I'm Sorry Doctor, I Can't Afford The Endoscopy And Biopsy

[dogle]

I can't afford the endoscopy and biopsy so I'm starting the gluten free diet based on my lab results (positive EMA); I'm afraid of getting cancer such as lymphoma and others. I've been improving very much but I know it'll take time to fully recover. Maybe I'll get a challinge test in the future. I'll keep coming to tell you my experience with the diet (actually I'll do it in the experience part of the forum).

[quietmorning01]

I can't afford the endoscopy and biopsy so I'm starting the gluten free diet based on my lab results (positive EMA); I'm afraid of getting cancer such as lymphoma and others. I've been improving very much but I know it'll take time to fully recover. Maybe I'll get a challinge test in the future. I'll keep coming to tell you my experience with the diet (actually I'll do it in the experience part of the forum).

If you WANT the endoscopy and biopsy, don't be afraid to talk to the hospital administration office and your doctor and see if they can do it for free or much reduced. Many hospitals, especially faith based and non profit HAVE to give free services to a certain amount of patients each year in order to maintain their non profit status. Payment arrangements prior may also be the ticket. Hospitals are very willing to work things out with their patients because treatment is what keeps their doors open.

[Gemini]

I can't afford the endoscopy and biopsy so I'm starting the gluten free diet based on my lab results (positive EMA); I'm afraid of getting cancer such as lymphoma and others. I've been improving very much but I know it'll take time to fully recover. Maybe I'll get a challinge test in the future. I'll keep coming to tell you my experience with the diet (actually I'll do it in the experience part of the forum).

If you tested positive on your EMA, which is 100% specific to Celiac Disease, and have a positive tTg, the numbers given by the AMA are 99% positive for Celiac Disease, with these 2 results. I tested positive on these 2....I had full blown Celiac. Don't doubt yourself.....you have celiac disease. Biopsy not needed! Good luck with your diet, you'll have better days ahead!

[caek-is-a-lie]

I had a negative blood test 10 years ago, then recently just went gluten-free on my own and voila! Felt infinitely better! I thought maybe I should get retested this year and my doc wasn't interested. He said "if it bothers you, don't eat it." And my Naturopath said "you can if you want that diagnosis on paper, but why bother?"

A gluten-free diet doesn't require a prescription or a diagnosis to try, so why not? If you need something on paper for something like disability, tax deductions, school accommodations, or that pesky doctor that doesn't know what they're doing, then by all means go for it. I personally can't tolerate a gluten challenge but other people have done it. From what I hear, the blood test and endoscopy aren't even 100%...you can get false negatives. But the diet will always tell you for sure if it's working. Well, ok, I suppose there might be some contention on that, too, but you get my point.