Some Questions

[superw]

Hi All,

My father was recently diagnosed with a gluten allergy, and I have an uncle who has severe symptoms (he can't work or collect disability) but until now nobody was able to diagnose him.

Anyways, I'm fairly certain I at least have a gluten allergy but my father tells me the test is $150 to find out so I have not done it yet.

I am 31 now and have had stomach problems (diarrea, bloating, nausea, irritability, fatigue, sore joints) since I was probably about 14 or 15. I used to be unable to function until about noon because of cramping and uncontrollable bowel movements. I went for tests, but the doctor simply said I had IBS.

Anyways, about 4 years ago now that changed. I stopped having diarrea and started having trouble with what feels like being able to empty. I am also going to the bathroom up to 5-6 times a day. My stool is often misshapen (ribbons, or at least smaller than it used to be) but sometimes it's close to normal size. I really have to strain and concentrate sometimes just to get a small amount out...other times it comes out almost normally. I am male and I have leakage when I'm urinating as well. It doesn't seem like my bladder is emptying and my stream is weak. I'm hoping this is something that someone else has experienced. I doubt it's cancer at the moment as I have had it for years and it seems to at least receed for short periods from time to time. I will function close to normal for a week or two every few months and then it will come back.

I have been to the doctor for all of these and at first they said I had an infection and gave me antibiotics (which did nothing), then they diagnosed me with prostititus (the medication did nothing again), and I was also told I had IBS. In the last year I was also diagnosed with hypo thyroid and high blood pressure. I also was checked for testicular cancer but it came up clean.

All very strange things for someone my age, especially because I box 2 to 3 times a week and don't eat that badly. I have 3 squares with a regular helping of fibre, veggies, and fruits. I don't drink, smoke, or eat that much junk food.

I would consider myself in good shape even for someone younger than me.

I'm hoping someone can help me get this diagnosed without having to pay (i'm in canada) and I'm hoping someone has experienced the same bowel and urinary symtoms I have and it's not something else.

[domesticactivist]

You might look into paradoxical diarrhea. It's like being both constipated and having diarrhea at the same time. The GAPS diet has helped with that. I've seen enemas recommended for it, too.

[Skylark]

I don't know how health insurance works in Canada. In the US if you have celiac symptoms the celiac panel is usually covered. If you have to pay out-of-pocket here is a home test kit at Open Original Shared Link that costs a little less, although it won't catch every case of celiac. It is good to know whether you're celiac because you have to be very strict with the diet.

If there is no way you can afford testing, try going off gluten. The diet does not require a doctor's supervision.

[+jasonparker]

Is he truly Celiac?

[psawyer]

Ontario is by far the largest province in Canada by population. It is the only one where the provincial health plan will not pay for blood testing for celiac disease. It will pay for an endoscopy, though.

[Chalula88]

You should definitely get an endoscopy.

Thin or ribbon-like BM's could be a sign of intestinal and colon tumors or polyps. Basically, the blockage caused by the lump means you are squeezing and straining your BM past it, thus it gets tiny and you feel constipated or you feel like you haven't totally eliminated when you actually have.

It could potentially be dangerous. Your health is the most important thing. If you are in the states, some hospitals will give you financial aid to help pay for treatment. When we were really poor, my boyfriend had a procedure in which we paid about 10%. You can call and ask, it's just some simple paperwork.

Good luck!