerning your question about celiac safe mental health facilities, unfortunately, healthcare facilities in general do not have good reputations...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,901
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    kharvey
    Newest Member
    kharvey
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Aretaeus Cappadocia
      Finding gluten free ingredients

      By Aretaeus Cappadocia · Posted

      I shop a fair bit with Azure Standard. I bought Teff flour there and like it. they have a lot of items on your list but probably no soy flour, at least not by that name. https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/flour/teff/brown/teff-flour-brown-unifine-gluten-free/11211?package=FL294 As mentioned in another answer, Palouse is a high quality brand for dry beans, peas and other stuff. I buy some foods on your list from Rani. I've been happy with their products. https://ranibrand.com/ Azure and Rani often use terms that skirt around explicit "gluten free". I've contacted both of them and gained some comfort but it's always hard to be certain. FWIW, my IgA antibody levels are very low now, (after including their foods in my diet) so it appears I am being successful at avoiding gluten. 
    • Aretaeus Cappadocia
      Finding gluten free ingredients

      By Aretaeus Cappadocia · Posted

      fwiw, I add nutritional yeast to some of my recipes. since going gluten free I eat almost no processed foods but I imagine you could sprinkle yeast on top.
    • knitty kitty
      Severe severe mouth pain

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Charlie1946, There are many vitamin deficiencies associated with PCOS and Celiac disease and mental health issues.  The malabsorption of nutrients caused by Celiac can exacerbate PCOS and mental health issues. Vitamin B 3 Niacin (the kind that causes flushing) improves sebaceous hyperplasia and PCOS. (300 mg/day) Vitamin B 1 Thiamine improves dysphagia, and with Omega Threes, Sjogren's, and PCOS.     (300 mg/day) The other B vitamins are needed as well because they all work together like an orchestra.   The fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, are needed as well.  Low Vitamin D is common in both PCOS and Celiac and depression.   Deficiencies in Niacin Thiamine, Cobalamine B12, Folate B 9, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D can cause mental health issues.   I wish doctors would check for nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal issues before prescribing antidepressants.  My mental health issues didn't get better until my vitamin deficiencies were corrected and a gluten free keto/paleo diet adopted.   Though blood tests are not really accurate, you may want to get tested for deficiencies before supplementing, otherwise you'll be measuring the vitamins you've taken and blood tests will show blood levels that are too high. Yes, Thiamine TTFD and the other vitamins are available over-the-counter.  A B Complex with additional Thiamine TTFD and Niacin made a big difference to my health.  I follow a paleo diet, and make sure I get Omega Threes.  I took high dose Vitamin D to correct my deficiency there.   I've run through the mental health gamut if you would like to talk about your issues.  You can personal message us if you would be more comfortable.   Interesting Reading: Nutritional and herbal interventions for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a comprehensive review of dietary approaches, macronutrient impact, and herbal medicine in management https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12049039/
    • cristiana
      Severe severe mouth pain

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @Charlie1946 I am so sorry to hear you are suffering with this problem.   Just a few other thoughts.  I had debilitating anxiety prior to my diagnosis.  I was never admitted to a hospital but thankfully had a lot of support from friends and family, and found a couple of publications contained really helpful advice:  for depression, The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs by Dr Steve Llardi, and for debilitating anxiety, At Last A Life by Paul David.  Both can be ordered online, there is also a website for the latter.  If you are deficient in or have low iron or B12 this can cause or worsen mental health issues.  I am sure my own issues were caused by long-term deficiencies.   If you can get your blood tested, it would be useful.  In the case of iron, make sure you only supplement if you have a deficiency, and levels can be monitored, as too much iron can be dangerous. If you have burning mouth issues, very bad TMJ or neuralgia,  I understand the pain can be managed by the use of a certain class of medication like amitriptyline, which is also used to treat depression.  But there again, it is possible with the correct diet and supplementation these issues might improve? I do hope that you find relief soon. Cristiana
    • trents
      Severe severe mouth pain

      By trents · Posted

      @Charlie1946, as an alternative to milk-based protein shakes, let me suggest whey protein. Whey and casein are the two main proteins found in milk but whey doesn't cause issues like casein can for celiacs. Concerning your question about celiac safe mental health facilities, unfortunately, healthcare facilities in general do not have good reputations for being celiac safe. Most celiacs find that they need to depend on family members to advocate for them diligently or bring in food from the outside. Training of staff is inconsistent and there is the issue of turnover and also cross contamination.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.