It seems like I am constantly being told by other doctors (ob/gyn, dermatologist) that I should be seeing a GI doctor, or in the case of my pregnancy, they recommended a nutritionist. I've been down this road, and it seems like a waste of time and money. If I'm doing the diet, why do I need to pay money to go tell a guy that everything's going fine. Shouldn't doctors be there for when there is something wrong and you need help?

Has anyone that has been doing the gluten free diet benefited from seeing a nutritionist? My preg. doctor keeps mentioning it, but I have a feeling that they are going to tell me what I already know, and give me lists I already have. When I first got diagnosed, my GI sent me to one, and she knew nothing. I hadn't even started the diet, and I could walk circles around her with all my knowledge.

It seems to me like doctors sometimes have an overinflated sense of self-importance. Like we need them in order to survive properly. What is the benefit in an appointment where the doctor just wants to make sure everything is still going okay? How about I'll call him if everything ISN'T going okay???

Agree? Disagree?

Lisa

Well, one thing you DON'T want to do when you are sick is find a new doctor. You should have one or two that you like, and checked out when you were feeling well. For instance, if you think you may need a GI, say to do an endo in a couple of years to make sure everything looks well healed and there's no villi damage, then now or some other time when you are feeling good is the time to check one out, meet with him and make sure his manner and attitude work for you, that he's knowledgeable about celiac, etc. If you do have problems, maybe develop other food intollerances or something, you don't want to have to start searching and take the first doctor who can fit you in, who may know nothing about you or your disease. Like you wouldn't want to look in the phone book for a pediatritian when the baby's sick, you should have a doctor or two that you've established relationships with while you are feeling great, just in case you do need them someday. And you probably don't need EVERY kind a doctor, just a GP and maybe another that you like and trust who understands your needs.
Debbie

I think in general there's a grave misconception amoung the gluten-eating public (including doctors) that a gluten-free diet must be somehow unbalanced, or at least unhealthily restrictive. I honestly don't think anything could be further from the truth! I've had people suggest nutritionists to me, and I find it quite insulting because my diet (Paleolithic - just fresh organic meat, fish, fruit, veggies and nuts) is WAY healthier than their typical modern diets. Bar special occasions, I eat zero junk food and provided I don't get cross-contaminated I am way healthier than they are too with more energy. Maybe they're just jealous because they're addicted to gluten and sugar?

Anyway, I think you are giving your baby a great start in life and you're right, doctors really don't like it when we diagnose or fix ourselves! A good doctor would tell you to just keep doing what you're doing.

I saw a nutrionist, she's a good friend of my mom. Her daughter also has Celiac so she was very helpful and gave me lots of newbie info. If your insurnace would pay for it, then I'd say it couldn't hurt!