Possible Future Tests?

[Molly-F]

So last week, after about a year of symptoms including bowel irritation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (which I now know is caused by iron dificiency), bloody stools, weakness, headaches, and dehydration (Geez, was it really that bad, then?), my doctor called me back with the results to my tests done a few weeks ago. I've done the generic stool samples and blood tests, and she's found low B12 and Iron levels as well as what she's about 95% sure is Celiac Disease, of course.

I still have to do some tests to confirm this. I took another blood test to check out my thiroid, since it's in my family history and it could be that. My doctor also had to make a referral to a "GI specialist" out of town. I plan on asking her after the long weekend but I have NO idea what a GI specialist is going to do to me. I have this fear of doctors since I'm never sick. I tried researching it but each result comes up with a different procedure. I don't know ah...which end they do it at (some say the mouth...but why not take the short cut? ) , and I'm not sure if it hurts, if I'm awake, or if I'm "drugged up", or asleep. Does anyone know? Thanks!

[mushroom]

So last week, after about a year of symptoms including bowel irritation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (which I now know is caused by iron dificiency), bloody stools, weakness, headaches, and dehydration (Geez, was it really that bad, then?), my doctor called me back with the results to my tests done a few weeks ago. I've done the generic stool samples and blood tests, and she's found low B12 and Iron levels as well as what she's about 95% sure is Celiac Disease, of course.

I still have to do some tests to confirm this. I took another blood test to check out my thiroid, since it's in my family history and it could be that. My doctor also had to make a referral to a "GI specialist" out of town. I plan on asking her after the long weekend but I have NO idea what a GI specialist is going to do to me. I have this fear of doctors since I'm never sick. I tried researching it but each result comes up with a different procedure. I don't know ah...which end they do it at (some say the mouth...but why not take the short cut? ) , and I'm not sure if it hurts, if I'm awake, or if I'm "drugged up", or asleep. Does anyone know? Thanks!

To confirm a celiac diagnosis the GI performs an endoscopy which inspects the small intestine to see if there is damage to the villi. This tube is inserted down the throat and through the stomach while you are under sedation (not anesthesia). You will not have any awareness of the procedure when you awaken. It is usually painless although some people do have a mild sore throat for a day or two. It is normally nothing to be at all concerned about, but you will need someone to drive you home. Make sure your GI takes enough samples, as the damage to your villi may be patchy and it is easy to miss on just a visual examination; at least 4-6 is recommended. Hopefully your GI will be celiac literate and know this.

There are over 30 feet of small intestine before you get to the colon, which is why they do not approach from "the other end"

[Molly-F]

Hehe, thanks. I slept through biology last year...

Damn anemia.