Gastro Dr.

[sdore]

I was diagnosed by my family doctor. He just told me to go on the gluten-free diet.

Should I seek a GI doctor too or just stick with my family dr.?

[KaitiUSA]

Did he do tests on you? If so which ones?

A family doctor can diagnose you.

[sdore]

He did a blood test. See, I had my gall bladder out December 2003. I still remained sick when eating. So finally a year later after complaining he did the following: (This is what I know)

A upper GI

A blood test to see if I have some bad bacteria somewhere

And a blood test to see if I cannot tolerate gluten

I week later he said I cannot tolerate gluten. I asked if I needed a biopsy because what I have read states you should. He said that the blood test I took stated I was (I think) a 17 and the borderline for celiac disease is 11. So I was way over thus not needing a biopsy, but he said he would order one for me if I wanted one.

Does this make any sense? Should I ask what the names of these tests were?

[celiac3270]

The bloodtest would probably be a TtG IgA, but you can ask to make sure. In that case, a 17 would be definite.

[KaitiUSA]

Yeah ask to make sure what test it was.

I only had a blood test done because mine was high as well. I did not bother with a biopsy

[Rikki Tikki]

I agree. I don't think the biopsy is necessary. I am not sure why they even do it if the numbers are positive. the only think I can think of is that they make more money? I hope that's not the case, it's just a thought.

[Carriefaith]

the only think I can think of is that they make more money? I hope that's not the case, it's just a thought.

The gluten-free diet is a big change for some people and I guess the biopsy just confirms the diagnosis so that people don't question their diagnosis. Some people need the intestinal proof!

[sdore]

Should I stick with my family Dr. or see a specialist?

[Carriefaith]

I was referred to a GI specialist by my family doctor. My GI doc did the blood test and the biopsy. To my knowledge, the only thing that the GI specialist can do that the family doctor can't do is a biopsy. If you want a biopsy go to a GI specialist.

[ianm]

It's a good sign that your family doctor even has a clue about celiac and gluten-free diets, most doctors don't. Let us know more about what your doctor has to say and we'll be able to tell if he is any good. We've been to so many and some of us have good ones. Unfortunatley I happened to have found all of the idiot ones. Keep reading this website and you will learn probably more than you ever wanted to know.

[sdore]

My doctor is good (I think).

He more or less told me to stay away from gluten and that possiblty after a year I could have some once in awhile.

He also told me to get the book Glutenfree Living by Betty Haggman.

[Rikki Tikki]

Oh sidore

You can't eat gluten even after a year. If anything it will make you more sick because your body is not used to it.

I am glad we have each other or statements like that will just make people sick

[ianm]

Well thats one wrong answer from your doctor . If you are gluten intolerant that means NO gluten ever again . I'm hoping by once in a while he means an accidental ingestion of gluten which is unfortunatley unavoidable.

[sdore]

me too. I will let you know whan I see him again this month.

[celiac3270]

Oh no! You can never eat gluten again. After one year, your intestines will be healed--and so if you ate gluten, you'd knock yourself back to square one very quickly.

[celiac3270]

Whoops...I opened this thread about 20 min. ago and walked away so I didn't see the other replies come in--looked like I posted a little late

[sdore]

thanks for the support!

I myself don't ever want to eat gluten again due to the fact that I have by accident and have gotten very ill.

[KaitiUSA]

Definitely no gluten again. The doctor needs to be informed a bit about celiac disease because your doctor doesn't seem to have a clue. As celiac3270 said, your intestines will be healed but eating gluten will set you back to square one quickly. The more you are off of gluten the more you become sensitive to it as well.Your body will not like it if you try to put gluten back in it.

It's good you are noticing the reaction you have to gluten. Good luck if you have any questions just ask

[celiac3270]

thanks for the support!

I myself don't ever want to eat gluten again due to the fact that I have by accident and have gotten very ill.

Good! Very few regular drs. will know a lot about celiac disease, so trust your knowledge over what he says.....or verify what he says with a message board or GI...

[mommy2james]

My son who is 9 now was diagnosed in Oct of 2004 by his diabetic doctor and then we had the biopsy per his wishes.Yes James is celiac and hasjuvenile diabetic.We are still learning and we see 3 doc's,his tummy doc his diabetic doc and his pediatrician who has no idea about diabetes nor celiac so I welcome all the other doctors input.