Any Good Celiac Specialists In San Diego?

[sllee]

After suffering from chronic diarrhea, cramping and a burning sensation in my stomach over several months and several doctor visits later (in which I tested negative for all kind of tests), it was suggested that I try a gluten-free diet and at the same time see a GI specialist. After reading about celiac disease, I was floored to see that the list of symptoms not only included my current intestinal problems, but symptoms that I've suffered from for years (chronic fatigue, mouth sores at least once a month, muscle pain, bloating and gas). Within days of being on a gluten-free diet, my stomach felt better and my diahrrea and cramping abated. Being a scientist, I even experimented on myself by eating whole wheat crackers and after about 2 hours was cramping up and having diarrhea for the next two days. I was on the gluten-free diet for over a month before I could see the specialist.

This guy was very cocky with me but after hearing about my symptoms, he went ahead and had the IgA and IgG tests as well as the genetic marker tests done. I warned him that I had been gluten free for at least a month, but even so, after seeing the tests - I tested positive for the genetic DQ2 marker, over 90% of celiacs carry this marker - and negative for the IgA and IgG tests, he said I was negative for celiac disease ...period. No offer for follow up tests, no recommendations for what to do next. As many people have already written on this site, I know my body and my symptoms and I know I have celiac disease. I've done a lot of reading and understand that these tests may not be definitive but I don't trust this creep and if I can hope to get a diagnosis in a reasonable amount of time, I need to see someone (in San Diego) who knows of and understands this disease. Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer information, support and/or advise!

[tarnalberry]

Let me ask my therapist. She's in SD, and said she knows a well-known doctor in the area. Have you tried calling Scripps and asking there?

[sllee]

Actually, the specialist I saw is at Scripps (La Jolla). I look forward to hearing of any names though. Thanks!

[tarnalberry]

I think the one she was referring to was at UCSD, but it may take a while to get an answer for you. (I don't see her again for three weeks or so.)