First Post, Questions About The Severity/commonality Of My Symptoms

[atflyaway]

Hi, this is my first post. I'm an art student, twenty-one years of age, wondering whether some things I've been experiencing are symptoms of celiacs or something more complicated. I am not a stranger to food allergies. At age ten I tested positive for allergies to wheat, peanuts, dairy, shellfish, &other. This is why I'm not surprised that I could also have celiacs. I have questions about the symptoms and the causes, and would appreciate any information. My research has turned up some confusing results and my doctor wasn't entirely helpful. I would like to know as much as I can before I try to get a biopsy, as that requires time and money.

For approximately one year now I have had rashes (sortof circular and amoeba-like in nature) on the tops of my hands, and some places on my arms. It does not look like DH, more like pictures I've seen of atopic dermatitis. I have also been seeing an alarming amount of blood in my stool lately. Two years ago I saw a doctor and mentioned that on occasion I would see some blood, and he told me it could be internal hemorrhoids. My lifestyle would seem to promote anything but the occurrence of internal hemorrhoids, however, and I have never been treated for them. As it has become increasingly worse, a week ago I saw another doctor. She informed me that bleeding bowels could mean celiacs disease, so she took a blood sample. I'm hoping that someone can tell me if these symptoms are fairly common or a sign of something more severe.

I have not heard from the doctor yet, but I would like to see what happens if I avoid gluten. I have heard it is a bad idea to do this before an official diagnosis, but I would have to wait at least a month to get a biopsy. If theres a chance that I'm greatly damaging my body by consuming gluten, I would rather go without until I know for sure.

[wowzer]

Your picture is beautiful. I hope you get your results soon. Eczema can also be helped by a gluten free diet. Mine went away when I went gluten free. Milk can also be the cause of eczema too. I wish you luck.