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Need Dr In Portland Or Area

Meran

By Meran
in Doctors

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Meran Newbie
Meran
Posted

I'm currently seeing an herbalist, and she's doing well, but insurance is NOT paying. And I have insurance, darn it! I'd like them to reimburse me..

I never got a diagnosis. We went on a gluten free diet as part of a cleansing diet AND because I have FMS (fibromyalgia)... after 3 months, we were so hungry! We went back to eating 'regular', tho we were very careful, and didn't just pig out... We'd lost 15 lbs each.. didn't want to gain it back.

I started having symptoms of gut problems, much more than ever... so we knew. I couldn't get in to see my doc for a test, but in the interest of living comfortably, we switched over to gluten free, both of us. (he has ADHD and has seen MUCH improvement, tho it took much longer)

I finally got tested, and surprise, it was negative.. from what I understand, this test is not a reliable indicator anyway, tho my doc seemed to think so. When I continued having problems, she 'gave up and gave me the recommendation to see the homeopath, because she understood nutrition better'...

But when I look in the phonebook and other online places, the only doc coming up under celiac is many hours away!

Does anyone here have a recommendation for me?

thanks!

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celiac-mommy Collaborator
celiac-mommy
Posted

Dr. Char Glenn @ Nob Hill Internal Medicine Clinic. She specializes in adult Celiac disease and nutrition--she's a primary care doc. I really like her and she spend a lot of time with you.

503 274-9818

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Meran Newbie
Meran
Posted
  • Author

I guess I should have been a little more specific, sorry. ;)

NW Portland will take over an hour for me to get to and same back.. I'm outside the SE area towards Boring (but not as far)

Is no one else in the Portland area gut-positive? I HAVE noticed that they'll gladly scope you, all the way up the large colon, on a whim! but _real looking, no.. not so far...

frec Contributor
frec
Posted

Hi--Did you have the blood tests or the endoscopy? How long were you gluten free before the test? Quitting gluten before the blood tests affects the results.

There is a big gastroenterology clinic in the Tualatin area. They have a branch in Oregon City. (Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon 503 692 3750---they have a big website) My doctor there was good about the endoscopy and diagnosis; not much help since then though. Stay on the diet; goodbye.

Otherwise I am in the same situation as you. I also have fibromyalgia. I see a really good naturopath (Dr. Noel Peterson 503 636 2734 Center for Traditional Medicine) in Lake Oswego to answer all my nutritional questions and help track down other food intolerances. Naturopaths are not covered on my insurance.

Maybe we both need to drive to NW Portland!

Meran Newbie
Meran
Posted
  • Author

I've never been diagnosed. I went on the diet for another reason, and now do NOT test positive... However, all I read says that that test may not always be accurate anyway. My doc says that I don't have it, because of that negative. And I will NOT eat gluten just to make a doc 'know' that I am what I am... gluten intolerant, at best.

I'm hoping for a doctor who can treat me, knowing all this. and no, haven't had any scoping either.. not upper. As I said before, they're ~quite willing to scope the bottom sections.. At this point, I think my doc has given up on me. I'm already getting pretty major pain pills for the FMS; she may be thinking I want more. (I don't.. I'd love nothing better that to give up all pills and their timetables... and have a nice normal life. hah!)

I may go visit this new doc anyway. Is she still taking patients? Many are not... also, I don't want a doc that probes, says stay on the diet, and goodbye.. I might as well just ask them where to send the money, since I already know all that! :)

So, no one closer to me?

How do y'all find your docs? Hunt and peck? Isn't there a list somewhere of docs 'friendly' to celiac/gluten problems?

and hey you in Lake Oswego.. that's my county, wanna meet for coffee sometime? (or tea, tea works too)

frec Contributor
frec
Posted

I know there is genetic testing that can help confirm what kind of celiac/gluten intolerance you have if you are ever curious. I have no idea how to get it or if it is covered by insurance. My diagnosis was so classic I didn't need it.

I'm seeing a new gastro--Dr. Alan Kaynard--at West Hills Gastro in September. He says he knows about celiac, but we'll see. If he really knows his stuff I'll post something on the forum.

I sent you a private email--it's not spam or a virus, it's me.

Grain-Damaged Newbie
Grain-Damaged
Posted
I see a really good naturopath (Dr. Noel Peterson 503 636 2734 Center for Traditional Medicine) in Lake Oswego to answer all my nutritional questions and help track down other food intolerances. Naturopaths are not covered on my insurance.

IAWTC - I've gone to see him and he's VERY good. Worth the cost when it comes right down to it.

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Hummingbird4 Explorer
Hummingbird4
Posted

My doctor is the other direction from you - he's Dr. Lake at Hillsboro Gastroenterology. You definitely do NOT want to drive from Boring to Hillsboro. The Hwy 26 traffic would make you crazy! :o

  • 2 months later...
frec Contributor
frec
Posted

Hi again--I wanted to add an update. I saw Dr. Kaynard a few weeks ago and he was super, very impressive. He was knowledgeable and listened well. (He even took my very strong opinions on the connection of fibromyalgia and celiac seriously.) I didn't feel rushed, I didn't have to educate him, and I didn't feel as if he thought I was crazy. What a relief. He is very thorough and ran all kinds of nutritional tests that I should have had six years ago but let's not get into THAT. And his assistant called--amazing--twice about the results and gave me some things to follow through on. I'm getting a colonoscopy next week; we'll see if I still like him after that... ( :

West Hills Gastroenterolgy (now merged with The Oregon Clinic) on Barnes Road in the St. Vincent complex 503 297 8081

mftnchn Explorer
mftnchn
Posted

Good to know if I need a GI.

I got in this summer to see Dr. Glenn as a new patient, and so did my daughter. We both like her. She didn't have much to add to my care. She knows the doctor I am seeing for lyme disease and thinks he is wonderful--he is why she became a doctor, she said. So she didn't think she had much to add.

I had a colonoscopy this summer and was not impressed with the NP who did my intake. If I have to go again, I would seriously consider a change.

  • 1 month later...
caek-is-a-lie Explorer
caek-is-a-lie
Posted
West Hills Gastroenterolgy (now merged with The Oregon Clinic) on Barnes Road in the St. Vincent complex 503 297 8081

Oh that's super close to me! Did it take you long to get in and did you need a referral? I think my insurance will let me go anywhere. I like your description...I need someone who listens and knows I'm not crazy.

frec Contributor
frec
Posted

It didn't take too long to get in. The colonoscopy/endoscopy wasn't bad at all--except for the prep, of course. He discussed the results with me right away and gave me a copy. His assistant called with the lab reports about a week later and helped me with some follow up stuff. As I said before, I was impressed. He didn't even flinch too badly when I swore--loudly--about my test results (hey, I was on drugs and starving as well). He was sympathetic instead.

I think referrals depend on what your insurance is.

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