Diagnosis and doctor questions

[Guest guest]

I'm new to this group and hope the following post is appropriate for

the group. I have a doctor question and also diagnosis question.

First, I am wondering what type of doctors people have been

diagnosed by (mostly gastrointerologists?) and whether anyone has a

good recommendation for a doctor knowledgeable in celiac disease in

the Wash DC area.

Second, here's my diagnosis question: AFter first child in 2001,

had " stomach " problems but was determined to be gallstones and after

gallbladder removed, NO problems for 3 years, but then 2nd child

born. 3 mos after 2nd child born, started having stomach pain

again. Saw GI who did upper endoscopy -- biopsy was negative for

celiac disease (he did not do bloodwork for celiac disease first).

I moved to different GI, b/c I felt GI #1 wasn't listening to me.

In spring 2005, 2nd GI did celiac bloodwork and said I'm positive

based on bloodwork. Have been on GF diet for about 6 months -- felt

good, but now am starting to have stomach pains again. I'm

considering asking GI #2 to do biopsy again for celiac (after first

exposing myself to gluten purposefully), b/c I would like to have

definite diagnosis since I'm having stomach problems again. GI #2

just told me to go on heartburn med again (protonix) -- but I really

would rather get the celiac question answered once and for all, b/c

I feel like I'm in limbo w/ a yes on bloodwork (from GI #2) and no

on biopsy (from GI #1) -- especially b/c after 6 mos on GF diet, my

stomach is hurting again. Maybe it isn't celiac disease afterall?

Isn't biopsy the " gold standard " and doesn't it give definite

answer? Anyone been in similar situation where biopsy was

negative? Sorry to ramble ... but I'd love advice/input.