I Go To The Gi On Thursday

[KarenFe]

I am going to the GI doctor on Thursday and want to make sure I know everything I need to ask about. I will ask about a biopsy, calcium levels, vitamin D levels, iron pills to take (I am anemic), and my diet. These are good things to ask about, right? Is there anything else I should know to ask or discuss?

Thanks so much!

Karen

[happygirl]

Have you been diagnosed with Celiac or are you searching for a diagnosis?

[KarenFe]

Searching, I suppose. The blood test I had revealed a "gluten intolerance" with numbers that were high. The nurse who called me with the results said I have celiacs disease, but I know she was a bit ignorant on the issue. She also told me to eat gluten free but I can have gluten if I don't mind feeling a little bad.

[leadmeastray88]

She also told me to eat gluten free but I can have gluten if I don't mind feeling a little bad.

Oh goodness...

There are 2 things very wrong about what she told you:

First, if you're going to have a biopsy, you HAVE to be consuming gluten for your biopsy to be accurate. A "normal" amount is the equivalent of 4-6 slices of bread a day (some have said).

Secondly, if you have Celiac's you CANNOT have ANY amount of gluten, not even a little. If you do, you're setting yourself up for some major health problems, including cancer and other autoimmune diseases. It's not about "feeling a little bit bad", it's about you having an autoimmune reaction to gluten...in other words, gluten is destroying your intestines and other organs.

Unless you don't plan on getting a biopsy (since your bloodwork was positive) then you can go ahead and start going, I might add, completely gluten-free.

You've already found a great support group! We're here to help!