new here, doc appointment today

mom2blondes · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

Hi! I'm new and thought I'd introduce myself. I am going to the doctor today and I'm hoping she agrees to test me for Celiac disease.

My story is a long one, like most. Three years ago I started having major digestive problems, tons of pain, constipation w/ intermittent diaherra. i was also exhausted 24/7 and having a lot of problem w/ brain fog.

After a few months my gallbladder was removed. i did not have stones, just "slush" and two non-functioning valves. After a few months the stomach pain got a little better, but the constipation/diaherra pattern stayed and the fatigue and fog got worse.

After seeing two neurologists and a internist, I have been tested for everything under the sun, but NOT Celiac's disease. i've been told the fatigue and fog are in my head and that I'm depressed. I've been on an anti-depressant (Effexor- low dose) for a year. It helps me not get as upset about the fatigue, etc., but I still feel like crap.

I stumbled upon celiac disease two months ago when a friend's brother was diagnosed w/ it after 8 years of feeling a lot like me. I mentioned to above mentioned internist and was poo-poo'd. However, she finally agreed it was worth trying the diet for awhile and seeing what happened. I did it for about four weeks. I saw a big change in my bowel issues, they pretty much disappeared after a week or so. However, my energy levels stayed about the same and the fog didn't go away at all.

I'm wondering if maybe it would take longer than four weeks to see energy level changes. Also, when my iron and B12 levels were checked they were only slightly low. Wouldn't they be drastically low if I have celiac disease??

I am going today to ask to be tested for Celiacs. I don't have much hope she'll agree to it, but we'll see.

wish me luck!!! As much as I'd hate to fight celiacs disease and gluten the rest of my life, I am SO tired of being tired all the time and the fog is the bane of my existence!!

Thanks for reading Smile

ostrich · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 4170 Location: Nebraska

Hey there mom2blondes! Welcome to the board! Smile

Good for you for getting the testing done. I hope your doc agrees to it. Otherwise it might be time to find a new doc.

I'm a little low on time, but I just wanted to leave a few comments:

1. Remember, without a gall bladder you're going to be producing less bile, which helps break down fat. Less bile = more fat goes through your system = more tummy problems (even without the pain).

2. I'm glad the diet seemed to help you somewhat! However, it's a pretty difficult thing to master. You probably were still ingesting some gluten. That's ok; you'll learn as you go, and at least you saw some progress.

3. The time it takes to see results varies from person to person. Some people see results in a week or two. For others it can take a year or more.

4. Make sure you're on a normal diet before having any bloodwork done. Otherwise your test results will be inaccurate.

Don't be scared to keep asking us (and your doc) questions! Smile

_________________
Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of

cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2550 Location: Washington State

Hi, MTB. Sorry you are having trouble. Ostrich has given you some great information. I will reiterate that you need to be consuming gluten in order for the testing to be accurate. Make sure your doctor runs the full celiac panel.

Let us know how you make out today.
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

mom2blondes · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

I'm back. Well, she surprised me and said that the fact I felt any improvement after 4 weeks was worth looking into. I was surprised that she felt we should go ahead w/ skin allergy tests and biopsy, instead of any blood testing. However, I am IgA defiecent, so that might be part of it. she did say the test might be inconclusive or something. (I also happen to have a double ear infection and a 102 fever, so it was hard to process everything. Good day to have a doctor's appointment, though!!)

I have an appointment w/ an allergist next week and then back to her. Then the gastro doc three weeks after that.

not real psyched about the biopsy, but it's worth it, I guess.

One question........do they go down through your mouth or up the other way??

cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2550 Location: Washington State

mom2blondes · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 3