june27

I was diagnosed as Celiac about 10 months ago with bloodwork.  I have 3 sisters, and after my diagnosis suggested that they each get tested.  I sent them all links to websites with information about the disease (1 of them thinks it is very possible that she has it.  None of us, even myself, have the 'classic digestive issue' symptoms).  I know that at least 2 of them have asked their primary care doctor to be tested, but they live in rural areas and their docs don't think it is worth it since they do not believe they have enough symptoms.  I have suggested to one of them (so far) that if they cannot get tested, they might eliminate gluten for some amount of time, and then challenge it and see how it goes.  She sounded interested in the idea, so I thought I would do a little more research, and help get her started.  I will also propose this to the others over the holidays.  

1.  If she does go this route, can anyone provide any details, like how long to eliminate gluten before reintroducing?  
2.  I am also curious about how diligent to be - I am still in the healing process so I do not eat anything that has been processed in a factory with wheat (at least not knowingly).  I would think that giving up anything with gluten ingredients, but not worrying so much about CC or medications would make sense, etc - is that reasonable?  
3.  Any other thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks!

We are planning a trip to Club Med, Turks - I have been doing a lot of on-line research and it sounds like they should be prepared to deal with gluten-free diet. I was curious if anyone had been (to any Club Med), and what their experience was. I am also curious if there is any special precautions that I should be taking before going - this will be my first big trip (more than a weekend) since my diagnosis, so I am feeling a bit of anxiety...

Thanks!

Can anyone recommend a good Rheumatologist in the Lowell area?

i started seeing a naturopathic doctor earlier this year for chronic allergies and dry/inflamed eyes (that i presumed was due to some systemic issue). after doing a food sensitivity test which i scored off the charts for gluten/wheat/oats, she asked my primary care doctor to run a celiac panel for me. (massachusetts does not recognize naturopathic doctors as doctors, so insurance won't cover it if she prescribes it for me). primary care called to tell me that bloodwork was positive, and basically said she would let me work with the naturopath for this.

i had another appointment with my opthamologist today and asked about some dry eye issues and erosions/ulcers that (when prodded) he suggested could be AI in nature. he recommended that i see my rheumatologist for further testing. unfortunately, i don't have one...

my question is about rheumatologists...
is it worth getting a referral from my primary care (i am in an HMO), or should i just stick with my naturopath?

[if a rheumatologist is likely to be more in tune with autoimmune issues then i could see how it might be good. my concerns are that i keep hearing about how not helpful many doctors are, and i am also concerned that they might just try pumping meds that might not be necessary - so maybe i am just as well off sticking with my naturopath]

just looking to hear people's opinions...