Should I Change My Diet Before I See The Doc?

[chasing4]

One of my daughters has been diagnosed with Celiac a couple years ago, which she is doing great now. Well, other than every so often wanting what the other kids in her class are having, but what can I expect from a 7 year old. lol But she is doing great, she's growing and happier and so much healthier.

For myself, I started having odd issues a couple days ago. I have bouts of diarrhea, but even though I knew I should get checked I never did. My last bout was 2 days ago and ever since I woke up yesterday I've been having bleeding issues. Not bloody stools, but bleeding whether I have a bowel movement or not. Called my family doc today and they had me come in right away. She didn't see anything externally what could be causing the bleeding. She did a rectal and she said my colon felt very inflamed and the bleeding is probably a result of that somehow.

I see a GI later this week for a consultation for myself and my family doc told me to change my diet right away since my daughter has Celiac. I know it's been a few years since I've researched prediagnosis so I forgot if it was a good idea to change my diet now or wait till after I see the doc. I already had my celiac panel drawn today, if that makes any difference?

Sorry, I know this has probably been asked tons of times already.

[ravenwoodglass]

Under most circumstances I would say no don't start the diet, However in your case I agree with your doctor. He has drawn the panel and you are seeing the GI in the next week. With a diagnosed child you could very well be celiac yourself. With your symptoms I would go with your doctors advise. Do keep in mind that if the GI wants biopsies if he can't do them right away you may have to go back on gluten for the best chance of a positive. If the diet has helped that is also a valid part of the diagnosis process. I hope you get some answers and feel better soon.

[tarnalberry]

ditto everything ravenwood said. spot on.

[chasing4]

Thank you both so much.

I think I will change my diet now, the bleeding really scared me and want to do whatever I can to get that to stop.

Just another question, just so I know what to expect. If I do have to go back on the gluten diet, I will feel even worse for a while as I'm back on it, if I am celiac or have a gluten intolerance?

[ravenwoodglass]

Thank you both so much.

I think I will change my diet now, the bleeding really scared me and want to do whatever I can to get that to stop.

Just another question, just so I know what to expect. If I do have to go back on the gluten diet, I will feel even worse for a while as I'm back on it, if I am celiac or have a gluten intolerance?

I am crossing my fingers for you that you won't have to do a challenge. And yes if you go gluten free and feel better a challenge will make you sick again. Sometimes even sicker than before the diet. The challenge would only be needed for a biopsy so if you get relief from the diet it is up to you whether you want to challenge or not.

[chasing4]

That's what I was thinking.

Thank you very much for your replies.