Am I on the right track, or not?

[Pleasemrstweedie]

So, let me run this past you. I have been to the GPs several times now about gut problems I have had since 2014. Basically I get severe and uncontrollable diarrhoea, which comes without warning, is over within the hour and does not affect my well being or appetite.

I have repeatedly asked for a referral to the allergy clinic in Birmingham, because I think this ties in with other allergy/intolerance problems that I have, but a referral is not forthcoming - no evidence (allegedly). The GPs have checked bowel and ovarian cancer markers and both have come back fine. I also tested negative for coeliac. The next step, I was told, is a referral to a gastroenterologist. I finally have the appointment through for July and decided to check out the team leader. He is basically an endoscopist with a specific interest in Barrett’s Oesophagus. I am not sure that I am going to be seeing the right people.

In the meantime, I decided to go wheat free and see what happened. That cleared my gut symptoms and a couple of other symptoms besides in fairly short order. The introduction of rye in the form of crispbreads led to a return of symptoms, although not as severe. Oats are fine. In fact some wheat is fine, eg sourdough bread. I just don't know which until afterwards, which suggests this might be an allergy/intolerance to something in production or an additive, especially as I also get a reaction from gluten free bread and crumpets.

What do you think I should do? Should I keep this appointment and hope to use it as a springboard to something more appropriate, or should I go back and try to do battle with the GP again? Any advice appreciated.

[MadauntofA]

The gastroenterologist will be a specialist in some area, but will still have more socialist knowledge about all gastro disease than your GP. Keep the appointment and discuss your concerns

[MadauntofA]

Maybe specialist not socialist!

[mistlethrush]

I got tested for coeliacs etc at the beginning of last year - came out that I didn't have it. Got sent to the nutritionist instead and described symptoms (more pain and longer time period (think a week or so) but otherwise similar to you) and said that if I gave up wheat and gluten products I was fine and she said that it was an intolerance (which tests can't prove so you have to do it by experimentation and leaving things out) - suggested that I got totally right and then tried rye - which I did and the consequences weren't good - so I've been gluten free since. Luckily I don't have to have the 'gluten free' oats etc so its clearly not as bad as coeliacs - but it can put me out of action for a week so it's not worth having. I would do a very careful trial of what you are 'safe' with and what things seem to cause problems and hopefully you'll be able to sort it out. Please note that some gluten free products have wheat in, so if you're intolerant to wheat it could be the problem (it's a special wheat that doesn't have the gluten).