Hey y'all, just wondering if there are any groups in the Richmond, Virginia area. Please let me know if anyone knows anything. Thanks!

There is a really great group in the Richmond area.

Lots of involvement, and they have great speakers.

Richmond:
The West End Gluten Intolerance Group®
Madelyn Smith, Branch Manager
phone: 804-968-4111
email: twegig@comcast.net
website: www.gigofrichmond.org

I've been trying to get ahold of them but havent been able to. The website lists meeting time and place, but not DAY, and I emailed asking if the group was still alive and if they had lists of good doctors, and got no response. I'm in the far-west-end . ..

Have you tried calling the branch manager?

No, I guess I should try that - i dont like the phone that much, I much prefer electronic communication - the kids can interupt me, i can do it when its convenient, its there when i'm ready for it. Plus, I'm waiting for the test results to come back, cuz I wasnt sure if they'd be open to me w/out any dx. So i'll try calling after I'm more sure . . .

Thank you so much for the info! I just tried calling the branch manager but no one answered the phone. I'll also try emailing and see what comes of it. Since y'all are in the Richmond area, do you personally have any doctors, nutritionists, etc. that you know of to either recommend or avoid? Thank you!

Tina Shiver is an excellent nutritionist-- but she will likely try to give you the SCD diet book, it may help you, though it DIDN'T help me-- seems to help many people, though. You can find her at "tinashiver.com"

http://www.gigofrichmond.org/

Meeting dates/location have been updated.

Hi Virginia! My Dr. sent me to the University of Va in Charlottesville to see Dr. Sheila Crowe, who's supposed to be the area's expert. I saw a nutrionitst there, too. I got a lot more out of the nutrionist than I did anyone else! I had to wait a very long time to go......might be worth it to you. Good luck!

VCU also has experienced GIs. They are participating in a Celiac research study.

Could you recommend anyone in particular at VCU. My family doctor and dermatologist have both recommended I go for a GI work-up for ?able DH/celiac. The only MD I've found in VA specializing in these areas is Dr. Sheila Crowe at UVA...but can't get in with her until the end of July. Her office offered an appointment with a physicians' assistant in June; however, I'm a little reluctant to go to her vs. an MD. Do you have any suggestions?

LizzieO

Dr. michael farrell with richmond gastrointestinal specialists diagnosed me and seems very aware of celiac and related issues. they have several offices and their web site is www.gastrova.com. Hope this helps! --emmbee