Should I Get Tested? And Where?

[randomperson]

I've had some problems for many years that I haven't thought much of until recently, and I personally think it may be related to celiac disease, or at least some kind of sensitivity.

My biggest concern is the light red bleeding on occasion after using the restroom. my doctor gave me some steroids to try to get it to heal, but they didn't seem to help. I have no idea if this is related to gluten/food intolerance, but I figured it's possible it's from intestinal damage due to gluten, correct?

Second, I have keratosis pilaris, self diagnosed. I think it's safe to assume I can look at it and figure out what it is easy enough. I haven't seen any official research linking KP to gluten, but there are multiple posts on forums stating gluten free diets have ridden people of their skin issues.

Third, and less worrisome than the other two, is the really bad gas I get that I can kind of associate with gluten. If I go a day or two without eating glutenous foods, the gas seems to clear up, but I can have gas for hours after eating a sandwich. I'm not as worried about this, seeing as lots of foods give lots of people gas, and I don't have diarrhea, but you can still have gluten related problems even without, correct?

If I have any other, more subtle symptoms, I may have been living with them for too long to realize I have them.

So if anyone thinks I should get tested, I'd like some info on where to go in lower wisconsin. talking milwaukee area or just north of it. Also, what the heck is a biopsy and is it painful? :|

[ravenwoodglass]

Your first step would be a blood test called the celiac panel and your regular doctor can order one. The biopsy isn't painful it is done under light anesthesia through an endoscope that is swallowed and the biopsies are taken of the duodenum and small intestine. Your GI doctor should be able to test but if you don't have one post the question on the Doctors section of the board and someone may be able to give you a name or two.

After you are done with all the testing you should give the diet a good strict try no matter what the results as some of us do have false negatives on both blood tests and biopsy.

[randomperson]

Alright, so can I call my local clinic and ask just ask the front desk if my doctor can get me a test for celiac disease? Or should I ask to talk about the symptoms? I'm worried the doctor may assume it's nothing to worry about and would try to recommend other things. What's the best coarse of action? Go with what the doctor thinks, or just straight up ask for a test?

[ravenwoodglass]

Alright, so can I call my local clinic and ask just ask the front desk if my doctor can get me a test for celiac disease? Or should I ask to talk about the symptoms? I'm worried the doctor may assume it's nothing to worry about and would try to recommend other things. What's the best coarse of action? Go with what the doctor thinks, or just straight up ask for a test?

I would make an appointment with the doctor, tell him/her your symptoms and ask to be tested. If you have a history of going to the doctor with the complaints then you might be able to just get them to order the tests.