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

Hershey Med Ctr Or Dr. Rampertab

NicoleAJ

By NicoleAJ
in Doctors

Recommended Posts

NicoleAJ Enthusiast
NicoleAJ
Posted

I'm unhappy with the three GIs I've seen in small town PA, and I was wondering if anyone has seen one of the GIs at Hershey medical center? As a PSU grad student, I'm eligible to go there for treatment, and I noticed on the website that Dr. Rampertab lists celiac and ulcerative colitis as her clinical interests. I'd love to hear if you have any feedback, good, bad, or indifferent. Thanks so much!

Nicole

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guhlia Rising Star
Guhlia
Posted

I haven't heard anything about this doctor. I just wanted to bump this back up to the top because I know we have someone on this board that works at Hershey Med (I think that's where she works). Hopefully she'll be able to help.

SunnyDyRain Enthusiast
SunnyDyRain
Posted
I haven't heard anything about this doctor. I just wanted to bump this back up to the top because I know we have someone on this board that works at Hershey Med (I think that's where she works). Hopefully she'll be able to help.

I'm sure Amanda will know something, she works there. I'd also be interested in knowing. I haven't seen a GI and I might concider going if it's not a waste.

stephanie19 Newbie
stephanie19
Posted

Hi Nicole,

I don't know anything about that dr., but I wanted to reply b/c I'm going to be starting my master's at PSU in August. If you end up seeing her, let us know what you think of her.

Also, if you have any tips about being gluten-free in State College (restaurants, etc.), I'd love any advice. (I'm not only going to be new to the area--I'm from So. Calif.--but I'm also new to being gluten-free, as I just got my Enterolab results.)

Stephanie

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

Hi Nicole,

I work at Hershey Med, at the Penn State Cancer Institute. I will ask around some of my nurses tomorrow. I actually was diagnosed through my family doctor who is also at the medical center. She knows alot about celiac. Are you heading down the med center at all?

If you have any questions feel free to pm me, I can give you parking tips and good directions. We are doing lots of construction right now so its a bit confusing.

Amanda

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted
Hi Nicole,

I don't know anything about that dr., but I wanted to reply b/c I'm going to be starting my master's at PSU in August. If you end up seeing her, let us know what you think of her.

Also, if you have any tips about being gluten-free in State College (restaurants, etc.), I'd love any advice. (I'm not only going to be new to the area--I'm from So. Calif.--but I'm also new to being gluten-free, as I just got my Enterolab results.)

Stephanie

Step-

State College has a Wegmans. Its a grocery store, very knowledgeable with Celiac. Check them out. www.wegmans.com

NicoleAJ Enthusiast
NicoleAJ
Posted
  • Author

Amanda,

Thanks for checking around on this doctor and for offering to volunteer directions advice--I'll definitely need that come September when I go to see the doctor.

Stephanie,

I just posted info on State College in the travel forum yesterday. Here's the link: Open Original Shared Link

What part of California do you live in? I'm going to be moving to San Luis Obispo next year because my fiance got a job as a professor at Cal Poly, but I will be spending a lot of time in the LA and San Diego areas if you have any suggestions. If you have any questions about State College, just PM me. I'm happy to talk about food issues or about the area in general.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Lauren M Explorer
Lauren M
Posted

Been there, done that, now seeing Dr. Fasano :P

I was actually diagnosed and had my biopsy at Hershey Med. Ctr. Admittedly, my GI doc (who was not the one who did the biopsy) did not know much about Celiac. I was handed an antiquated paper that had "safe" foods (gluten-free foods) and "not safe" foods (supposedly non-gluten-free foods, but the list was really old and ultra conservative). I don't recognize the name of the doctor you mention, but then again, I was diagnosed 3+ yrs ago.

Things may have changed, but I wouldn't recommend Hershey for Celiacs. I had my records transferred to Dr. Fasano, and have been seeing him as my doctor ever since. It's worth a little bit of a longer drive to me.

- Lauren

SunnyDyRain Enthusiast
SunnyDyRain
Posted
Been there, done that, now seeing Dr. Fasano :P

I was actually diagnosed and had my biopsy at Hershey Med. Ctr. Admittedly, my GI doc (who was not the one who did the biopsy) did not know much about Celiac. I was handed an antiquated paper that had "safe" foods (gluten-free foods) and "not safe" foods (supposedly non-gluten-free foods, but the list was really old and ultra conservative). I don't recognize the name of the doctor you mention, but then again, I was diagnosed 3+ yrs ago.

Things may have changed, but I wouldn't recommend Hershey for Celiacs. I had my records transferred to Dr. Fasano, and have been seeing him as my doctor ever since. It's worth a little bit of a longer drive to me.

- Lauren

I have been thinking about seeing Dr, Fasano myself, but am worried as I have heard bad things about him. Mostly I heard he is short, expensive, and only looking for test subjects. I am under the impression that insurances don't cover him.

Tell me if any of that is true.

Lauren M Explorer
Lauren M
Posted
I have been thinking about seeing Dr, Fasano myself, but am worried as I have heard bad things about him. Mostly I heard he is short, expensive, and only looking for test subjects. I am under the impression that insurances don't cover him.

Tell me if any of that is true.

Oh wow, I've never heard any of that.

Honestly, I credit Dr. F. with saving my life. His staff - Pam King (the center's director), Pam Cureton (the nutrionist), and Maggie, are BEYOND fantastic. He's never asked me to be a test subject for anything! I think Dr. F. is refreshing b/c he's a doctor who actually has a personality - each year he does the Celiac Walk/Run in Baltimore with his wife and son, and he always is laughing, joking around, and is so appreciative of everyone's support of his studies.

I am surprised that other people have had a less than satisfactory experience at the center for celiac in B-more. To each his own, I guess?

- Lauren

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

I work at Hershey, but actually have never seen a GI doc, my family dr knew about celiac. She explained it to me and said this is a very common condition and it goes undiagnosed. She also many doctors pin IBS on a person without even checking into anything else. I did have a celiac panel drawn and it was positive and started the diet and never looked back.

I can say the Oncology dr's here and the dr's in Reproductive Endo are great, I work with the Cancer dr's and I have been a patient in the other department.

SunnyDyRain Enthusiast
SunnyDyRain
Posted
Oh wow, I've never heard any of that.

Honestly, I credit Dr. F. with saving my life. His staff - Pam King (the center's director), Pam Cureton (the nutrionist), and Maggie, are BEYOND fantastic. He's never asked me to be a test subject for anything! I think Dr. F. is refreshing b/c he's a doctor who actually has a personality - each year he does the Celiac Walk/Run in Baltimore with his wife and son, and he always is laughing, joking around, and is so appreciative of everyone's support of his studies.

I am surprised that other people have had a less than satisfactory experience at the center for celiac in B-more. To each his own, I guess?

- Lauren

Did your insurance cover the visit?

I was daignosed by bloodwook by my GP, I had to suggest it to her, she is familar with celiac, but I she perfers to pass it off to a GI. I told her to test me, she did. She wanted me to go see a GI, but I'm scared and she told me to begin the diet and I can see a GI at a later time. I am thinking about going to a GI as I'm not seeing results from just gluten-free, I have removed Casiens and other things, still not seeing worthwhile improvements.

Lauren M Explorer
Lauren M
Posted
Did your insurance cover the visit?

I was daignosed by bloodwook by my GP, I had to suggest it to her, she is familar with celiac, but I she perfers to pass it off to a GI. I told her to test me, she did. She wanted me to go see a GI, but I'm scared and she told me to begin the diet and I can see a GI at a later time. I am thinking about going to a GI as I'm not seeing results from just gluten-free, I have removed Casiens and other things, still not seeing worthwhile improvements.

Yes, insurance covered with copay.

I'm telling you now, I think that if you are not seeing worthwhile improvements since going gluten-free, Dr. F. MAY want you to go back on gluten and be retested/biopsied. You wouldn't know for sure unless you went to see him, but knowing him, that would be my guess.

- Lauren

NicoleAJ Enthusiast
NicoleAJ
Posted
  • Author

Thank you everyone for your responses. I've actually scheduled my appointment with Dr. Rampertab on Sept 11th, so I'll let you know what I think.

Lauren M--I'm sorry your experience was so bad at Hershey and hope that mine isn't equally disappointing.

Dr. Fasano sounds great, but as a grad student, my insurance only covers doctors in the Penn State system, and it seems like Hershey is as good as it gets. Until I get a job as a professor, I'll have to do the best I can within the Penn State system.

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      126,084
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Dezzy
    Newest Member
    Dezzy
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.9k
    • Total Posts
      69.2k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Injera recipe ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here you go:  
    • Scott Adams
      Has anyone found Ozempic affected their symptoms?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is an interesting theory, but it’s important to note that Ozempic, while it does slow digestion, doesn’t change the body’s immune response to gluten in individuals with celiac disease. Even if symptoms seem reduced, the immune system is still triggered, which can cause the same long-term damage to the intestines, regardless of symptom severity. Regarding sourdough bread, while it may have lower levels of gluten depending on how it’s made, it’s still not safe for people with celiac disease unless it’s explicitly gluten-free. The immune response to gluten in celiac disease is triggered by even tiny amounts of gluten, so adhering strictly to a gluten-free diet is essential for health and healing. If you suspect Ozempic or other factors are influencing your symptoms, it might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider or a specialist to ensure you’re fully addressing your health needs.
    • Scott Adams
      On the cusp of facing a new life of managing a life with Celiac Disease

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This article might be helpful. It breaks down each type of test, and what a positive results means in terms of the probability that you might have celiac disease. Re: tTG-IgA:    
    • RMJ
      Options - 7 year old boy - Helicobacter pylori and serology

      By RMJ · Posted

      Most antibody tests for celiac don’t report a zero because of the way the tests work.  The lowest reportable value is usually <# (# being the lowest quantifiable value for that particular lab’s test).  Values can and should eventually decrease into the normal range.  So for the lab used for your son, a 9 would be considered normal. A grain of wheat will not trigger the same response as a full bowl of spaghetti. Most biological reactions follow a dose response curve - the larger the dose, the larger the response - in that particular person. The intestines can be attacked and antibody levels can increase without symptoms.  Also, acute symptoms from a one time “glutening” can happen without antibody levels increasing. The severe acute reactions that some people have within minutes to hours after ingesting gluten appear to be due to cytokines. I call myself a supersensitive but silent celiac.  I never had obvious symptoms but was tested because I get migraines and my doctor thought there might be a connection.  I do have less fatigue now that I am gluten free.  Still get the occasional migraine unfortunately. I started my gluten free diet by avoiding things with obvious gluten ingredients,  Antibody levels went down but one was still above normal.  Then I only ate processed foods labeled gluten free. That antibody level decreased more but was still above normal.  Now I eat processed foods that are certified gluten free or small amounts of a few items labeled gluten free from very reputable companies and all my antibody levels are in the normal ranges. The stubborn antibody level rose above normal once, I stopped using gluten free flour from a reputable company and it went back down to normal. It would almost be easier if I DID react obviously to gluten.  Then I’d know what foods to avoid, instead of relying on once a year blood tests.      
    • cristiana
      Options - 7 year old boy - Helicobacter pylori and serology

      By cristiana · Posted

      As a parent myself, I find we feel these things very keenly, it is completely understandable that you feel the way you do. It won't always be easy for your son, of course, but honestly most of the coeliacs I know are very healthy individuals who enjoy life to the full and have adapted very well.  Family support is a massive factor in this, and your son has a wonderfully supportive family which will give him the best start possible.  He is very fortunate to have such an understanding mum.   On the response to gluten question you posed earlier - yes, many people when they come off gluten completely, after a while when they are exposed to gluten by accident or intentionally they react much more strongly than before, compared to when gluten was regularly being ingested.  I read once that once stop eating gluten completely, it is a bit like your system is fully rested, like a resting army, so when gluten does appear your body it goes all out to deal with the "enemy", throwing everything it can at it.   I am sure someone more scientific can better explain this to you.  But that said, I do have a friend who was diagnosed with coeliac disease just a few weeks before me, is strict with her diet, and she NEVER reacts physically to gluten, bizarrely.  It does happen! As regards blood tests which your son will no doubt be offered, these are to check for compliance to the gluten free diet as well as to check no other health issues are arising.  But on that first point, the blood test is unlikely to pick up one or two glutening experiences that happen in a year,  it tends to be more helpful to show if there is regular cross-contamination or ingestion of gluten.   When I was unintentionally taking an iron supplement that had gluten in it, it was a blood test that drew my attention to the fact that something was going wrong with my diet.
×
×
  • Create New...