Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Northern Virginia Gi Doctor?

CantEvenEatRice

By CantEvenEatRice
in Doctors

Recommended Posts

CantEvenEatRice Enthusiast
CantEvenEatRice
Posted

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if someone could recommend a good doctor who is familiar with Celiac in the Northern Virginia area? I was diagnosed with Celiac about 3 years ago, but have since developed so many food interolances. I feel like I get sick from just about everything. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

  • 3 weeks later...
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Do we have any other nova residents on board who can give a recommendation? Please?

I might be moving to nova soon and would also appreciate someone's experience with Celiac docs up there. Thanks.

Guest NancyS
Guest NancyS
Posted

:D Yes! Yes! Yes! :D

I am new to this and have just found out I (probably-although I am certain) have celiac disease. I have been so sick, especially for the last 3 months...I can't seem to recover this time. I happened to meantioned that I can't eat wheat/gluten to some of my friends at work, and they told me another lady at work has this same disease! So, I just spoke with her today and asked for the name of her doctor, here in Northern Virginia.

Here is the info:

Dr. Michael Garone

Gastroenterology Associates of Northern Virginia

(703) 716-8700

The lady at work has already been helped greatly with his help and she is doing great! I just called today and the first appointment for a new patient I could get was Oct. 5th. I am anxious, also, to get help.

Although, with just 2 1/2 weeks of removing gluten from diet and reading every post possible on this site,

I am feeling and bit better, but, mentally I am much better because of all of the great and helpful information from everyone here!

God Bless You All!!!

Thank you!

Nancy

CantEvenEatRice Enthusiast
CantEvenEatRice
Posted
  • Author

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I was so hoping that someone would recommend someone. Nancy, were you ever a member of a Chronic Fatigue board? There was a teacher in NOVA named Nancy from another board and I was just curious if it was you? Thanks again for the Dr.'s info!

Guest NancyS
Guest NancyS
Posted
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I was so hoping that someone would recommend someone. Nancy, were you ever a member of a Chronic Fatigue board? There was a teacher in NOVA named Nancy from another board and I was just curious if it was you? Thanks again for the Dr.'s info!

:) Oh my goodness...you are so welcome!

Actually, last night was my first post, because this is brand new to me also. I had seen your post in my own despiration, and it pushed me to contact the lady at work that suffers with the same disease, to ask her of the doctor here in No. VA. So, the thank you should be to YOU! But, I guess that is what it is all about, all of us together, helping each other! You made me feel so good inside. Thank you. And, no, I was never a member of the chronic fatigue board. This is my first experience, but a VERY GOOD one at that.

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee let me know how you are and if you called this doctor. And I will let you know my experience, also. But, I feel very positive that he will help us!

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

hey nancy-let me add my thanks as well! I will be in touch with both of you when my potential new jobby job works out....i really appreciate you posting!! welcome to the board---this will be a great resource for you and we are happy to have you here.

xoxo

Guest NancyS
Guest NancyS
Posted

Hi Laura,

Thank you for the welcome to this site! I'm soooo happy to be here. :D I feel like I have found my "home" and my "health" here.

I've only been in the No Virginia area for about 4 years, but if you need help in your move to this area, let me know. At least I could try and point you in the right direction!

The good news is a good GI doctor awaits you!

Nancy

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

hey nancy-where do you live in nova? as a military brat, I lived there twice....once when I was very young and once for four years in elementary school. We still have a lot of family friends there, so we are hoping that it works out. we would be moving to fairfax, near GMU. I'll have to learn the ropes in terms of where to shop for food and such...I think I have multiple food intolerances (dx Celiac for two years, recent new probs, but thats a whole other story) so its looking like I'm going to have to cut out dairy, soy, etc. At least there are Whole Foods up there!!!

this is a great board---i found it a year after being dx (darn it-sure would've made it easier on me) and it has been my resource for all that is gluten free. :) Lots of great people, and almost all the time, you'll get an answer. Sometimes, lots of answers filled with opinions :P, but always answers.

Guest NancyS
Guest NancyS
Posted

Hi Laura,

I live in Sterling, work in Reston, and my parents live in Alexandria...so I am kind of all over the place. You won't be too far in Fairfax, near GMU. I 'm not a military brat, but I have moved alot in my life...my dad liked to change jobs alot. But, basically, I was born and raise in Southern California. This East Coast life is sure different. Although I have pretty much adapted <_< , and like it ok. It is pretty here. And, yes, Whole Foods is a blessing. I have also found spme things at Safeway, believe it or not. And there are a few things at Trader Joes. The hardest thing, is having to shop at so many different stores to find the items needed to complete a meal. Oh well. I am sure I will get use to it. I don't have any choice! When will you be moving here? It'll be good to be able to share things with another person in my area.

Nancy :)

  • 2 weeks later...
colleenmc Newbie
colleenmc
Posted

Not entirely unrelated, just wanted to mention that the Northern Virginia restaurant chain Great American Restaurants has just completed their gluten free menu for all their sites. This includes Artie's in Fairfax, Mike's American Grill in Alexandria, Silverado in Falls Church, Sweetwater Tavern in Merrifield and Centerville, Carlyle Grand in Shirlington, and Coastal Flats in Fairfax and Tysons. It's not on their web site yet, but they have a laminated copy at each location. It's nice to find a real restaurant that has a gluten free menu, not just the chains.

Open Original Shared Link

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Colleen---Thank you so much for sharing that! I appreciate it!

  • 1 month later...
Mountaineer Josh Apprentice
Mountaineer Josh
Posted

I live in Northern VA too and I drive to Baltimore to see Dr. Alessio Fasano one of the world's top experts on Celiace Disease. He's the director for the Celiac Research Center at the University of Maryland.

Open Original Shared Link

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Josh,

I just moved to Fairfax. I am having issues beyond Celiac at this point, but it is good to know that you have had a seemingly great experience with Dr. Fasano. I have heard wonderful things about him. I heard the head of Alba Therapeutics (the drug company that was started because of Dr. Fasano's research) speak at a support group in Richmond this spring.......talk about inspiring!

Laura

Tim-n-VA Contributor
Tim-n-VA
Posted
I just moved to Fairfax.

I live in Burke. If you haven't tried the Wegman's for groceries, I'd recommend it. Their store brands are well labeled for gluten-free. A new Whole Foods is being built in the Fair Lakes area. The Whole Foods in Springfield is a little cramped so I'm hoping the new one will be more spacious.

Can't help with a doctor recommendation. I was diagnosed by a doctor at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda.

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Thanks for the recommendations, Tim! I appreciate it.

Because of my other food intolerances and other health issues, I can't eat any of the pre-made gluten free products anymore. (See my signature). The irony is that I finally move to a place with an abundance of gluten free products......and I can't eat them because of their other ingredients.

I'm now seeing a doc at NIH and John Hopkins (for post-Celiac stuff).

  • 3 weeks later...
gandm Newbie
gandm
Posted

HAPPYGIRL, sounds like your body has refined to a Paleo diet, which many actually decide to go on...without having celiac disease....by choice feeling that is the original diet that our bodies were designed for. That's Paleolithic diet or hunter-gatherer diet. One starter explanation - but there are several - is at: earth360.com/diet_paleodiet_balzer.html. The Neolithic version adds in cooked grains, dairy, sugars...sort of natural but not original to our human creation. (because, for example, grains weren't edible until man found out about fire and cooking them.) So the purists do without them. Check it out. Maybe your food intake situation will stabilize and then you won't feel so bad, knowing you might actually be quite stylish in some circles with your Paleo diet:)

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted
HAPPYGIRL, sounds like your body has refined to a Paleo diet, which many actually decide to go on...without having celiac disease....by choice feeling that is the original diet that our bodies were designed for. That's Paleolithic diet or hunter-gatherer diet. One starter explanation - but there are several - is at: earth360.com/diet_paleodiet_balzer.html. The Neolithic version adds in cooked grains, dairy, sugars...sort of natural but not original to our human creation. (because, for example, grains weren't edible until man found out about fire and cooking them.) So the purists do without them. Check it out. Maybe your food intake situation will stabilize and then you won't feel so bad, knowing you might actually be quite stylish in some circles with your Paleo diet:)

gandm, thank you for your concern, but my issues (it is a long story) are much more detailed than just some foods. I react to almost all. I am being tested for eosinophilic disorders which are related to multiple food intolerances and allergies. I cannot tolerate any legumes/beans, eggs, nuts, and only some veggies/fruits.

Thank you for thinking of me.

GFinVA Newbie
GFinVA
Posted

Hello to all the other Northern Virginia people :)

I just had my first appointment with a new GI in Fairfax (in the medical buildings outside Fair Oaks Hospital). He and his nurse were both quite knowledgable about Celiac and related autoimmune disorders. He actually spent almost 45 mintues talking with me and answering my questions and didn't rush me out the door like many doctors do. I would highly recommend him to anyone that is looking for a doctor in the area. His name is Myron Shoham and his phone # is 703-281-1023.

  • 4 months later...
JennaB Newbie
JennaB
Posted

YES! Go to www.doctorgi.com and look for Dr. Darren Baroni. He has been WONDERFUL from my first visit! Does anyone know a good Nutritionist in Northern Virginia?

  • 7 years later...
RobinsEggBlue Newbie
RobinsEggBlue
Posted

Josh,

I just moved to Fairfax. I am having issues beyond Celiac at this point, but it is good to know that you have had a seemingly great experience with Dr. Fasano. I have heard wonderful things about him. I heard the head of Alba Therapeutics (the drug company that was started because of Dr. Fasano's research) speak at a support group in Richmond this spring.......talk about inspiring!

Laura

Hi, I was finally diagnosed by Dr. Leila Zachrison in Fairfax after visiting untold numbers of gastroenterologists and told I had IBS. Finally someone who understood and tested me for Celiac. She got to the bottom of all my problems where no other doctor could. She is a traditional M.D. (rheumatologist, internist) but trained in integrative medicine. She and her staff are amazing and can really help you if you have more going on than just celiac. I got to a point where I could no longer work and needed a doctor that took insurance. I found a Dr. Robert Ducati in N. VA not for from Tysons Corner in Merrifield. He is a Functional Medicine doctor, chiropractor and nutritionist! We like him a lot. Not the same as Dr. Z but also very good! I would recommend them both. They will help you get better through diet, supplements, and getting to the root of the problem instead of just writing a prescription. Your visits with them are frequently an hour long, not 10 minutes.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      126,672
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Mykidzz3
    Newest Member
    Mykidzz3
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.9k
    • Total Posts
      69.6k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • RMJ
      What might this EMA result mean?

      By RMJ · Posted

      g/L, a weight per volume unit, would be a very unusual unit for a celiac specific (EMA) test.   1.24 g/L would be in the normal range if this was a TOTAL IgA test. Best to ask the doctor.
    • Lieke
      Searching for good MD/PCP in Portland ME Area

      By Lieke · Posted

      Hi Hi! I am looking for a PCP in the Portland ME area. I have been dealing with Celiac disease for 30 years. My specialist Celiac MD is in Boston, but I want somebody closer by. Am thinking of an MD working in functional medicine/integrative medicine who is willing to ‘walk the journey’ with me. Despite a strict gluten-free diet, I still have challenges, am ‘super sensitive celiac’ with at time cross contact issues when going out to dinner.  any suggestions?  much appreciated! lieke
    • knitty kitty
      Food Tasting Salty

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Part of the body's immune reaction to gluten is to release histamine.  This tastes salty, just like tears and snot.        
    • knitty kitty
      Eye irritation 2.5 months into gluten free diet

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      I've had dry eye symptoms.  The eye drops did not help me.  What did help was making sure I was consuming Omega Three fats like flax seed oil and olive oil, and taking essential B vitamins, especially Riboflavin, Thiamin, and Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin A, one of the fat soluble vitamins.   Newly diagnosed Celiac can have trouble absorbing fats and absorbing B vitamins.  Most gluten free processed foods contain saturated fats which the body can't utilize. Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like gluten containing products.  The eyes make a film of healthy omega three fats which keeps the eyes lubricated.  Insufficient omega threes can show up as dry eyes.  Most newly diagnosed Celiac are low in Vitamin D, as well as Vitamin A, both fat based vitamins.   Thiamin Vitamin B 1 and Riboflavin B 2 are needed for eye health and optic nerve health.  Taking a B Complex vitamin supplement is beneficial.  Since the B vitamins are water soluble, any excess that the body doesn't need is excreted easily in urine.  The gluten free diet is low in essential B vitamins because gluten free processed foods that replace gluteny breads are not required to have vitamins and minerals added to them in order to replace vitamins and minerals lost in processing as is required with gluten containing products.   Other things that are helpful is to refrain from using highly perfumed products (hair care, body washes, deodorants, room fresheners, cleaning products, etc.).  These can dry out the eyes, too.   Staring at computer screens can be detrimental because you STARE and don't blink.  The tear ducts that keep the eyes lubricated are in the corners of the eyes.  Take breaks from staring at the computer screen.  Look out of the corners of your eyes to the right and blink several times, then look to the left and blink to help the tears spread over the whole eye.   My eyes have sustained permanent damage because of nutritional deficiencies.  My ophthalmologist and my doctors did not connect any of my health problems with nutritional deficiencies which occurred with undiagnosed Celiac Disease.  My optic nerve shuts down and I lose my vision if I spend too much time looking at computer screens, led lights, and TV.  My vision goes gray and dim.  It's much worse than "optic snow".  It can take  hours or days for my vision to return.  My ophthalmologist said my vision might not come back from that sometime.  My ophthalmologist said the flash rate, refresh rate, is registered by the optic nerve which gets over stimulated and shuts down.  The optic nerve uses lots of Thiamine.  Thiamine insufficiency will cause permanent optic nerve damage unless corrected promptly.  My thiamine insufficiency/deficiency was not corrected promptly and I have this permanent damage and light sensitivity.  I take Benfotiamine, a form of Thiamine that also is beneficial for healing the intestinal tract.  Riboflavin,  Pyridoxine B 6,  and Vitamin A are also needed for eye health.   Thiamine insufficiency can also cause anxiety.  Thiamine and magnesium will relieve muscle cramps. Talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals while your intestines are recovering.  Hope this helps!  
    • cristiana
      Reflux related cough anyone?

      By cristiana · Posted

      UPDATE I've been asked for an update by someone who sent a PM, but It's best to post health info publicly because this means fellow Mods can make sure I'm staying on the straight and narrow path with any advice I'm giving out! Alex...   Yes, my symptoms did slowly improve.  They started around October, from memory.  Approaching Christmas I remember the feeling as if there were feathers irritating my chest in my lower throat and in my lungs, and things like scented candles made things even worse.  I had a endoscopy and they found nothing wrong, I also had a chest X-Ray because of the cough which lasted more than six weeks and nothing showed. In the end I think the end it settled because I was doing the following: following a reflux/gastritis diet  (you can find lots of these diets on line, which focus on a low fat, low acidndiet, avoiding spices etc, avoiding alcohol and coffee etc) not eating three hours before I went to bed, which means going to bed with an empty stomach sleeping with a wedge pillow, which I still do, five years on... taking Gaviscon Advanced before bedtime, and after meals (not much, just a large teaspoon) using a blue Salbutamol inhaler, I think it was two puffs in the morning and two puffs at night. I felt a lot better after about three or four months.  I then only used the inhaler and Gaviscon when I had to, if I started to feel my chest was getting irritated again. I find keeping on top of reflux symptoms the way forward.  My gastroenterologist told me that the cough was to do with reflux/gasses in the gut coming up that can irritate the throat and airways and the fact I noticed improvement when using Gaviscon showed that that was what was causing it, because it provides a barrier that stops this happening. From the Gaviscon UK website: "It creates a protective barrier or raft over the Stomach contents (which is mostly acid, but also pepsin and bile)." https://www.gaviscon.co.uk/#:~:text=It creates a protective barrier,water and other neutral substances. This protective barrier stopped the contents of my stomach from coming up to irritate my throat, as I understand it, and allowed any irritation in my throat to settle. I do still take Gaviscon if I eat a late meal but not every day.  I hope this helps.  Do come back to me on this thread if I can help further. Cristiana    
×
×
  • Create New...