Going To Gi Monday. Should I Bother Asking?

[Erin83]

I have always struggled with constipation. I had my very first hemorrhoid while still in diapers.

Other than that, my health has never been bad...until.

My first daughter was born in 2008. After she was born, I developed a nickel allergy. Still struggled with constipation.

My son as born in 2009. I developed some additional skin problems in a very sensitive area of the body. I reacted to the stitches from my episiotomy. I went to my OB for recurrent problems and was told it was most likely an autoimmune issue causing the problems and I had to wash all of my things in a free and clear detergent. No problem. Then my legs started itching, dry skin, brittle nails. Then I got pregnant again and felt better then. All issues go away when pregnant.

My second daughter was born in August 2011. I developed ANOTHER allergy to the flip flops (probably latex allergy) that I wore ALL summer. Itchy skin became worse. And then came the stomach issues. I was home no longer than a week when I had my first episode. I was vomiting and had awful diarrhea. I just thought I had a bug. Then the next week, same thing. At first, we thought it was something I was eating. Since August, I have had vomiting and diarrhea no less than 2-3 times EVERY month. In between, I feel like crap. I rarely have a normal BM, but go from one extreme to the other. There has been mucous, and I suppose the fatty stuff. Never really took the time to analyze them.

This has been paralyzing. I am so paranoid that "my time is up" for the next spell. Has anybody else experienced similar symptoms? Does this sound like it *could* be and should I bother asking for at least a blood test?

Additional Info: Nobody in my family is a diagnosed Celiac. However, my sister has a "sensitive constitution." So, now I'm beginning to wonder if we both have some kind of sensitivity.

I read that pregnancy and emotional stress can be a trigger. I have had a lot of emotional stress this last year combined with my 3rd pregnancy.

Thoughts?

[MitziG]

I have always struggled with constipation. I had my very first hemorrhoid while still in diapers.

Other than that, my health has never been bad...until.

My first daughter was born in 2008. After she was born, I developed a nickel allergy. Still struggled with constipation.

My son as born in 2009. I developed some additional skin problems in a very sensitive area of the body. I reacted to the stitches from my episiotomy. I went to my OB for recurrent problems and was told it was most likely an autoimmune issue causing the problems and I had to wash all of my things in a free and clear detergent. No problem. Then my legs started itching, dry skin, brittle nails. Then I got pregnant again and felt better then. All issues go away when pregnant.

My second daughter was born in August 2011. I developed ANOTHER allergy to the flip flops (probably latex allergy) that I wore ALL summer. Itchy skin became worse. And then came the stomach issues. I was home no longer than a week when I had my first episode. I was vomiting and had awful diarrhea. I just thought I had a bug. Then the next week, same thing. At first, we thought it was something I was eating. Since August, I have had vomiting and diarrhea no less than 2-3 times EVERY month. In between, I feel like crap. I rarely have a normal BM, but go from one extreme to the other. There has been mucous, and I suppose the fatty stuff. Never really took the time to analyze them.

This has been paralyzing. I am so paranoid that "my time is up" for the next spell. Has anybody else experienced similar symptoms? Does this sound like it *could* be and should I bother asking for at least a blood test?

Additional Info: Nobody in my family is a diagnosed Celiac. However, my sister has a "sensitive constitution." So, now I'm beginning to wonder if we both have some kind of sensitivity.

I read that pregnancy and emotional stress can be a trigger. I have had a lot of emotional stress this last year combined with my 3rd pregnancy.

Thoughts?

No. Do not ask. Demand to be tested for Celiac. I guarantee you that if you "ask" your doctor will pooh-pooh your concerns, blow off anything you have read as "internet hoakum" and make you feel stupid for asking.

But YOU are paying HIM. You are the customer- you know what you want- place your order.

Celiac is ridiculously under-diagnosed in this country. I feel strongly that screening EVERYONE, regardless of symptoms, would relieve this country of a HUGE financial burden.

In your case, what you have described is all very common with Celiac. Also, during puberty or pregnancy, it is not uncommon for symptoms to go into "remission" apparently due to your body being distracted by more pressing things then attacking itself I guess? Get your test. And if it is negative, try going gluten free anyway- just to see how you feel. Gluten intolerance is even more common, and trying the diet is the most reliable test available.

[ptkds]

I agree with MitziG. Tell him you want to be tested and don't take no for an answer. If it's negative, then go on the diet for 4-6 months anyway just to see how it makes you feel. But if you do a trial diet, be very vigilant about your food and make sure to keep everything gluten-free.

Good luck!

[Skylark]

Totally agree with MitziG and ptkds. You need celiac testing. Then give the diet a good, strict try.

[Erin83]

Thank you all. I actually did request a blood test for celiac and the practitioner was all for it. Got it done today and now I wait. Whew! They're also looking at a few other things -- gall bladder and ran additional tests on the blood to check out my liver and pancreas. She said we might as well since I had my blood drawn anyway.

I actually ate very little this weekend and ate all gluten free. I felt fine, until this morning. We ate at a restaurant, and while I didn't have anything with gluten in it (so far as I know), I didn't request that it be made on different grills. So, it's very possible that my food was made on the same surface as gluten-containing foods. Even if it comes back negative, I may just try it out to see if it helps. It just seems so logical to me. I have developed allergies and other immune issues, so this just seems to fit the bill -- in my mind.

[beebs]

When you talk about your sister having a "sensitive constitution" I had a little chuckle = I know its not funny. But I grew up believing I had a "weak stomach" , I mentioned it to my GI and he started laughing and said there is no such thing as a Weak stomach...it suddenly dawned on me - doh! Only took 33 years to work out. So yes = deffo get tested!