I am a board certified gastroenterologist working in Southeastern Wisconsin with GI Associates. I have a special interest in celiac disease and gluten related issues.
After being in GI practice for several years my wife began having digestive issues. Evaluation eventually led to a diagnosis of celiac disease ( TTG over 100 and severe villous atrophy on biopsy). We were shocked. As a Gastroenterologist I was knowledgeable about the diagnosis of celiac and I knew that a strict gluten fee diet was needed. I had no idea what it was like for a patient and a young family to navigate the diet and lifestyle. The experience of being on the “other side of a diagnosis” was difficult. On our journey, my wife taught me so much about handling a difficult diagnosis with grace. We have used what we have learned to share with my patients more practical approaches to handling celiac disease and gluten free diets. The learning curve can be steep but, we hope that we can ease some of the initial shock and help you to feel empowered to put you on the path to good digestive health.
Overall, this experience has given me a unique perspective. As a GI specialist, this drives my desire to focus on the latest science and research surrounding celiac disease. As a supportive family member, it has helped me learn the day to day struggles of living with a chronic GI illness that must be managed with a strict diet. I hope to share in my experience as both a physician and as a family member. This blog will focus both on science as well as day to day life with celiac disease and other digestive health problems.