Should I go ahead and assume gluten intolerance?

My name is Andrew, I'm 20 years old, and have been having constant stomach problems since I was in seventh grade. I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux when I was in 9th grade and haven't had much progress since. I don't have insurance.

See, something I find odd about my "heartburn" is that it rarely, if ever, involves the main symptom. I don't get any reflux in my esophagus. In fact, all of the discomfort lies in my stomach, and pretty much always has. So why then, did doctors throw anti-acids at me like it was hard candy? Because it helped. It got rid of the discomfort, that's for sure - but I couldn't help but feel like it was only masking the problem.

A bit over a month ago I was in the ER after spitting up some blood that was in the back of my throat after waking up to stomach pain and nausea. They ran a blood test and did a couple x-rays (no dye or ink or w/e) and diagnosed me with a Peptic Ulcer and sent me on my way, recommending that I get a endoscopy when I get back - which my GP is telling me is expensive and that I don't need one.

Lately I've also had some lower abdominal (intestinal) pains too, namely a sharp, sometimes almost pinching pain right around where my belt sits on my waist about and inch and a half from the center of my stomach. As well as general pains in my entire abdominal area - not just my stomach.

So I find myself in a bit of disbelief. Did I ever have an ulcer? Do I have something more chronic or severe like H. Pylori or even worse something like cancer? It was this thinking that brought me back to my visit to Vegas recently, where I met my brother's girlfriend who just so happens to be a gluten intolerant - who's symptoms seemed to mirror my own. So I did some research.

Pretty soon I'm finding out that not only could my stomach problems be a sign of Celiac/Gluten Intolerance, but a large portion of my other medical problems could theoretically be linked to the same thing. Problem is - money. In the situation I'm in something like an endoscopy is a joke, that kind of money simply does not exist right now. In fact, a doctor visit is out for at least the rest of this month - just can't afford it.

So would my best bet be to just cut it out of my diet (gluten)? It seems nearly impossible.

[patient915]

It could be celiac disease but it could also be a bunch of other things.  If you really can't go to the doctor to ask for the blood test for celiac disease or other tests, then you could try cutting it out.  You need to cut out all gluten for at least a month.  It isn't that hard to do if you find gluten-free pasta and bread.  I was able to be gluten-free for 2 months while also being lactose-free and vegetarian.  Good luck.

[FraggleK]

I'm just trying gluten free and while it is daunting, it's not impossible.  If you aren't sure how else to manage it and keep it economical, just stick to fresh meat and seafood, fresh produce, and rice.  Whole Foods has a very good list of things that might indicate gluten in the products here: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/nutrition/celiac-disease.php#q10
But eating fresh and avoiding things like pasta, bread, beer, etc. are a relatively simple alternative to all the label reading.