Help In Monterey, Ca

[sssmith1]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease during my time serving in Iraq as a Platoon Leader in the Army. Ironically, a small town doctor properly diagnosed me when I was on leave and not any Army docs who were against the idea until the bitter end. A year later I can't say that I haven't received treatment or had any help through the Army. Frustrating throughout, some did go to great lengths to help. Although self education has helped, I have been having follow on symptoms (chronic inflammation and pain in the both elbows and both wrists). I was hit by a suicide car bomber and numerous IEDs in Iraq so I have had my nerves tested, my back x-rayed and have checked out fine there. I do have mild post concussive symptoms, but they are not sure if it relates to these symptoms in my arms. So, still no answers. I know I need proper treatment. Since moving to Monterey, CA from FT Lewis, WA I was hoping for a new start with some qualified doctors. I've heard of a research center in San Diego, but does anyone know of any doctors in the Monterey, CA area? Thanks.

[MOOSEHEAD]

My doctor is Prince Shah in Gilroy, CA. His bedside manner needs some work,but he is all business. I suffered for about 4 years, until I got insurance and could go to a gastroenterologist. He diagnosed me in about 3 months. I had to take a genetic test that my insurance did not cover, about 1000 dollars. I feel this is good as it seems most celiacs go years with miss diagnosis. I know how hard it is to eat out and not get sick. I am starting to experiment with gluten free flour and ingredients to make bread and such, it is tough to make this stuff taste good!! Hope this helps, and thank you for your service to the country!!! Hey if you drink beer, we also sell Redbridge gluten-free beer. I love the stuff.

[SalmonNationWoman]

HI sssmith1,

I can't help you with a doctor in your area BUT I'm living with TBI (traumatic brain injury) and gluten intolerance. You're welcome to PM me and I'll share whatever Ican that might be helpful for you.

[southjerseygirl]

Hi Army: I am a celiac and my BF has had TBI for 1 year after a 32' fall from a tree. Just recently he started on the gluten-free diet with me and I also added sublingual vitamin b 2x day (liquid vitamin b, one dropper-full under tongue 2x day, hold for 1 minute then swallow, &, can get this at grocery). Well, the improvement is nothing short of amazing. he's been going to moss rehab's drucker brain injury center for almost 1 year, and made good recovery, then plateaued for 6 months. Now he's making super progress again; speaking better, walking better, had more energy and wants to go back to work! Don't ignore the TBI thing, because it's not always obvious, but has long-term consequenses if not attended too. and good luck with the celiacs, too. God bless you and thank you for your profound sacrifice for me and mine.

quote name='sssmith1' date='Apr 23 2008, 01:20 AM' post='421785']

I was diagnosed with celiac disease during my time serving in Iraq as a Platoon Leader in the Army. Ironically, a small town doctor properly diagnosed me when I was on leave and not any Army docs who were against the idea until the bitter end. A year later I can't say that I haven't received treatment or had any help through the Army. Frustrating throughout, some did go to great lengths to help. Although self education has helped, I have been having follow on symptoms (chronic inflammation and pain in the both elbows and both wrists). I was hit by a suicide car bomber and numerous IEDs in Iraq so I have had my nerves tested, my back x-rayed and have checked out fine there. I do have mild post concussive symptoms, but they are not sure if it relates to these symptoms in my arms. So, still no answers. I know I need proper treatment. Since moving to Monterey, CA from FT Lewis, WA I was hoping for a new start with some qualified doctors. I've heard of a research center in San Diego, but does anyone know of any doctors in the Monterey, CA area? Thanks.

[puggirl]

I also use Dr. Shah in Gilroy, Ca. I agree with the other post... He does need work on his Beside mannor... He diagnosed me with Celiac in Aug 08, I've been Gluten Free since.. I've had an EGD, and just had my Colonoscopy last week.. Needless to say... He didnt find anything. Except Very mild Colitous.. So I've been concidering Changing Doctors.. I really need results, I still have stomach pains and issues even with a gluten free diet. So Good luck!!

[tom]

. .. ....I still have stomach pains and issues even with a gluten free diet. So Good luck!!

I had tons of problems until also dairy-free & soy-free.

Have you tried that?

I see people say to try going w/out for a few days to check but that fooled me a few times. It wasn't until soy-free for 2 full wks that I became convinced.

[puggirl]

Hey, No I havent tried that yet.. I can seem to give up Cheese and Icecream. I dont each a ton of it, but enjoy it sometimes... But I figured I'm gonna have to start changing my diet to see what works and what doesnt. But not til I get back from Vegas in a couple weeks...

[tom]

Hey, No I havent tried that yet.. I can't seem to give up Cheese and Icecream.

I've heard only good things about coconut milk ice cream & many ppl who aren't good w/ cow's milk cheese are fine w/ goat cheese. It's a different, smaller casein (milk protein) molecule.

I eat goat cheese but miss the variety of regular. Wish the goat mozzarella I got in Phx was available in the Bay Area.