Positive Doctor Conversation

[fedora]

Our doctor called today about tests my hubby had done(not related to celiac). I haven't seen him in about 5 years. I usually see the lady PAs for my yearly exam. I told him I had gave up gluten several months ago. He sounded excited and said." You just may have sprue." I said there was no way I would go back to eating gluten just to test for it. He said there were several ways of testing- blood, endoscopy, and elimination diet. I said I was still having some issues, mainly muscle and joint pain, but lots of my symptoms were totally gone. He said Great, at least a big chunk of your symptoms are gone. I was so relieved that he mentioned the elimination diet. Yeah. Sadly, 5 years ago he mentioned celiac but said I probably didn't have it because I didn't have chronic D. I was doing better at that time (then when I first went in)so I went home diagnosed with IBS and an over active immune system. Oh well. I was actually doing better at the time and blamed it all on recovering to going overdue with twins and then nursing them for 2 years. Of course now I think it was a combo of healing and giving up wheat because of my rashes that caused me to feel better and not pursue further testing at the time. At the time I was horrified by the idea of giving up gluten. I had never heard of gluten in other things then wheat. I didn't know anyone with it either to know all the various symptoms. At least now I know I can go in and be listened to if I need further testing without the formal diagnosis already.

[lizard00]

That is soo awesome!!

I had a great experience with my doctor the other day too, which fully restored my hopes that one day I'll feel better again. For my Celiac panel, I saw the PA... this time I made sure to see the doc. I told her all the things that cleared up when I went gluten free, and she said she really wanted me to pursue the Celiac possibility, even though the tests were negative because I could still be eating something that is bothering me. She is sending me to another GI, since the last trip was a nightmare. She still tested me for other things, but it was so refreshing to hear someone validate me (other than my family) and seem as committed as I was to figuring out the rest.

So to all you others out there, there are a few good docs remaining. Don't give up hope yet!!!