Navigating Diagnosis Process

[shelg]

I'm starting the diagnosis process and would love advice on how to make it as quick and inexpensive as possible (for both me and my daughter). I just made an appt for myself with an MD/ND referred by an aquaintance who received her Celiac diagnoses from this physician. I'm sure she'll be great, however, she's costly and I'm a cash patient who wants to keep my visits with her to a minimum. I have been reading about the frustrations of so many who went through multiple testings, many of which provided no or incorrect diagnosis. So, I also ordered a DNA/mouth swab test sent to my home with the thought that I'd have the results by the time I visited the doctor and perhaps save a second doctor visit. The other reason is that I've been gluten-free (except for trace amounts disguised in foods I'm just now learning about), and I'm concerned that other tests might show false negative results. Is this reasonable thinking? Should I go ahead and spend the $300+ to do the DNA test before consulting the doctor in hopes of saving time and money in the long run...or should I see the doctor first?

I wasn't in a big hurry to get a diagnosis until recently when it occurred to me that my 17 month old who has had gas, bloating and awful stomach pains for most of her life could have Celiac. The stomach pain stopped a couple of months ago when my Chinese Doctor recommended an herbal digestive aid for her. She currently has a terrible unexplained rash (in completely different areas of the body from what I've read about the rash associated with Celiac). I might be barking up the wrong tree altogether with her, but since I have a definite gluten-intolerance, it makes me wonder about my daughter's digestion issues. What's the best route for her? It sounds like testing is extremely inconclusive in young children. I wish that I could just know for sure because (forgive my laziness) keeping her on a non-gluten diet with 3 other family members on a regular diet is so difficult because she's still too young to understand. Should I do the swab test for her?

My apologies for the long post...this is my first time seeking help.

Thanks very much! Michelle

[Matilda]

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