Pre-Diagnosis Help

[jruss86]

Hello all,

I am new to the site and was wondering if anyone could help me. I have been suffering from something (I still don't know what) as I have been feeling fatigued everyday, for no apparent reason (I don't have a very physically demanding job at all - I'm a graphic designer and its a two minute walk to work!), having odd reactions to food, bloated most of the time, losing motivation, feeling depressed and ultimately - not gaining any weight. I am 26, male of slim build (I've been skinny my whole life, and thought I'd at least gain size being in my mid-twenties but frustratingly, its not the case). For months, I have been looking malnourished, tired (dark circles and bags under my eyes constantly), and really, losing the will to do anything at all. Did any of you feel this way before being diagnosed with anything?

I have been scanning the web and asking friends what it could be. Some say lactose, gluten, milk protein, celiac. But I'm just not sure. Question is, is there a sure-fire way to diagnose or at least get an idea from home, of what I have? Perhaps just eating rice and water all the time and nothing else? (rice seems to be ok for me) I have tried to go dairy free - but to no avail. I am currently going gluten free but still, not feeling any better. I hear there is a blood test that can reveal some intolerances and allergies. Is this true?

I live all the way out in Dubai, UAE and I am due to see a specialist next month.

Any pointers? Anything I should do before seeing my doctor?

Help appreciated,

Thanks.

[BabsV]

losing motivation, feeling depressed and ultimately - not gaining any weight...For months, I have been looking malnourished, tired (dark circles and bags under my eyes constantly), and really, losing the will to do anything at all. Did any of you feel this way before being diagnosed with anything?

Welcome to the forum.

Your description of your symptoms was me prior to my Celiac diagnosis...plus I had awful GERD symptoms, drastic unexplained weight loss, dizziness and tremors, brain fog, nails that would tear and flake and such severe abdominal pain that I could not function!

If you need a firm medical diagnosis for any reason (work or insurance or peace of mind or whatever) and think your symptoms are gluten relatd you need to be ingesting gluten and then have your doctor run the Celiac panel of blood tests. Depending on the results of those tests you may decide to have a biopsy. My blood tests were really high but I had to go ahead with the biopsy because my husband's job takes us around the world, and I have to have a medical clearance (and they need all the info in my file.) Some people get the positive bloodwork and decide to skip the biopsy and go gluten free. Even if your bloodwork is negative you can try going gluten-free and seeing if that helps your symptoms.

[Cara in Boston]

Don't change your diet BEFORE you see your doctor - it is important to be eating gluten regularly before you begin the testing process.

It may also be helpful to find out some of your family medical history before the visit. Any autoimmune issues in your extended family? Anyone diagnosed with vague things like IBS, Chronic Fatigue, etc.?

Write a list of all your symptoms - even random ones - and bring it with you.

I had lots of symptoms that all seemed unrelated . . . until I started learning about celiac. Things I thought I would just have to live with (insomnia, frequent headaches,) all went away, along with my GI symptoms.

Good luck - it can be a frustrating process.

After you have been tested, try the diet - even if you test negative. You could still be gluten intolerant and that could be what is causing all your symptoms.

Cara