Anyone In The Lehigh Valley, Pa?

[Guest DanceswithWolves]

Hello.

I'm new here and I am wondering if there is anyone currently residing in the Lehigh Valley, PA that can recommend a new doctor for me that specializes in Celiac Disease or Crohn's. My old doc just isn't helping me enough and I need help NOW.

I cannot seem to gain any weight, I have diarehea, chills in my hands/feet, sinus congestion (which is probably just my allergies) dry skin, hair is brittle and falls out, and sometimes pain in my sides.

I am on Clidinium right now for IBS/anxiety but I think I am having major malabsorbtion problems.

I eat fish, broccoli, meat, but I try to go light on breads but it's hard.

Any helpful advice would be grand!

thanks!

Erik

[KaitiUSA]

I live in MD so my recommendations would probably be too far for you. However, if you go to this home page and scroll down there is a link to recommended doctors by other celiacs and look in your area. Hope that helps a bit.

[Guest DanceswithWolves]

Yes...Thank you..saw the link, but most are in Philly or just outside. I'll look thru the phone book and make some calls. Right now I have no medical benefits anyway. I'm waiting for mine to kick in. I just started a new part-time job...so I have to wait.

I also wanted to mention that this morning I had a soft-boiled egg a banana and a piece of yeast-free toast and (just like clockwork) about 30 minutes after I eat I start to yawn, nasal congestion and my eyes water. It's like my body is having a reaction to anything that goes into me. I've had these symptoms for awhile. At least a year, now.

Is my body "attacking" the food like an outside enemy?

I just don't get it.

I have some phone numbers for couseling too. This whole thing has really been upsetting me and my family. I don't know if it's wise to go to a therapist right now, unless I can receive free care or a sliding pay scale. Worth a shot, huh? By the way, are you the woman on the left or the right?

[Jnkmnky]

Ok... You need help..fast. Going light on the breads means you're still eating gluten. Yeast free doesn't mean gluten free. You have to eliminate gluten if you want to try the gluten free diet to see if you feel better. Most celiacs will tell you they have their own butter stick, peanut butter jar, cream cheese, jelly, mayo, etc....the reason is that a SINGLE CRUMB of gluten will bring a celiac to his or her knees.......for days. Now, don't panic.. You can do this diet. You only have to understand what it is you're needing to eliminate. Remember, if you have Celiac Disease, your gluten free diet isn't equivalent to any other diet you've ever heard of. This is not the atkins or south beach diet and cheating happens and we move on. If you have Celiac Disease, you have an auto-immune disease which will win every time you challange it. You must understand you have to be 100% gluten free in order for your body to regain it's normally happy disposition. Please ask as many questions as you feel you need answers to. People here want nothing more than to hear you tell them you're feeling better.

[Carriefaith]

I cannot seem to gain any weight, I have diarehea, chills in my hands/feet, sinus congestion (which is probably just my allergies) dry skin, hair is brittle and falls out, and sometimes pain in my sides.

Based on these symptoms you could definately be suffering from celiac diease. Once you find a doctor, you should request a celiac blood test, preferably the tissue transglutamase test or the celiac blood panel. Don't go gluten free before the tests or you may get false negative results.

[Canadian Karen]

You definitely need to get tested for celiac, but I want to also suggest maybe getting your thyroid checked. Both conditions can bring on your symptoms.....

Welcome to the board!!!

Karen

[shimma]

I'm not sure how far you're willing to drive, but I went to a GI specialist in Paoli, PA. I got his name off this website. His name is Dr. Keith Laskin. That may be too far of a drive for you, but here's his info:

Keith Laskin, M.D.

Main Line Gastroenterology

Paoli Memorial Medical Building 3

Suite 333

255 West Lancaster Ave

Paoli, PA 19301

Tel: (610) 644-6755

[Guest DanceswithWolves]

I'm not sure how far you're willing to drive, but I went to a GI specialist in Paoli, PA.  I got his name off this website.  His name is Dr. Keith Laskin.  That may be too far of a drive for you, but here's his info: 

Keith Laskin, M.D.

Main Line Gastroenterology

Paoli Memorial Medical Building 3

Suite 333

255 West Lancaster Ave

Paoli, PA 19301

Tel: (610) 644-6755

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Awesome! I printed it out on Mapquest. Thank you, Thank you!

Now, one more question before I get off of this computer.

Everyone talks about their symptoms. How celiac disease brings them to their knees? What are talking about here as far as symptoms, reactions, or other things to look for?

How about fatigue on the right side hip area? ADD? Yawning? Mood swings? Depression? Anxiety? I mean, I know everyone is different, but where can I get a list of symptoms that are quite common with all of you?

I wish I could hug all of you today!

Thanks!

Erik

[KaitiUSA]

By the way, are you the woman on the left or the right?

I am the one on the right(the shorter one at 5'4)

Also, to answer your ? about symptoms...they vary person to person and there are over 200 symptoms.

Fatigue is actually the most common symptom.

Anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, mood swings, weight loss, weight gain, etc.you name it, it can come with it. Celiac can cause chaos anywhere in the body.

Some of your symptoms sound like mine...you should for sure get tested. They thought I had Crohns at first because it runs in my dads side of the family but it turned out to be Celiac. Also, getting your thyroid checked was a good suggestion too because some of your symptoms can come with that as well.

[Carriefaith]

where can I get a list of symptoms that are quite common with all of you?

This is my favorite list of symptoms:

Open Original Shared Link

Here are a list of the symtoms that I have had from gluten:

Hair loss

Extreme fatigue

Lack of energy/stamina

Brain Fog - or what I call pure stupidity

Joint pain - mainly in the knees and hips

Chicken pox like dots on the skin

Gas

Bloating

Diarrhea

Stomach pain (mild to severe)

Weight loss

I also get irritable and get very down about things (minor depression)

Lack of concentration - I get easily distracted and bored with things

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

I used to live in Allentown until I was eight years old. I don't know of any gastros, but there is a neurologist who might be able to help you if you have brain fog/severe malnutrition--Dr. Pileggi. He was practicing in the 80's back then (he diagnosed my ADD in 1987), but he was fairly young and I'm sure that he may still be there.

I remember Sacred Heart Hospital---I went there to get an x-ray for a broken toe. I suggest trying them as well.

Where in Lehigh Valley do you live?

If you're willing to drive to Reading (my birthplace), I trust West Reading Hospital. They helped out my paternal grandmother when she was dying of lung cancer.

Dr. Rocco (Rocky) Chireleisen is my cousin. He has a general practice at the same hospital.

Hope this helps!