Advice For Upcoming Dr. Appt.

[Maggie Simpson]

Hi. I am new to this site and just learning about Celiac. I have never been diagnosed but after learning more about it, it sounds more and more like what I have. I am scheduled to see my doctor next week and want to be prepared with what I need to request in terms of testing so that I can hopefully find out what is wrong with me.

I have a history of digestive problems for the past 10 years. I have seen tons of doctors, had ultrasounds for my gallbladder because from time to time I experience pain in my abdomen, kind of high up under my ribs, to the right side. The scans always come back fine. I've been put on Protonix several times and nothing seems to really make the problem go away. I am definitely lactose intolerant and that issue seems to have gotten worse within the past couple of years. Since last Spring I've been experiencing problems every time I eat. I get bloated and have a hard time digesting my food. I get a very gassy tummy to the point of it being painful and then diarreah. (This is when I am eating non-dairy food). I am also experiencing extremely itchy skin (no rash) but VERY itchy, sometimes with small hives. I have also recently developed food allergies and have to carry and epi pen with me at all times. I can no longer eat fish, certain types of nuts and some fruits. Also noticed that after eating certain cereals or wheat crackers it made me feel very ill with lots of tummy issues. I'm tired of not feeling good :-(

Please reply if you have experienced similar problems or have any advice. I'm afraid my doctor will not be so willing to test me unless I have more information or am more prepared on what to ask.

Thanks!

[Lisa]

Hi. I am new to this site and just learning about Celiac. I have never been diagnosed but after learning more about it, it sounds more and more like what I have. I am scheduled to see my doctor next week and want to be prepared with what I need to request in terms of testing so that I can hopefully find out what is wrong with me.

I have a history of digestive problems for the past 10 years. I have seen tons of doctors, had ultrasounds for my gallbladder because from time to time I experience pain in my abdomen, kind of high up under my ribs, to the right side. The scans always come back fine. I've been put on Protonix several times and nothing seems to really make the problem go away. I am definitely lactose intolerant and that issue seems to have gotten worse within the past couple of years. Since last Spring I've been experiencing problems every time I eat. I get bloated and have a hard time digesting my food. I get a very gassy tummy to the point of it being painful and then diarreah. (This is when I am eating non-dairy food). I am also experiencing extremely itchy skin (no rash) but VERY itchy, sometimes with small hives. I have also recently developed food allergies and have to carry and epi pen with me at all times. I can no longer eat fish, certain types of nuts and some fruits. Also noticed that after eating certain cereals or wheat crackers it made me feel very ill with lots of tummy issues. I'm tired of not feeling good :-(

Please reply if you have experienced similar problems or have any advice. I'm afraid my doctor will not be so willing to test me unless I have more information or am more prepared on what to ask.

Thanks!

Hello Maggie and welcome!

Here are the test that you doctor will need to request:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

As you may know, Celiac is not all that rare as thought several years ago. One in every 133 people have Celiac and many more go undiagnosed.

The site index here if full of information that you can present to your doctor. Remember that you are the paying customer and if you would like these test run, ask/demand that it be done.

Hope this is helpful.

[Maggie Simpson]

Thank you for your reply. This is really helpful as I ended up having a scheduling conflict so my appointment has been moved to tomorrow morning! Thank you again!

Hello Maggie and welcome!

Here are the test that you doctor will need to request:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

As you may know, Celiac is not all that rare as thought several years ago. One in every 133 people have Celiac and many more go undiagnosed.

The site index here if full of information that you can present to your doctor. Remember that you are the paying customer and if you would like these test run, ask/demand that it be done.

Hope this is helpful.

[Maggie Simpson]

Went to the doctor this morning. I think I must be at the end of my rope with this as I have never been so emotional when trying to discuss my symptoms. I was in tears when trying to explain how horrible I am feeling.

I requested the blood test panel that you recommended. She ordered that plus tests for thyroid, food allergies and is also checking my vitamin levels (especially B12). I should have an answer back in a week. In the meantime, I asked about starting a gluten-free diet. She said I could, but suggested that I wait for the results. I purposely ate cereal and wheat crackers yesterday knowing that I would be taking the test today. Of course, my tummy bothered me bad and later on in the evening I got the itchy skin again, and also had small bumps around my elbows and on the back of my legs right above my knees.

[Lisa]

Maggie, the blood panel is not 100% accurate, but the other support tests that you doctor ordered may indicate that something is "cooking".

If you can handle gluten another week, try to tough it out until your results return. Your doctor may want further celiac testing (endoscopy/biopsy) or the result may lead you in another direction.

Either way, spend some time here learning all you can and feel free to ask any questions you may have.