Like: Diabetes
Sometimes you just have to follow your gut. In this, I mean, follow what is working to help alieviate problems and listen for people who have more experience than you do in other areas.
With that said, I went to the follow-up appointment with the doctor today. I found out that hed only done one test on one marker for Celiac Disease and not all four as Id asked him. The one thing that Ive heard and read, multiple times, is that you have to test all four markers or you dont, necessarily, get an accurate test. The other thing that is important, in this, is that you have to be eating gluten to get a positive test for Celiac when the tests are performed. I stopped eating gluten about a week and a half ago, I am feeling better, and the doctor didnt test for all four markers with the one he did test for coming back negative.
What came back positive, however, was a marker for Type II Diabetes.
Congratulations John, you are the winner of a life threatening disease that can be controlled through diet and exercise. My cholesterol is fine and I am a little low on Iron, but beyond that, he thinks I am suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and prescribed some medication to help with any discomfort. He has missed, repeatedly, that I am feeling better not ingesting gluten and as such I am wondering whether or not I should to IBS seriously or keep on the regime I am on.
When you research Celiac Disease you find out a lot of things. Like: Type II Diabetes can be caused by Celiac.
Like: IBS has a high incidence rate among Celiac sufferers.
Like: even with IBS the removal of gluten from the diet can help alleviate the symptoms.
Like: most doctors prescribe around Celiac but, outside of a specialist, rarely have the expertise to diagnose Celiac, Crohns, or IBS.
Like: Celiac is tested through a small intestine biopsy.
Like: Iron and other deficiencies can be directly caused by the damage to the cilia in the small intestine.
Like: a Celiac diet can help control blood sugar in those with diabetes.
In short, I think it is safe to say that I will be living life under the assumption that I have Celiac and am gluten intolerant; especially if its working.
Sure, it makes shopping a bit hard, but hey, you know, its all about finding what works and then following the regime. I do admit that I need to increase my activity level, but that is a part of changing ones life. You adapt. You eat differently. You get off you fat ass and go and do something. Maybe that was a little harsh, but I think it is becoming time for me to make time for more activity than I have in the past.
Anyway, I go back to see the doctor in about a month. I wanted an appointment on the 6th of April. It kind of surprised me that the doctor didnt have any appointments that day and so, instead of a Thursday I get to see him on Friday for more tests.
Have I ever told anyone that I HATE doctors?
Comments
What study did you read that indicated Celiac's and diabetes are related? Just wondering.
Posted by: mila | April 4, 2006 11:10 AM
Good question. I've thought about it ALL day long and, really, have come up with nadda. I know that I was doing some research on Celiac and came across a lot of information like 1/20 celiacs are also diabetic. But where that number comes from... got me. I haven't thought a lot about any of the information for several weeks as I've been doing the school thing and the work thing and then the backpack thing and now the bleeding thing to go back and have this doctor tell me whatever it is he is leaning toward now.
However, I probably paid more attention to the diabetic connection when the doctor suggested I was showing signs toward diabetes a month ago the last time I saw him.
I get to see him again Friday. Yippee me. Can you tell, I'm giddie. Not.
Posted by: smokingpen | April 4, 2006 9:46 PM