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Went To See Specialist Yesterday

Marlene

By Marlene
in Doctors

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Marlene Contributor
Marlene
Posted

I went back to see my GI specialist for the first time since getting back results from Enterolab. I showed him the test results from Enterolab and his exact words were "Well, we can't argue with that! Congratulations for digging deeper and finding some answers." At this point I didn't know whether to smack him or not. After all, isn't finding answers supposed to be his job?? He had never heard of Enterolab but seemed quite positive after I explained how they do their testing etc. He now acknowledges that I am gluten/casein intolerant and said he was not going to do any further testing. He is also going to let my GP know the results so it will be in my records. He suggested I might want to get a medic alert bracelet. I found that quite interesting.

Me again. I didn't finish my last thread, pushed enter and it posted. OOoops. Anyway, I just wanted to let my experiences because I know how difficult it can be to deal with the whole medical system. BTW, I am in Brantford, Ontario. (just in case anyone is looking for a doctor in this area). Sorry for the "split posting". Marlene

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Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted

Well, even though your GI should have figured it out, rather than you having to spend all the money on Enterolab, at least he recognizes the validity of your test results. Not many doctors will do that. So, I say, 'way to go!'. You must be relieved.

sillyyak Enthusiast
sillyyak
Posted

Why do you think he recommended a medic alert bracelet? Does anyone else on here wear one?

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Unless you have anaphylactic reactions to gluten and casein (which would be more of an allergy than Celiac/intolerance), you might not need one. Some people with intolerances do get them though, esp if thy are corn intolerant (because IVs have corn derivatives). However, I would say the vast majority of people on a gluten-free/cf diet do NOT have medic alert bracelets.

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

I don't have a bracelet. IMO, if I'm in that bad of shape, I want them to do whatever they can ... if I get glutened along the way, so be it!! The only use I can see for a bracelet is for a very young child for information to pre-school teachers, etc.

par18 Apprentice
par18
Posted
Why do you think he recommended a medic alert bracelet? Does anyone else on here wear one?

Actually yes. I got a cheap one through Walgreen's (about $10) that goes around my neck. You can put whatever information on it you want. The way I see it what harm could it do. If nothing else it could increase awareness.

Tom

Terch Apprentice
Terch
Posted

Hi,

I am in Waterloo Ontario. I was wondering if you had the endoscopy? I had one 3 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. Also, I was interested in trying Enterolab but wasn't sure about it since I live in Canada. What courier service did you use? And how expensive was it? Also what tests did you decide to get? Sorry for all the questions, just excited that someone from Ontario used Enterolab. What symptoms did you have?

Thanks Terch

[

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Marlene Contributor
Marlene
Posted
  • Author
Hi,

I am in Waterloo Ontario. I was wondering if you had the endoscopy? I had one 3 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. Also, I was interested in trying Enterolab but wasn't sure about it since I live in Canada. What courier service did you use? And how expensive was it? Also what tests did you decide to get? Sorry for all the questions, just excited that someone from Ontario used Enterolab. What symptoms did you have?

Thanks Terch

[

Hi Terch. Not sure if I am replying to this properly since I am still trying to figure out how to use these threads. Anyway, I did not have the endoscopy. I have had every test imaginable but not that one. I had the blood test which came back negative. I went gluten free anyways and noticed real improvement. That's when I decided to go through Enterolab. I got the $369 test which is US Funds. I used Fedex overnight to ship my samples back and it cost me $68. (I was not impressed with that!) As far as my symptoms goes, I was diagnosed with IBS about 18 years ago. I made some modifications to my diet which did help somewhat. About 12 years ago I became lactose intolerant (that's what I thought anyway but it turns out that it's casein which bothers me meaning I should not have dairy at all). About 3 1/2 years ago, I had a bout of diahrea that least 6 weeks. After the six weeks, things just never went back to "normal". That's when I started having test after test. Finally, this past January they tested my gall bladder which was malfunctioning (this is a symptom of gluten intolerance but Dr's don't know that). I had my gall bladder removed and became much worse. I lost even more weight and looked like a walking corpse. Someone mentioned Celiac to me and that's when I started looking into the whole gluten thing. My other symptoms have been nausea, gas, bloating, bulky smelly floating stools, loose stools, fatigue, depression, headaches, night terrors, brain fog. Some of these have cleared up completely since going gluten free and some have gotten a lot better. Hope you find the answers you are looking for. I would definitely do Enterolab. The fact that they do gene testing as well is so helpful and confirming. Take care, Marlene

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