I need advice, if possible.

[AdventEclipse]

So, I'm thinking of asking my Doctor to test me for celiac. I took a home test a while ago, and I think it showed false. This was around 2 years ago. No idea if it's relevant or not.

So, I have a myriad of symptoms. very watery stools, usually soon after eating, often with a lot of pain. I have noticed, after eating a bag of chips, that my digestive system handled it fine, but any bread, and I feel ill. Sometimes I feel nauseous, but often, my gut goes into overdrive and ruins me. 

Other symptoms, I'm always tired, plenty of joint pains that are getting worse. I have *severe* palpitations about 20 minutes after eating. Pounding heart along with ectopics. I have panic disorder (Recently diagnosed). 

I'm stuck indoors, can very occasionally go outside with the help of a LOT of loperamide. But sometimes, it just doesn't help.

This has been going on for around 6 years now, and I feel lost. I'm stuck indoors, had to quit uni, miss any appointments due to illness, and II'm at the end of my tether.

So, should I contact a Doctor for a test? If so, how do I approach my doctoor about it?

Thankyou for reading!

 

Edit: I forgot to add that TSH and Blood sugar are normal.

 

Edited November 12, 2019 by AdventEclipse

[GFinDC]

Hi,

Yes, I think you should get tested for celiac disease.  But don't go to just any doctor.  Do an internet search for celiac doctor in your area, then choose someone who says they deal with celiac.  Sometimes there are support groups on Facebook for an area or at hospitals or other groups.  If you can find one local ask them for a doctor suggestion.

But be aware that all celiac testing requires the person to be on a gluten containing diet before hand.  At least 12 weeks before the blood antibodies tests or 2 weeks before the endoscopy.  It's best to get tested before going gluten-free.  Also, ask for the full celiac disease antibody panel, not just the ttg IgA screening test.  Some people only react on 1 antibody test, but not others.

Welcome to the forum!

[AdventEclipse]

Alright. I shall try.

As I'm in the UK, it's a little difficult to pick out a doctor from the NHS, as far as I'm aware. But I'll see if I can figure something out.

 

Thankyou for the welcome

[Ranchers Wife]

So, hopefully you can find a doctor that knows how to deal with a Celiac diagnosis.

 

As far as the home test goes:

I don't know what is available in the UK. But as I understand it, the home test in the US is usually the tTg IgA antibody test. This test is the one used for screening, and is pretty accurate. But not at all perfect, for a few reasons.

Make sure that your blood tests are the full Celiac panel. Some people who have Celiac disease, test negative to the screening test but positive on one or more of the other Celiac antibody tests.

And, some people who test completely negative to the blood antibody tests do have intestinal mucosa damage... and Celiac disease... when the doctor does an endoscopy with duodenal biopsies.

So... Celiac doctor, complete antibody panel, and continue consuming gluten until all testing is complete.