Newbie Here - This Place Is Great!

[ArtGirl]

Hello,

THANK YOU EVERYONE HERE AND ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO STARTED THIS gluten-free-FORUM!!

I've been lurking here for a couple weeks and have to say that I've learned gobs about gluten and celiac disease. I've had IBS problems for years and have begun to suspect being celiac, but at the very least, am gluten intollerant.

My symptoms are delayed and I've never really known how to "read" them. But, after reading what you all here have said, I am beginning to be able to tell when I've eaten gluten (or possibly casein, or both) by what happens to my body the following few days.

I ate at Applebee's last Friday, began getting bad D 15 hours later on Sat. morning, and felt yukky, dizzy, foggy-brained and flat out exhausted until Mon. morning. All the stuff that I've experienced in the past without a clue to what I had eaten (or when) that triggered the symptoms. NOW I KNOW WHY! (I later searched for Applebee's and discovered that it is not a celiac-friendly restaurant.)

I've been searching like mad for restaurants and food products and have a list of safe places and foods that I wouldn't ever have found on my own. I'm soooo glad I found this place!

I plan to get tested by Enterolab in the near future. Have been without insurance for the last 10 years and since my husband retired from the Army Reserves last month, we now have health insurance.

Does anyone know if health insurance companies are likely to reimburse tests like this without my first having seen a doctor? (I don't "do" MDs if I can help it.)

[CarlaB]

Welcome!

I didn't try to find out if they'd cover it. I guess I wasn't up for the fight. I agree with you about MD's! Anyway, Enterolab ended up being less expensive than my portion of the other tests after insurance paid their part!!

Carla

[Guest Robbin]

I'm still fussing with my insurance co. over reimbursement, but I really suspected it would be a fight at the outset. It was money well spent. I would have always been questioning myself and no one in my family would have taken me seriously. I applaud your M.D. avoidance. I am at that point myself. I am so glad you found this forum. It has been a lifesaver for me as well. Welcome

[mouse]

Welcome Velda and I am glad that you have found this forum very helpful. I have been gluten-free for 28 months and I still learn something new from this forum. Remember that we do not consider any question stupid.