Help With Diagnosis Steps...

[rachaelxfaith]

After exploding in an awful rash about 2 weeks ago, I talked to someone with Celiac disease and they suggested I get tested to see if I am, as well.

Symptoms I have include that blistery, itchy rash, dry, flaky scalp, constant fatigue, headaches, lactose intolerance, and what I thought were IBS symptoms- stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas.

Have no idea how to go about getting tested, so I just made an appointment with an allergist for this Thursday.

Already started to go gluten-free- should I stay on the gluten until the test? The itching and bleeding is unbearable.

Also, am I supposed to see a GI doctor instead? Is the allergist the right person to go to first?

I am so lost. And miserably itchy.

Thanks for the help, in advance..

[Eriella]

There is no right or wrong answer. Because the test is Thursday, stay on full gluten until the test, when they will do a skin biopsy and possibly run blood work. I would also call your primary care physician and see if they can order a "Celiac Blood Pannel". They should know what that is, and may be able to run the test without you coming into the office.

Then, when meeting with doctors are done (especially if you have a blood test), go off gluten. Make sure you get rid of it all-- shampoo, soy sauce, toaster...). Then, see how you feel. It can take up to 2 months (but I was better 48 hours later and 100 times better a week later).

If your tests come back negative, stay off gluten for a full 2 months to see. You may be gluten intolerant or a celiac who doesn't produce antibodies. If your tests come back positive, welcome to our world :-)!

Good Luck!

EDIT: Your symptoms sound right and an allergist should be fine to detect the rash and the first place you should go, but a GP or a GI SHOULD be able to diagnose it as well (however, they often stink at it).

[rachaelxfaith]

There is no right or wrong answer. Because the test is Thursday, stay on full gluten until the test, when they will do a skin biopsy and possibly run blood work. I would also call your primary care physician and see if they can order a "Celiac Blood Pannel". They should know what that is, and may be able to run the test without you coming into the office.

Then, when meeting with doctors are done (especially if you have a blood test), go off gluten. Make sure you get rid of it all-- shampoo, soy sauce, toaster...). Then, see how you feel. It can take up to 2 months (but I was better 48 hours later and 100 times better a week later).

If your tests come back negative, stay off gluten for a full 2 months to see. You may be gluten intolerant or a celiac who doesn't produce antibodies. If your tests come back positive, welcome to our world :-)!

Good Luck!

EDIT: Your symptoms sound right and an allergist should be fine to detect the rash and the first place you should go, but a GP or a GI SHOULD be able to diagnose it as well (however, they often stink at it).

Thank you so, so much for your reassuring post. I was feeling quite lost.

I'll stick to your advice, and in the mean time, I'll browse around the forums.

Thanks again.