Celiac And Work....

[dnshaussler]

Quick question. I am newly diagnosed and work from home. Right now I am struggling to balance all of the doctor appointments and getting any work done. For veterans of Celiac, I guess I am wondering what the maintenance is? I have some unique issues that will obviously take time to work through and require me to visit the doctor more often at least for now, but I am wondering, how often everyone follows up with their doctor...how often are routine check ups. I am trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel, so I am hoping that this is managable over time.

[mushroom]

Welcome to the forum. Everyone's follow-up needs are different, depending on what other issues they are dealing with.

If you have been diagnosed by a GI he will sometimes want to do a follow-up scope and blood work in six months to check both dietary compliance and that it is working. Initially, you will need additional appointments for blood testing, perhaps thyroid and a DEXA scan for bone density. But celiac, apart from its tag-along auto-immune diseases, is really very low maintenance once you get over the initial hump and identify any other intolerances you may have.

[Lincoln]

I have never gone for a follow up visit about my gluten allergy because I feel as though I am best to manage it and my doctor said he thought the same. Also please be aware that when your body is weak after eating gluten you may not be able to tolerate foods with complex sugars or even just high sugar such as mango's or even chocolate.

My opinion is self observation of how you feel and elimination diets are the best way but that's just me.

[rosetapper23]

My doctors insists on having me visit every six months, and then she always orders a full panel on my nutrients. This way, she caught my pernicious anemia before it became serious.

[butterfl8]

My GI sends out a notice once a year. In 2010, I was doing well enough that he said for the next notice, IF I was still doing ok, I could just call the office and let them know, "I'm fine." In 2011, however, I was having gallbladder issues, and so kept my appointment. So come this year, as long as I'm ok, I'll probably skip the appointment. Depends on how you are feeling. The first year can be rough, but also enlightening. Once you figure out your gluten reactions, you can identify if something doesn't fit! I figured out (after 8? months) that I was soy intolerant. Then this last summer I was feeling really sleepy in the middle of the day. So I had my regular Dr. check my antibodies, and yep, I was getting gluten somewhere. So I figured that out, and now that I am gallbladder-less, life is good!

I would say ask your Drs. what they expect for maintainance. Some may want every 6 months, some a year, some may want nothing (I would worry about those!). But in the meantime, welcome to the forums! You can learn some good stuff here.

-Daisy

[dnshaussler]

I was diagnosed by my GI via blood test, colonoscopy biopsy and then an endescopy biopsy. This diagnosis actually came as a result of complications from Crohns.

I guess I am accepting it well as I finally understand where/why all of the other weird symptoms are coming from, but it is a bit overwhelming at first to get all of these initial tests completed.

I am crossing my fingers that once these tests are done...if I stick to what I am being told to do them I can focus on the next major issue, and at some point I will actually be able to function again and not just survive.

It is good to hear that there is a light at the tunnel.

THANK YOU