UK Wait times for Endoscopy

[Joel McK]

Hi all,

I'm just wondering if anyone could shed some light on UK Waiting times? I've been waiting for an endoscopy since August. I've had a phone consultation with the hospital who confirmed I need an endoscopy to confirm if I'm Coeliac or not. Since then I've had nothing. I've spoke to the hospital (now referred to a private provider via the NHS) but I'm just told I have to wait till the doctor signs a date. 

 

It's so frustrating and tiresome. I know I'm been impatient but I feel so ill and tired and I really just want to see what's going on and find a solution. I know the answer is, "How long is a piece of string" but if anyone has any advice or rough expected times, I'd be very greatful. 

 

Thank you,

Joel

[Wheatwacked]

Hi Joel Mck.  Welcome,

I don't think that you are being impatient.

     Depending on how much you are suffering, you could consider starting the Gluten Free Diet now.  Just be sure to start eating 10 grams of gluten a day for at least two weeks before your endoscopy or additional testing.  It will give you extra evidence that gluten free eases your symptoms.

     Celiac Disease causes malabsorption, leading to malnutrition. 

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that about 1 in 6 adults in the UK have low levels of vitamin D in their blood. 

     It takes a long time at high dosage (125 mcg and up) to raise your vitamin D blood level to normal levels. (200 nmoi/L or 80 ng/ml at the end of summer).  Getting a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test first would help you track your progress, if you can get it done. Vitamin D controls the immune system.  You might as well start to fix that.  B vitamins and Choline deficiencies are ommon in Celiac disease.  They can affect your digestive and nervous systems.     

Quote

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the UK due to diet, lifestyle, weather and our northern latitude. It is estimated that 16% of children in the UK will be deficient in vitamin D leading to myriad signs and symptoms. Nottingham University Hospitals

Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought

NHS Vitamin D

Edited November 24, 2023 by Wheatwacked

[Joel McK]

21 hours ago, Wheatwacked said:

Hi Joel Mck.  Welcome,

I don't think that you are being impatient.

     Depending on how much you are suffering, you could consider starting the Gluten Free Diet now.  Just be sure to start eating 10 grams of gluten a day for at least two weeks before your endoscopy or additional testing.  It will give you extra evidence that gluten free eases your symptoms.

     Celiac Disease causes malabsorption, leading to malnutrition. 

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that about 1 in 6 adults in the UK have low levels of vitamin D in their blood. 

     It takes a long time at high dosage (125 mcg and up) to raise your vitamin D blood level to normal levels. (200 nmoi/L or 80 ng/ml at the end of summer).  Getting a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test first would help you track your progress, if you can get it done. Vitamin D controls the immune system.  You might as well start to fix that.  B vitamins and Choline deficiencies are ommon in Celiac disease.  They can affect your digestive and nervous systems.     

Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought

NHS Vitamin D

Thank you so much,

I'm going to keep on gluten just for now as I've been referred to the Circle Group over the NHS so I have a feeling it could happen quickly when it does happen but I'll call on Monday and ask them how much notice I'll get. As for vitamin D etc. that's a great call. Since the darker days I've noticed a big change, and obviously if it is coeliac, it's likely I won't be absorbing a lot of what I should be from my diet. 

 

Thank you again for taking the time to respond and for your advice and points. 

 

Cheers,

Joel

[Scott Adams]

Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy:

Quote

"...in order to properly diagnose celiac disease based on serology and duodenal histology, doctors need patients to be on gluten-containing diets, even if they are causing symptoms, and this is called a "gluten challenge."

• Eat gluten prior to celiac disease blood tests: The amount and length of time can vary, but is somewhere between 2 slices of wheat bread daily for 6-8 weeks and 1/2 slice of wheat bread or 1 wheat cracker for 12 weeks 12 weeks;
• Eat gluten prior to the endoscopic biopsy procedure: 2 slices of wheat bread daily for at least 2 weeks;

and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day:

 

 

[Joel McK]

39 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy:

and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day:

 

 

Thank you Scott. I called the hospital earlier in the week and they returned the call yesterday. I'm now booked in for the 11th of January. I'll keep to a full gluten diet until the Endoscopy. In fact I'm compiling a gluten list of my favourite places and places I've always wanted to try. Just incase I can't go again. I'm greatful to be able to enjoy possibly one more care free Christmas, but equally really looking forward to knowing what's going on with me. 

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply again.

 

Joel

[Scott Adams]

Let us know how things turn out.