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@chrisfd here is the list of blood tests that I would request to have ordered from your doctor. Many doctors will not test for more than the transglutaminase tests but the others are also very important. An "off" level of the right combination of any of these tests can warrant an endoscopy to check for villi blunting in the small intestine... I had to push to have my son checked for all of these after my daughter and I were diagnosed (by a GI specialist). (This disease runs in families).

Celiac Serology:
1. IgA antibody
2. Antigliadin Antibody IgG
3. Antigliadin Antibody IgA
4. Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody
5. Immunoglobulin A level

When it comes to Celiac, I am finding that most doctors really are unaware of most non-classic presentations (GI issues), and many will be hesitant to test. Celiac can be experienced as completely symptomless (silent Celiac- but doing damage to the small intestine none-the-less) or as I mentioned before as the possibility of over 200 symptoms. (Note: I have yet to be able to have a conversation with anyone who is aware of "glutamate", though I will soon be seeing a neurologist who specializes in Parkinsons, who I believe will know what I am talking about!) If you find that you have a doctor who will not listen, go for a second opinion or change doctors all together. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself when you know that something feels "off"!

Also, have you been in touch with a neurologist and/or rheumatologist? If it has been a while and your symptoms are progressing, it seems that requesting an appointment with both types of specialists may be a good idea, too. More information of things to rule out or symptoms to hone into and watch is helpful.

Another tid bit to maybe think on... In my research, I found that people who suffer from all neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinsons, MS, etc, also have an increased level of glutamate in the brain, causing over firing and excitotoxicity. Coming from my experience where a change in my diet has literally changed my life, maybe starting a food journal that documents the foods you eat and your experience of symptoms to see if you find any patterns? Just a thought. I am a firm believer that the foods we eat have a direct impact on our body's ability to function, and can help slow down progression of a disease and ease symptoms. This is certainly challenging for me at times... But I have my life back after making such changes, and I am grateful!

I know that being in the place of waiting and wondering are so challenging; I am so sorry for all you are going through. Please know that you are not alone in this and that I am praying for you!

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Replies to "@chrisfd here is the list of blood tests that I would request to have ordered from..."

@cmmichaela

Thank you! I appreciate it. I have not had any of that bloodwork. I actually got my medical records from where I saw a pediatric neurologist, when I was eight years old. In those records, he sent back to my pediatrician that I needed to be tested for an inflammatory/autoimmune condition. Guess what she never followed back up with my parents on that. So I opened up a good book into the story. I called my primary care physician this morning and me and him spoke about the records and me and him are going to schedule an appointment for next tuesday too, further discuss and for him to look at the paperwork. I'm glad that he's actually taking it seriously because I genuinely don't know how much longer I can take this. It is so so so debilitating it has affected my learning at school I feel like i'm so lost all the time. I used to be a straight a student in high school up until my senior year which is, when the brain fog, the fatigue just really set in. But anyway, I really hope I can get some good firm answers. I was really scared from about the time I was thirteen when the dizziness first set in till I was eighteen I never went to the doctor. I was scared that I probably had a brain tumor or something
And I'm just one of those people that would rather not know which I was telling my doctor about. And he said, well, it's been almost 8 years
He was like if it was something very serious.You would have way more symptoms by now, or maybe even have passed away. But hoping and praying for positive outcomes. Even though I know I have something, I don't know what it is, but i'm ready to figure out so I can start getting treatment.