What To Ask My Doctor During My After Dx Visit?

[Carolita]

Hello all.

As I mentioned yesterday in an other post, I will have an appointment with my internist to talk about my blood work coming back + for Celiac.

Can you please help me make a list of the things I need to ask her? At this point I don't even know what tests she made, all I know is that she did the blood test.

Also, when the nurse call me to tell me about the results I asked her if there was anything I needed to do before the appointment and she said that there wasn't anything. I thought she would at least tell me to stay away from Gluten but she didn't.

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Carol

[Rachel--24]

Hi,

Do you plan on having the biopsy done? If so do not start the diet until after its done. This is something you can discuss with your doctor but dont begin the diet until you know for sure whether you're done testing or not. Make sure to find out what tests were run...which came back positive..etc.

After dx there isnt a whole lot the doctor will do for you except tell you to eliminate gluten. You can learn everything you need to know about life after dx from the very knowledgeable people on this board.

Good luck!

[Carolita]

Hello Rachel.

Thanks for the reply. Well, I don't know about the biopsy. Why would I need a biopsy? Is it necessary to get better? I have already started the diet about a year ago since I was diagnosed with yeast allergies so I have been avoiding foods that contain yeast, which some also contain gluten.

I will ask her what tests she ran. Which test should she have run? Are there any medicines she will prescribe?

Thank you for your help.

Carol

[jerseyangel]

Hello Rachel.

Thanks for the reply. Well, I don't know about the biopsy. Why would I need a biopsy? Is it necessary to get better? I have already started the diet about a year ago since I was diagnosed with yeast allergies so I have been avoiding foods that contain yeast, which some also contain gluten.

I will ask her what tests she ran. Which test should she have run? Are there any medicines she will prescribe?

Thank you for your help.

Carol

Hi Carol--A biopsy would be used to confirm a diagnosis, it's not a treatment. She should have run the complete Celiac blood panel--although if you have been on the gluten-free diet for a year, it probably will come back negative. This goes for the biopsy, also. You need to have been consuming gluten for some time before the tests for them to be accurate. When you go in, let her know you were already on the diet. There are no meds for Celiac--only the gluten-free diet. It's important to be 100% with it--foods, personal care products, everything you eat or use on your body. Also, go through your kitchen and replace any wooden boards and utensils, collender, toaster, and scratched non stick pans tht have come in contact with gluten (if you haven't already). Be very careful when you eat out--it is necessary to explain to the server and the manager about your dietary needs. No matter what you find out from the doctor, you can follow the gluten-free diet if you know that eating gluten makes you sick. That's really the best indicator--how you feel when off gluten as opposed to how you feel when you eat it. Hope that helps

[Carolita]

Thank you Patti.

I did replace my kitchen utensils after going on the yeast free / low carb diet.

The weird thing is that I've been trying for two days now to stay away from gluten and my stomach just feels worst. I've been feeling bloated where before I was feeling tired, dizzie and with brain fog. I had been feeling just fine up to about two weeks ago when I went out to eat italian food and had pasta and bread. Should I get worst before I get better?

I guess I will not be doing the biopsy then since I believe I have been some what gluten free for about a year.

Thanks again ...

Carol