Biopsy Negative/gi Doc Prescribed Singulair?

[RunCarrieRun]

Hi -- I'm new here. I went ot see a GI for severe acid/heartburn/GERD symptoms and instead of addressing those symptoms he shouted (quite literally), "you have celiac! OMG, I can't believe I didn't diagnose you sooner! You fit all the categories! We have to test your blood for antibodies! We have to do an endoscopy with biopsy! You have celiac disease!" (no joke on the "!!" -- the guy was so excited and sure of himself and I was beyond terrified)

Long story short, antibodies came back negative and so did biopsy. I still have horrible acid reflux and heartburn (assuming those are the right terms to use) and have been on OTC meds (ranitidine amd omeprazole) since early March with no let up in symptoms. I also have alopecia areata (autoimmune hairloss), excema and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (taking Synthroid 125 & 137). The alopecia has gotten tremendously worse in the past 4-5 weeks. Finally, I have anemia, fatigue, trouble gaining weight (5'10" and 135), history of infertility (2x IVF), bloating, diarrhea, a history of tummy troubles, feeling starved a few hours after a meal, and (lately) kind of bad breath...

Post biopsy, the GI sends me the results in the mail along with an RX for Singulair, telling me that I probably have a food allergy/intolerance and the Singulair should help and should also resolve the stomach issues. HUH?? I have an appointment scheduled for 8/5 -- am I still supposed to go? I haven't found much online linking Singulair to food allergies/intolerances, and I'm reluctant to pop a pill without knowing exactly what I'm taking it for.

Soooooo....my questions are (1) has anyone ever heard of taking Singulair for food allergies/intolerance? and (2) could I try a gluten-free diet anyway (sort of an elimination type experiment)? I'm wondering if it will help with the stomach troubles and (fingers crossed!) the alopecia.

I also don't know who I should see next -- the GI, my PCP, an allergist...?? I'm so confused, still feeling miserable, and feel lost at sea here. I would really appreciate any insight you all may have into treating possible gluten allergies/intolerances when Celiac dx came up negative.

Thanks so much for reading this far!

[RunCarrieRun]

One more question: Should I have a gene test done? Just wondering if that would show a gluten intolerance (or perhaps another food intolerance)? Who should I see for that -- the GI or an allergist?

[Lisa]

Hi and welcome. Sometimes a doctor's interpretation differs from that which you will find here.

Do you have your blood test results and your pathology report on your biopsy? If so, could you post that information here.

I would think you would want to know what is causing you your discomfort, not cover it up with a med, a your doctor prescribed.

A gene test will not give your the answers your looking for. It can only tell you that you MAY be susceptible Celiac or other autoimmune disorders.

Have your had a full metabolic test to check for deficiencies? Have you had any allergy testing?

[Amyleigh0007]

My son is on Singulair but it's not for his food allergies. He is on it for asthma. His doctor never once said the Singulair would help his food allergies. If you think you have food allergies you need to see an allergist and have testing done. I would request the blood test instead of the skin test. You can do a gene test through Enterolab for gluten sensitivity and Celiac. Is doesn't diagnose you but it will tell you if you carry the genes.

[RunCarrieRun]

Thank you for the feedback. I think I'll keep my 8/5 appt with the GI and ask him all these questions AND get a copy of my bloodwork. Hmmm... In the meantime, I'm trying to go as gluten-free as possible (for a newbie, that is ) and will see if perhaps my acidic tummy gets any better.

[ravenwoodglass]

Thank you for the feedback. I think I'll keep my 8/5 appt with the GI and ask him all these questions AND get a copy of my bloodwork. Hmmm... In the meantime, I'm trying to go as gluten-free as possible (for a newbie, that is ) and will see if perhaps my acidic tummy gets any better.

Please do give the diet a shot. Your body can often tell you what testing can not. There are a significant number of us that have had false negative tests. Be as strict with the diet as you possibly can and do not 'cheat' or those antibodies will remain active. If you do choose to see an allergist it might be a good idea to see one who can set you up and guide you through an elimination diet. My allergist literally saved my life with the elimination diet as I also show negative on blood tests.