How Do You Get Your Doc To Help

[Nan2N]

My regular GP doesn't seem to take much of my problems seriously. Especially since my symptoms started as anxiety and moved on from there. Now that I've been diagnosed and am severly malnourished he still doesn't know what to do next. I've read a lot on here about other problems people experience like candida and vitamin deficiencies, etc. and I have no idea how to get my doctor to check for all of these. Is this something you've had to do on your own? I really don't know where to start, but would like to check everything and feel healthy again. I don't want to miss anything that might contribute to more problems, yet my doctor doesn't seem too concerned other than "eat a gluten free diet". Any suggestions would be appreciated. Maybe a nutritionist? (It's kind of hard to switch docs around here, as the good ones aren't accepting new patients)

Thanks

[Joni63]

My regular GP doesn't seem to take much of my problems seriously. Especially since my symptoms started as anxiety and moved on from there. Now that I've been diagnosed and am severly malnourished he still doesn't know what to do next. I've read a lot on here about other problems people experience like candida and vitamin deficiencies, etc. and I have no idea how to get my doctor to check for all of these. Is this something you've had to do on your own? I really don't know where to start, but would like to check everything and feel healthy again. I don't want to miss anything that might contribute to more problems, yet my doctor doesn't seem too concerned other than "eat a gluten free diet". Any suggestions would be appreciated. Maybe a nutritionist? (It's kind of hard to switch docs around here, as the good ones aren't accepting new patients)

Thanks

Hi Nan2N,

My GI Doctor was like that. I told him I felt lousy and all he did was take a blood test and when everything came back normal, that was the end of it. In his eyes none of my problems could be Celiac related. I went back to the GP (in my group of GP's) who seemed to listen the best. I checked out a book from the library and took it in on my last visit. I was about at my wits end from lack of sleep, fatigue, and tinnitus. I told her "I need help" and "I've been researching Celiac Disease and I found some things that might help me." She listened and did a more in depth blood test for different vitamins and a full thyroid panel, even though my TSH is in normal range. I'll get the results Monday. But the important thing is that I think it helps to take in some kind of information with you. You can print our articles or ask other's here for suggestions for good books and see if your doctor will listen and help you. If not, I'd say you really need to find a new one because most of them seem to know very little about Celiac and if they aren't open to suggestions and the information you try to provide to them, they will never help you. At least that has been my experience.

Did they take any tests to confirm your malnutritioned? Maybe taking in articles on the typical vitamins Celiacs don't absorb would be a good starting point. A good doctor will listen and try to help you, not brush you off.

[Nan2N]

Hi

No my doctor didn't even mention checking for vitamin defiencies or anything. I was literally crying to him because I cannot afford to lose another pound and can't stand the way I look. He asked me if I had any history of anorexia!!! Please!! So I don't know what to do now. When I had my biopsy my GI doctor said to change my 2 week follow up to 2 months. I guess I'll have to call again for another appt. to try and get somewhere. It's so obvious I'm malnourished, but my GP thinks I'm not eating because this whole thing started with anxiety and depression so I must just be a head case and doing it to myself. Even though it's confirmed I have celiac. And my hairs falling out. Why on earth would I want to do this on purpose. Just don't get it. I told him I have been eating and yet I still lose pound after pound. Hopefully my body will recover enough to at least not lose anymore. I'm definintely giving it my best shot. But I will call to have my levels checked. Thanks for the info!

[Arti360]

Isn't it so frustrating????? I've been calling my GI doc, she's too booked to see me any sooner than 1 month out...pounds are falling off, AGAIN, stuff isn't right. I felt so bad the other day from all my food racing through me that I had to go to the ER and all the the doc there said was to follow a gluten free diet!!! How bizarre. He wanted to give me valium! He thought that I just had a stomach bug of some kind. It is so very hard for us to find good help!

[sneezydiva]

I hate to say it, but if you are a woman and married, the easiest way is bring your husband into the exam room with you. Doctors, especially male doctors really sit up and take notice when you do that. And they don't give you crap or condecend you when your husband is there. That is how I got all my food allergy testing done when the doctor was relectant to do any ("it's rare in adults, yadda yadda yadda") and my celiac blood tests from the gastro.

If you aren't married, anyone who can vouch for you that you do eat a lot, but are still losing weight in spite of it would probably help.

[motif]

just fire your doctor, like I did and take your health in your hands.

[flourgirl]

If you have options about another doctor, that would be my first choice. I found a female doc that I just adore. She admits when she doesn't have enough info., and does not get offended when I bring books and information to make suggestions about what tests to do and when. She has sent me to "specialists" who, in my opinion were a waste of time. THE area celiac specialist told me that malabsorbtion of nutrients had nothing whatsoever to do with my low blood pressure/ irregular heartbeat or extreme pain and pressure under my sternum. I did not go back! Anyway, a great reference is Dr. Peter Green book on Celiac Disease. There are others out there, but he covers a lot of ground, and has the background to know what he's talking about.

One good piece of advice (in light of the lack of knowledge out there), is to take control of your own health. Learn as much as you can, and then learn even more. You can ask for tests that you think you need, be specific if you can. Write down lists of symptoms, questions, whatever to take to your appointments. Learn what it is you need to do, and then stick to that as best you can. Good luck, hope you find good health quickly!