Need Some Advise Now...

[JerryK]

Hi, hope everyone is doing well.

I leave for an Alaska cruise in two days. After 4 days of being totally (as much as I can tell) gluten-free,

my chronic diarrhea, loose stools and heartburn are completely gone. I mean I have had

chronic heartburn for 10 years, so this is pretty stunning after 4 days...

I've decided that I'd like a diagnosis, at least a blood test, just to validate my dietary response

and to shove in to the AD pushing doctor's face...

So...my issue: If I go Gluten free on this Alaska cruise, which would be pretty difficult to

monitor...in another week it will have been almost two weeks since I've eaten gluten.

Combine that with the time it takes me to get in to the doctor and get a blood test and it could

be three weeks gluten-free....

The only thing I think I can do, if I want to test positive, is to go back on G for the trip...take immodium

and antacids if I need them and just grin and bear it. I won't pack myself full of G...but I will

eat as I normally would...Then when I get back get in to my doctor and request a blood test.

Does this sound like a good plan?

[jerseyangel]

It does if you want a firm diagnosis. I'm sorry, though, that it will make for a possibly uncomfortable trip. The general rule of thumb is the equivilant of 3 slices of bread a day for 3 months before the testing. Good luck, and have a safe trip!

[JerryK]

It does if you want a firm diagnosis. I'm sorry, though, that it will make for a possibly uncomfortable trip. The general rule of thumb is the equivilant of 3 slices of bread a day for 3 months before the testing. Good luck, and have a safe trip!

Since I'm not that much of a bread person, I suspect that I've never eaten that much gluten in my life.

Potentially why I've never been diagnosed. Most of what I've consumed is likely in breading and sauces etc...

Thanks for your response.

[mouse]

Those cruises have a desert table that is to die for. Just pick out the ones with the most gluten and enjoy.