Actually, they could have but I was trying to hold off until after the first of the year since my insurance started 11/7/10 and I did not want to pay a deductible for 2010 and then in 2 months start over for 2011. Guess my body had other plans because i had to have blood tests drawn from my PCP for sed rate, C Reactive Protein and a Rheumatoid factor before they could even begin the process of making a referral. Apparently it will take up to 6 month but even longer if you don't complete the required labs. So, i will end up eating the costs of those but felt the testing for gluten sensitivity could definitely wait until after the first of the year.

Just called my PCP today to see if the lab results were back. They have been for almost 2 weeks. One nurse thought another nurse had called me so they were just sitting there.......waiting for me to call, I guess. Anyhow....

C-Reactive Protein 0.21 Normal <0.80
Sed Rate >120 Normal 0-20
RA Screen Negative

So, now I get to wait until after the first of the year to see a rheumatologist. Already had 2 rounds of steroids.........hope I make it through the rest of the year without any more flare-ups!!

Do try the AlkaSeltzer then. This works very quickly and more completely than NSAIDs in IMO. In fact WalMart has a generic for $2.00! That is where I get mine! AlkaSeltzer is one of the fastest oral pain meds on the planet.

Your tests are similar to mine. Although my Sed rate was never that high, it was moderately elevated every test.

I've had the ANA and RA screen 2 times several years apart with negative results both times.