To Test Or Not To Test...

[ciavyn]

Looking for opinions: I have severe bloating, gas, and "D" conditions periodically throughout the month, more often than not, which have worsened over the last two to three years. I've also been going under some of the worst stress of my life the last two to three years. Coincidence?

Anyway, two years ago, a friend recommended I go with the gluten free eating when we compared symptoms, and I put it off as it seemed too limiting. Fast forward to the last two months or so, and I'm barely human. The symptoms are awful. So I decided to try it, and I've felt some relief intermittently over the last week. From what I understand, this takes some time and anything that might help is welcome, so I'll bide my time and stick with it.

So, question #1: Is it worth it to try and get tested for celiac? My doctor suspected I had IBS several years before, but since no one had any real concrete steps with which to proceed, so nothing ever happened. I DO NOT have health insurance, so if I go for testing, it's something I'll have to make payments on at my dr's office. Since it appears from what I've read that testing is often not very reliable, is it worth it to be tested?

Question #2: being currently self-diagnosed with issues with gluten, possibly a IBS or celiacs or an allergy (see question #1), I have no idea how to answer people when they ask me why I'm doing this strange eating thing right before the holidays. For example, today I talked to a friend, I said it's possible I have an allergy to gluten or celiacs, and in that wonderfully snotty tone, he said, you're not self-diagnosing, are you? And my MIL thinks I'm over-reacting...which I suppose is easy to think when you are not the one embarrassed in public, a stomach three times it's normal size when affected, and D so bad I occasionally haven't made it to the restroom. Yep, I'm over-reacting. Grrr...I digress. What do you say that gives you some credence, and avoid the reactions?

[Lynayah]

Looking for opinions: I have severe bloating, gas, and "D" conditions periodically throughout the month, more often than not, which have worsened over the last two to three years. I've also been going under some of the worst stress of my life the last two to three years. Coincidence?

Anyway, two years ago, a friend recommended I go with the gluten free eating when we compared symptoms, and I put it off as it seemed too limiting. Fast forward to the last two months or so, and I'm barely human. The symptoms are awful. So I decided to try it, and I've felt some relief intermittently over the last week. From what I understand, this takes some time and anything that might help is welcome, so I'll bide my time and stick with it.

So, question #1: Is it worth it to try and get tested for celiac? My doctor suspected I had IBS several years before, but since no one had any real concrete steps with which to proceed, so nothing ever happened. I DO NOT have health insurance, so if I go for testing, it's something I'll have to make payments on at my dr's office. Since it appears from what I've read that testing is often not very reliable, is it worth it to be tested?

Question #2: being currently self-diagnosed with issues with gluten, possibly a IBS or celiacs or an allergy (see question #1), I have no idea how to answer people when they ask me why I'm doing this strange eating thing right before the holidays. For example, today I talked to a friend, I said it's possible I have an allergy to gluten or celiacs, and in that wonderfully snotty tone, he said, you're not self-diagnosing, are you? And my MIL thinks I'm over-reacting...which I suppose is easy to think when you are not the one embarrassed in public, a stomach three times it's normal size when affected, and D so bad I occasionally haven't made it to the restroom. Yep, I'm over-reacting. Grrr...I digress. What do you say that gives you some credence, and avoid the reactions?

Yes, it is worth it to see a doctor. Please do.

Others' opinions: All that matters is how you feel about YOU. Do what you think is right. If others understand, fine. If they don't, so be it. Do not worry about them.

Come here, and we'll give you all the support you need. Not everyone understands, but we do.

[ksymonds84]

I would get all the testing done that you can possibly afford so that you will not second guess yourself later. The problem for some (not all) who self diagnose sometimes find themselves in a cycle of whether or not they really have a problem with gluten and find it very hard to stick to the diet. I did the self diagnoses thing kind of (my family doctor believed me to be gluten intolerant) but still kept questioning everything and wanted to make sure since this diet is for life! So I did the gluten challenge ect to get an official diagnoses to keep me straight. Now having said that, not everyone is like me and you will find plenty of wonderful self diagnosed people here who went gluten free on there own and have never looked back! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[ang1e0251]

I am self dx'd. It was a question of economics for me. I refused to challenge months later when I could have afforded it again. The difference in my health was so dramatic to me and my family, I've never had a doubt. If you can test, go ahead. It seems like you would find a dx comforting when questioned by others.

You will have to go back to eating gluten to be tested.

[ciavyn]

Thank you for your thoughts. Since finances don't provide much in the way of extra funds - what with Christmas right around the corner - I may not have too many choices right now. But I'll call the doctor and see what I'd be facing. Since I just recently went off gluten, I think I'd still be okay to be tested. (?) I'm not sure.

The other issue is that this takes time to see what works the best for you, from what I've read, and it's hard to be patient. Especially when some of your issues are quite attention attracting...ugh. No doctor's diagnosis can tell you what is best for your lifestyle, or what is healthiest for you, and if nothing else, this is forcing me to eat how I SHOULD eat, even when I don't feel like it. I'm not willing to throw away my investment on a yen for gluten.