Gastroenterology/Nutrition - seeking doctor

[chickflick1979.livejournal.com]

Hi everyone!
You may remember me from a few months ago, looking for a PCP. I found one I like, but she's at Harvard Vanguard, and so far the specialists there = not so much.

So I'm wondering, does anybody know of a gastroenterologist in the area to help me out with a chronic inflammation/nausea/acid reflux problem? I'd like to find someone who won't just put me on a bunch of pills, but also help me fix my diet and such so that I know what to eat and what not to eat in order to temper the condition.

I'm debating just going to a nutritionist (rec's are welcome!), but I wonder if I can find a doctor who sort of does both (i.e., procedures, prescriptions, etc., but also concerned about nutrition, etc.)??

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, and I hope I get to come a meet up sometime soon!

Comments

[dreda.livejournal.com]

This is not precisely an answer to your question, but acupuncture has massively reduced my reflux to the point where I am on very little medication, if any. My acupuncturist was also tremendously helpful in my diet modification and other lifestyle changes, which I also credit with the improvement.

Settling on an acupuncturist is a personal thing, but Debra Wood (http://www.debrawood.com) has been awesome in every way for me.

I had no idea acupuncture could cure reflux...

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

My bet is that simply interacting with Debra, no matter what method she uses, would result in improvement.

[ron_newman]

I tagged this 'health care'. Check the previous posts with the tag and you may find something useful. (No guarantees.)

[lizzielizzie.livejournal.com]

I second this. I was on antacids for years until I started acupuncture, and after 4 or 5 sessions I am off the meds totally. Acupuncture is also good for overall well being. Some insurances even give discounts for it (Blue Cross does).

[chickflick1979.livejournal.com]

Oops, forgot to add the tag, I meant to add it but I forgot! Thanks.

[snoopymel.livejournal.com]

Try Acupuncture. I highly recommend Acupuncture Together - She's very affordable and it does amazing things for your body. Eastern medicine is a great complement to Western approaches.

http://www.acupuncturetogether.com/

[ron_newman]

Now adding 'acupuncture' tag as well since the discussion has gone in that direction.

[chickflick1979.livejournal.com]

Thanks for suggestions! Those are good suggestions, and I'll definitely consider them. I'd not thought of acupuncture before. I think I'd also like to try the nutrition route, though. Anybody got any rec's?

[aynatt.livejournal.com]

Yes, I do. My friend Liz Vequist is a nutritional holistic health counselor. feel free to tell her I sent you.

She can be reached through here:

http://www.watertownholistichealth.com/counseling.html

[magg1es.livejournal.com]

I know an herbalist who is very good with narrowing down food allergies and things. Her name is Katja Swift, and can be found here: http://www.katjaswift.com/ She diagnosed my boyfriend's Celiac and is always there to answer questions after the office visit.

[bex77]

This may be totally random, but do you know the symptoms of sleep apnea? Look them up. I had horrible acid reflux for ages. When other symptoms led me to the sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment...no more reflux! Worth a google search. Good luck.

[dreda.livejournal.com]

I would steer you away from the nutritionist at Harvard Vanguard, who made me want to punch her in the face. I would, however, be happy to tell you what I learned and what helped me, with the caveat that all tummies are different. username@lj if you like.

[rschusky.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty successful in treating people with GI problems. I can't write prescriptions in MA but it is part of my training, so I can be helpful in recommending for and against various drug options, but I've found non-prescription treatments are often more than enough to treat problems like you're describing.

I work at Amethyst Center, right in Davis Square, where an acupuncturist/Chinese herbal medicine practitioner also works—acupuncture is great, but adding Chinese herbal medicine is often really helpful with chronic conditions.

You can find a bit more about both of us at http://www.amethystcenter.com/. I'm Read Weaver Schusky, and the traditional Chinese medicine person is Patricia Adelsberger.

[misterthorn.livejournal.com]

I had a very favorable experience with Dr. Paul Lesser, a gastroenterologist at the Cambridge Hospital.