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Problem Finding Good Medical Services for RA

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 8/16/2007 7:26 PM (GMT 0)

I find that more and more physicians/Arthritis Centers seem to be distancing themselves from patients. 

I changed RA specialist last February due to not getting to see my previous specialist for nine months during a bad flare. 

The new specialist has not been relaying my blood work results properly.  He did not check my liver when beginning methotrexate.  I called about 4 weeks in and said I was very sick, he replied to call my primary care doctor.  ugh!?  Anyway, a few weeks later his office calls, says quit methotrexate immediately due to liver and hemoglobin issues. 

The RA specialist had not been sharing blood work issues with my primary care.  I just went to my primary care physician, who is very concerned because I am in kidney failure.  This is a result of, "a drug insulting the kidneys and they are shutting down."

I now have to go for kidney tests and the RA specialist has not followed through about Aug 14th bloodwork to notify me as he promised that day.  My primary care doctor called and the specialist gave him blood test results for Aug 3rd. 

Where or Who is a good RA specialist in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?  Someone who still cares about the patient's physical and mental well being??

I need someone quick.  I am single and have to work to survive.  All advice is very welcomed.

PS:  I actually went to a seminar in January to learn how to interact with my RA specialist -- none of what I learned has worked.

Posted 8/17/2007 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Dear KrissyNTexas

Have you tried contacting the Arthritis Foundation there in Dallas/Fort Worth? They usually have some very good Rheumatologist to chose from in their recommendations.

I am here in Houston, Texas, and we are fortunate because there is no shortage yet of rheumatologist.

You are in my prayers.

Gladys Ann
Posted 8/17/2007 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Gladys Ann.

I did contact the local Arthritis Foundation. The current specialist is very respected.

I just need one that will relay test results in a proper manner (especially when there are problems) and follows through as promised.

One issue is that I can not get an appointment with a new specialist until records are transferred. This could take months....months without care or medication.

Fighting medical care issues should not be the problem that it is. It is all one can do....to keep one's head on straight.

Thanks. I guess there is nothing I can do but just take any kind of treatment....good or bad....and be happy to pay for the privilege.

Krissy
Posted 8/17/2007 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Krissy. I live in Texas & I go to a rheumatologist that is out of an office of Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. His name is Dr. Scott Zashin. I have only good things to say about this doctor. If you do a search of his name on the internet you will find lots of information about him. He is very easy to talk to & the staff are all very friendly & polite. He helped me with my diagnosis of lupus & I just recently was put on Methotrexate. Before he started this drug on me I had to get a chest xray, blood work including a special testing on the liver panels, & a pneumonia shot. He also slowly increased my dosage after carefully rechecking my blood  after only 1 week, 3 weeks, & then 4 weeks later. They do notify of anything out of normal range in your blood work by a phone call & if the blood work is normal they notify by mail. It doesn't take long to get an appointment to be seen as a new patient. If you would like more information just let me know.       

Posted 8/21/2007 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I will definitely make contact with Dr. Zashin. I will need to make sure he accepts my insurance, etc.

Thanks again,

Krissy
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