Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Doctor Doesn't Know What He's Talking About?

emi-220

By emi-220
in Doctors

Recommended Posts

emi-220 Rookie
emi-220
Posted

I was diagnosed about 4 months ago with celiac disease and was the first one in my family diagnosed so my parents were told to get tested also, even though they don't appear to have symptoms (although i know it's possible they still have it and are asymptomatic) . Both my mom and dad tried calling their doctors to see if insurance would pay, but they were told insurance wouldn't pay because it was just a "screening" since they didn't have symptoms. Then yesterday, my dad went for a physical and the doctor pretty much refused to test him, saying, and I quote, "if you're asymptomatic, then what difference does it make. There's no reason to stop eating gluten because there's no effect." My dad then inquired about the damage to the intestine and long term effects such as cancers, but the doctor replied that that you wouldn't get the intestinal cancer if you're asymptomatic.

Everything I've read and heard makes me think this doctor is completely mistaken, but I just wanted to make sure before I tell my dad to change doctors! It is so frusterating when people don't understand, especially if they're a doctor and should know about this stuff! So is there any truth to what he said or should we run as fast as possible in the other direction? I really want my family members to get tested but so far there doesn't seem to be much hope.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Your parents doctor is very ill informed and there are many here that will attest to that.

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

I agree with MommaGoose, but there's another point to consider.

My parent's doctor wouldn't test them also because they are asymptomatic. After I thought about it for a while I realized that even if they tested positive the likelihood that they'd stick to the gluten-free diet was very minimal anyway, so it was a moot point.

They could always try gluten-free, or even gluten-lite, to see if it changes how they feel. It's possible they have symptoms that they don't realize are symptoms (I went almost my whole life not knowing that your tummy wasn't supposed to hurt after eating).

If the diet convinces them they need to be tested, they could either brow-beat the current doc, or start looking for a new one.

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

Look up the NIH consensus paper from the celiac disease conference last year. It specifically notes that damage is still done in asymptomatic celiacs.

mamabear Explorer
mamabear
Posted
I was diagnosed about 4 months ago with celiac disease and was the first one in my family diagnosed so my parents were told to get tested also, even though they don't appear to have symptoms (although i know it's possible they still have it and are asymptomatic) . Both my mom and dad tried calling their doctors to see if insurance would pay, but they were told insurance wouldn't pay because it was just a "screening" since they didn't have symptoms. Then yesterday, my dad went for a physical and the doctor pretty much refused to test him, saying, and I quote, "if you're asymptomatic, then what difference does it make. There's no reason to stop eating gluten because there's no effect." My dad then inquired about the damage to the intestine and long term effects such as cancers, but the doctor replied that that you wouldn't get the intestinal cancer if you're asymptomatic.

Everything I've read and heard makes me think this doctor is completely mistaken, but I just wanted to make sure before I tell my dad to change doctors! It is so frusterating when people don't understand, especially if they're a doctor and should know about this stuff! So is there any truth to what he said or should we run as fast as possible in the other direction? I really want my family members to get tested but so far there doesn't seem to be much hope.

Yes, he is sadly mistaken. Asymptomatic celiac disease accounts for nearly 50% of new diagnoses according to recent studies. What you don't know CAN hurt you. I would suggest finding a celiac-competent doctor through your local celiac societies. First degree relatives have a 10-16% chance of being celiac.....so all your parents,siblings and any children should be tested at some point . It helps if a physician understands the related symptoms and conditions in order to prod the insurance companies to cover the tests.

jennysoul Newbie
jennysoul
Posted
I was diagnosed about 4 months ago with celiac disease and was the first one in my family diagnosed so my parents were told to get tested also, even though they don't appear to have symptoms (although i know it's possible they still have it and are asymptomatic) . Both my mom and dad tried calling their doctors to see if insurance would pay, but they were told insurance wouldn't pay because it was just a "screening" since they didn't have symptoms. Then yesterday, my dad went for a physical and the doctor pretty much refused to test him, saying, and I quote, "if you're asymptomatic, then what difference does it make. There's no reason to stop eating gluten because there's no effect." My dad then inquired about the damage to the intestine and long term effects such as cancers, but the doctor replied that that you wouldn't get the intestinal cancer if you're asymptomatic.

Everything I've read and heard makes me think this doctor is completely mistaken, but I just wanted to make sure before I tell my dad to change doctors! It is so frusterating when people don't understand, especially if they're a doctor and should know about this stuff! So is there any truth to what he said or should we run as fast as possible in the other direction? I really want my family members to get tested but so far there doesn't seem to be much hope.

jennysoul Newbie
jennysoul
Posted

Hi Emi, Im from Australia, i so hear what you're saying ive been gluten free for 2 years and have found it tough to get any DR hear that understands celiac enough to help me in anyway,

its realy hard to help youre own family when no one will listen to you, ive got atxia problems, i believe due to the years of undiagnosed celiacs, and its taken its toll on my mental health.

i'm so at wits end,

the medical proffession is so far behind in this matter here that i'm left to help myself, convincing them to do tests has been a nightmare to say the least, they say stupid stuff like OH but you'd have the runs not constipation if you had celiacs. i'm so distressed at the moment as i now see my daughter and other family members showing health problems, but no one will listen to me due to no confirnation of celiac. so i'm off for an MRI next week, to see what damage has been done to my brain,due to malabsorbtion of B12.

i hope you get some results soon for you and youre family. take care.

jenny

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


NoGluGirl Contributor
NoGluGirl
Posted
I was diagnosed about 4 months ago with celiac disease and was the first one in my family diagnosed so my parents were told to get tested also, even though they don't appear to have symptoms (although i know it's possible they still have it and are asymptomatic) . Both my mom and dad tried calling their doctors to see if insurance would pay, but they were told insurance wouldn't pay because it was just a "screening" since they didn't have symptoms. Then yesterday, my dad went for a physical and the doctor pretty much refused to test him, saying, and I quote, "if you're asymptomatic, then what difference does it make. There's no reason to stop eating gluten because there's no effect." My dad then inquired about the damage to the intestine and long term effects such as cancers, but the doctor replied that that you wouldn't get the intestinal cancer if you're asymptomatic.

Everything I've read and heard makes me think this doctor is completely mistaken, but I just wanted to make sure before I tell my dad to change doctors! It is so frusterating when people don't understand, especially if they're a doctor and should know about this stuff! So is there any truth to what he said or should we run as fast as possible in the other direction? I really want my family members to get tested but so far there doesn't seem to be much hope.

Dear Emi 220,

Tell your parents to ditch Dr. Dipstick. It is for their own good. This disease is serious. Just because the disease is latent and and not showing symptoms does not mean it is not causing damage. These geniuses we call doctors often have a God complex. They need to get with it. If they were the ones at risk, their attitude would change, I assure you.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,557
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Ortega
    Newest Member
    Ortega
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      gluten-free Oatmeal

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Oats naturally contain a protein called avenin, which is similar to the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. While avenin is generally considered safe for most people with celiac disease, some individuals, around 5-10% of celiacs, may also have sensitivity to avenin, leading to symptoms similar to gluten exposure. You may fall into this category, and eliminating them is the best way to figure this out. Some people substitute gluten-free quinoa flakes for oats if they want a hot cereal substitute. If you are interested in summaries of scientific publications on the topic of oats and celiac disease, we have an entire category dedicated to it which is here: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/oats-and-celiac-disease-are-they-gluten-free/   
    • knitty kitty
      My only proof

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Well said, @Mari!
    • knitty kitty
      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hi, @Ginger38, I've had shingles in the past.  I understand how miserable you're feeling.   Not only do i have the chickenpox virus lurking about, I also have the cold sore virus that occasionally flares with a huge cold sore on my lip when stressed or exposed to gluten.  The virus lives dormant in the nerves on the left side of my face.  It causes Bell's Palsy (resulting in drooling).  The cold sore virus is also in my eye.  My eye swells up and my vision is diminished permanently whenever I have a flare, so it's of the utmost importance to keep flares away and treat them immediately if they do happen so I don't lose any more vision.   I take the amino acid supplement L-Lysine.  Lysine messes with the replication of viruses, which helps the body fight them off.   I haven't had an outbreak for several years until this year when exceptionally stressed and contaminated, it flared up again. Lysine has been shown to be beneficial in suppression of viruses like the cold sore virus (a herpetic virus), the chickenpox virus (also a herpetic virus), as well as the HIV virus, and even the Covid virus.   I also take additional Thiamine in the form TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) because Thiamine has antiviral properties as well.   For pain, a combination of Thiamine (like TTFD or Benfotiamine or Thiamine Hydrochloride), with B12 Cobalamine, and Pyridoxine B6 have been shown to have analgesic properties which relieve pain and neuropathy.    The combination of Thiamine B1, Pyridoxine B6 and Cobalamine B12 really does work to relieve pain.  I take it for back pain from crushed vertebrae in my back.  This combination also works on other pain and neuropathy.   I usually buy a supplement that combines all three and also Riboflavin B2 called EXPLUS online.  However, it's made in Japan and the price with the tariffs added makes it really expensive now.  But the combination of Thiamine B1, Pyridoxine B6 and B12 Cobalamine (and Riboflavin B2) still work even if taken separately.   I can't take Tylenol or ibuprofen because of stomach upsets.  But I can take the vitamin combination without side effects.  However, you can take the three vitamins at the same time as other pain relievers for added benefit.  The vitamins help other pain relievers work better. I hope you will try it.  Hopeful you'll feel better quickly. Interesting Reading: Thiamine, cobalamin, locally injected alone or combination for herpetic itching: a single-center randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23887347/ Mechanisms of action of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) in pain: a narrative review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35156556/ Analgesic and analgesia-potentiating action of B vitamins https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12799982/ A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10301284/
    • Mari
      My only proof

      By Mari · Posted

      I think, after reading this, that you areso traumatized by not being able yo understand what your medical advisors have been  what medical conditions are that you would like to find a group of people who also feel traumatized who would agree with you and also support you. You are on a crusade much as the way the US Cabinet  official, the Health Director of our nation is in trying to change what he considers outdated and incorrect health advisories. He does not have the education, background or experience to be in the position he occupies and is not making beneficial decisions. That man suffered a terrible trauma early in his life when his father was assonated. We see now how he developed and worked himself into a powerful position.  Unless you are willing to take some advice or  are willing to use a few of the known methods of starting on a path to better health then not many of us on this Celiac Forum will be able to join you in a continuing series of complaints about medical advisors.    I am almost 90 years old. I am strictly gluten free. I use 2 herbs to help me stay as clear minded as possible. You are not wrong in complaining about medical practitioners. You might be more effective with a clearer mind, less anger and a more comfortable life if you would just try some of the suggestions offered by our fellow celiac volunteers.  
    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Thus has got to STOP , medical bit believing us! I literally went through 31 years thinking it was just a food allergy as its downplayed by medical if THEY weren't the ones who diagnosed us! Im positive for HLA-DQ2 which is first celiac patient per Iran and Turkey. Here in the States especially in Cali its why do you feel that way? Why do you think your celiac? Your not eating gluten so its something else.Medical caused me depression. I thought I was safe with my former pcp for 25 years considering i thought everything I went through and going through will be available when I get fired again for health. Health not write-ups my health always come back when you're better.Im not and being tossed away at no fault to my own other than shitty genes.I was denied disability because person said he didn't know how to classify me! I said Im celiac, i have ibs, hernia, sciatica, high blood pressure, in constant pain have skin and eye issues and menopause intensified everything. With that my celiac nightmare began to reprove my disregarded disease to a bunch of clowns who think they are my careteam when they said I didn't have...I feel Im still breathing so I can fight this so no body else has to deal with this nightmare. Starting over with " new care team" and waisting more time on why I think I am when diagnosed in 1994 before food eliminated from my diet. P.s everything i went through I did write to medical board, so pretty sure I will continue to have a hard time.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.