Problem Getting Officially Tested - Phobias

[r0ckah0l1c]

I have several signs of celiac disease which began appearing several years ago, my doctors all have told me to go to a gastroentronologist (sorry if that is spelled incorrectly) to get an endoscopy tissue test or blood test, however, I have a fear of medical devices. I have never in my life had my blood drawn, I find it extremely difficult to get shots and can't even recieve novacain at the dentist while taking sedatives, I am afraid of IVs and being unconscious during procedures. I am really concerned and wonder if there are testing alternatives? I eat gluten free and am on medicine for intestinal issues and I have seen a great deal of difference, as soon as I try to eat gluten again I get extremely depressed and ill with terrible cystic rashes and joint aches along with feeling extremely weak and tired. I know that I need to get tested but I don't know how =/ I appreciate any help! Oh, I am also only 18 so money/insurance is sort of an issue as well as far as testing options.

[MySuicidalTurtle]

Hello! I am sorry to hear about your phobias. Not everyone needs to be officially diagnosed, so, you may just want to do an elimination diet to see the results and prove to yourself that different foods were the issue. Some doctors accept that, but there are also stool tests that you can order. You do have to eat gluten to take any tests. It is really up to you and your situation whether you want that official diagnosis.

Good luck!

[r0ckah0l1c]

I have been eating gluten free so I guess that is what I will keep doing. The doctor had me go back to eating gluten for the month of february but I ended up in so much pain that I only did it for 2 weeks and he said that wasn't enough to do a stool testing. Thank you for your help =)

[Jestgar]

I have been eating gluten free so I guess that is what I will keep doing. The doctor had me go back to eating gluten for the month of february but I ended up in so much pain that I only did it for 2 weeks and he said that wasn't enough to do a stool testing. Thank you for your help =)

But maybe that was enough for you to know it's bd for you?

[KerriKnoxRN]

I agree with the rest of the posters here that there is really no reason to get an 'official' diagnosis. Why do you feel that you need one? You already know you can't eat gluten, so why bother with doctors doing tests that are notorious for not diagnosing Celiac anyway.

Really, the tests don't always show Celiac if you have a more mild case or have less damage. Even the 'Gold Standard' of an intestinal biopsy is not always right because you have to have a certain level of damage to be read as positive.

So save your money and be happy that YOU found out when you did instead of 10 years down the road!