Georgetown Pediatrics vs Children's Hospital for treating Celiac Disease?

[Anonymous]

My daughter has received a probable diagnosis of Celiac disease and the pediatrician is recommending a first appointment with Georgetown Pediatrics. My son has seen a gastro dr for years at Children's Hospital, but the pediatrician says they are now referring to Georgetown (fwiw both take our insurance). Specifically, it was recommended that we see Dr. Agnieszka Pluta. Does anyone have any information/experience with Georgetown Pediatrics?

[Anonymous]

I don't know much about those hospitals (not originally from this area) but if you need any food suggestions or other advice I have plenty! Udi's Gluten free foods is the best for bread, hamburger rolls, bagels, etc. Schar is my favorite pasta. Wegmans (in Frederick), Mom's Organic Market, and Whole Foods has a great selection of gluten free foods (usually in the freezer section).

For a flour substitute I use Gluten Free Pantry Flour.

And as far as the cost, it's possible with an official diagnosis the cost of gluten free foods can be helped with a tax deduction (under medical expenses)

There are a lot of blogs and such from Mom's who have kids with Celiac's disease. I'm sure once you get the final diagnosis you will also speak with a nutritionist but if you need any help there is a good network out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know much about those hospitals (not originally from this area) but if you need any food suggestions or other advice I have plenty! Udi's Gluten free foods is the best for bread, hamburger rolls, bagels, etc. Schar is my favorite pasta. Wegmans (in Frederick), Mom's Organic Market, and Whole Foods has a great selection of gluten free foods (usually in the freezer section).

For a flour substitute I use Gluten Free Pantry Flour.

And as far as the cost, it's possible with an official diagnosis the cost of gluten free foods can be helped with a tax deduction (under medical expenses)

There are a lot of blogs and such from Mom's who have kids with Celiac's disease. I'm sure once you get the final diagnosis you will also speak with a nutritionist but if you need any help there is a good network out there.

Thanks! Until we meet with the next specialist, we're sticking to a gluten-free diet. I made a quick run to Trader Joe's and found the Udi's bread. Any other suggesstions would be greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous]

We've seen GI's at both Children's and Georgetown, and hands down, we've gotten better care at Georgetown. The biggest difference we've seen is that the docs at Children's dole out some pretty outdated advice, and the ones at Georgetown have really been up on the latest research. Of course, this is our experience only. Dr. Pluta is great, as is Dr. Rekhtman.

We had a particularly bad experience with one of the GI's at Children's, so I'm probably biased.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've seen GI's at both Children's and Georgetown, and hands down, we've gotten better care at Georgetown. The biggest difference we've seen is that the docs at Children's dole out some pretty outdated advice, and the ones at Georgetown have really been up on the latest research. Of course, this is our experience only. Dr. Pluta is great, as is Dr. Rekhtman.

We had a particularly bad experience with one of the GI's at Children's, so I'm probably biased.

OP Here...Thank you for sharing your experience! Hopefully, we'll have a similar experience...our appointment with Dr. Pluta is next week

[Anonymous]

If your daughter hasn't had the blood workup for celiac disease or the small bowel biopsy yet, please, don't start the gluten free diet until she does - the tests will come back inconclusive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your daughter hasn't had the blood workup for celiac disease or the small bowel biopsy yet, please, don't start the gluten free diet until she does - the tests will come back inconclusive.

She had the blood workup and we're waiting for those results. The pediatrician said to go gluten-free for now. Our appointment at Georgetown is next Thursday. She hasn't had any of the severe stomach pains/attacks since she's been eating only gluten free foods.

[Anonymous]

My 10 yo DD has Celiac Disease and was diagnosed by Dr. Pluta. The Ped. did the bloodwork which pointed solidly in that direction and we were referred to Dr. Pluta. An endoscopy is necessary for diagnosis and Dr. Pluta performed the procedure at G'town and we were very happy. We saw her one time since at her office in Rockville or Bethesda, can't remember which. I did have an appt. at Children's at one point and canceled at the last minute. The Dr. there called me anyways and was very nice and helpful. I will probably go there for my next appt. because they have a full Celiac program that includes a dietitian and therapist/support groups to deal with what amounts to a huge lifestyle change....no more cake at friends b'day parties...but you get to watch them eat it! It's a tough transition to kids and you will come to realize how much of our social interactions revolve around food in this culture. BTW, you must continue eating gluten in order to get accurate results from bloodwork or endoscopy.

[Anonymous]

Georgetown Pediatrics is wonderful I am biased because I have worked there and know that the people are just great! I Also second the Whole Foods- they have so much gluten free offerings- my favorite is the baking section where you can get box kits for baked goods that are gluten free! Good luck OP, glad to here you DS is feeling better on the new diet