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Hi all,

Sometime ago I posted a message entitled "Confused after visit to
GI".  Well, here is the long overdue update.  Thanks for all the
wonderful support offered by everyone.  The gist of the advice was
that the GI specialist wasn't up to date on Celiac since he dismissed
me out of hand because I experienced weight gain rather than loss.
Since he was also very condescending and arrogant when I (as politely
as I could) showed him Dr. Murray's info about up to 40% of his
celiac diagnoses experiencing weight gain, I have decided that he
simply isn't the GI for me.  Nonetheless, his office has pursued me
to schedule tests I don't want and he has even written to my GP
complaining about me (according to my GP's nurse).  He does have a
point.  I declined booking the tests just recently because they
called me just a few days after the sudden death of my father this
past Christmas -- seemed to think I was using the old "my father
died" excuse --- I don't who would ever use that as an excuse,
though.

So, today, I'm supposed to go see my GP, who is also copping an
attitude lately, to ask for 2 more referrals (one to a GI specialist
recommended by my local Celiac Assoc'n, and one to an allergist) --
and I just keep wondering if this diagnosis stuff is really worth
it!!!  Are the risks and secondary symptoms bad enough to warrant the
hassle of "building a relationship" with the right doctor (assuming I
can find the right doctor)?  I've been having some secondary symptoms
that are concerning, including joint pain and numbness in my
extremities.  So, can I just stay away from wheat and NOT be under a
doctor's care?  Is that irresponsible?  I really don't know.  And if
my GP gives me too much flack about this 2nd set of referrals, can I
contact these specialists myself?  AARGGH!!!  Please tell me I'm not
alone in my frustration....

Erin

.................................
Erin Booth ([log in to unmask])
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada