How Long From First Visit To Actual Biopsy?

[flampton]

Hey for all those that have been biopsied,

How long did it take from initial visit to your gastroenterologist to the actual day of the biopsy?

I have been consuming a lot of gluten to try and get a diagnosis, but if the GI doc schedules me for like april or something, I couldn't even come close to eating this way that long. Gluten messes with my GI a bit, but I seem to have more of the non classical symptoms such as depression, anxiety and wicked brain fog. Problem is I'm a scientist so continuing to eat this way messes with my job.

Also when you finally got to see a gastroenterologist did you have to start jumping through hoops again to get them to test you? Do I have to convince yet another doctor to precede with the testing? I'm relatively good at it since I can quote reviews and the primary literature back at the doctor but a lot of my docs seem to have gotten upset when I have clearly showed them(pleasantly) that their present knowledge was lacking. An unhappy doctor certainly doesn't breed a happy patient.

Every day I wonder if a diagnosis is even worth it. I think as of right now it would help psychologically with staying on the diet and dealing with the myriad of social situations that revolve around the staff of pain. Yet I would love to stop eating gluten today.

Eric

[jerseyangel]

Hi Eric--It was on my inital visit to the GI that I got scheduled for my biopsy. I then had to wait 1 month--I also had a colonoscopy the same day, so maybe that's why the longer wait. Good luck at the Dr.--

[tiredofdoctors]

Hi Eric -- I saw the GI doc on Thursday, got my antitranglutaminase and antiendomysial antibody tests drawn that day, and had my scope (I believe) the next Tuesday. Including the colonoscopy, too. (BTW: If they schedule both, they DON'T think it's funny if you ask them that if they're going to use the same tube, would they put it down your throat first.) . . . . Lynne

[slpinsd]

I had a double endo/colon at the same time, too. It was scheduled a few days later. They scheduled the lady before me 2 months later. But- I told her I was scheduled for surgery in a week (I was) adn that it was urgent. I ended up having to pay a little more out of pocket becuase it had to be at a different facility.

[flampton]

Thanks everone for replying

My doctor finally forwarded my file to the gasteroenterologist. Which means tomorrow I can schedule my appt. I'll let everyone know how it goes. I think I'll be upfront and basically tell them the truth. That if they can't schedule me in a reasonable amount of time I will probably be gluten free at the time of the biopsy.

One other question- it seems that everyone also received a colonoscopy. Was this pertinent to the Celiac diagnosis or was this to investigate for Crohn's or colitis?

Thanks

Eric

[floridanative]

I saw my first GI in Sept. '05 but he made me have the colon test first in Oct. Then he wanted me to have the endoscopy in early Dec. I was in denial that I could have such an odd condition at the time (and I felt good eating gluten every day) so I put the endoscopy off until Jan 11th. I wished now I hadn't waited the extra month but I only have myself to blame. Good luck to you and please tell the doc to take 6 to 8 biopsies. Most only take 2 or 3 but this is not sufficient for correct results.

[flampton]

Well I made my appt today and it sucks

The receptionist said the first available appt for new patients was March 28th

This is a lot longer than I wanted to wait, like I was hoping for next week, or even the week after that

I guess this means I'm going to have to go without a diagnosis because I just don't see the point in continuing to eat gluten when I know that it is causing my problems

Has anyone gone to the gastroenterologist gluten free? What do they say?

Thanks

Eric