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Rheumy's in Virginia

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Posted 7/15/2008 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone know of any good Rheumy's in Virginia.  I currently have one but am not very pleased. All he does is order bloodwork every 3 months, tells me I have UCTD because not enough yet to diagnose lupus. My PCP also thinks I have Fibro because I was positive on all tender points but rheumy doesn't agree.  PCP seems to know more than current rheumy.

Thanks,

Beth

Posted 7/15/2008 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Beth!! Sorry you are so discouraged. *sighhhhh* Is your current rheumy do anything to treat your symptoms?? If not or if the treatment is not satisfactory, and he knows it . . . than I don't blame you for moving on. He should at least be treating your symptoms. Lots of us don't have a definitive dx . . . or we are dx'd and undx'd from time to time . . . but we still get treatment for our problems. There is a link at the end of my signature titled "Lupus Chapter Locater". If you click on that link and find your nearest Lupus Foundation Chapter, you can call, email or write to them and they will send or email a copy of Dr. referrals in your area. I would also suggest going to a local chapter support group, if there is one in your area, to talk to local members who can give you the good, the bad and the ugly about local doctors. Hopefully, some of the members here will have a tip for your area as well. If there is a long waiting list (often a couple months or more), make sure to ask to be put on the "cancellation list". Sometimes if they know you can take a last minute appointment when others cancel, you can get in much faster. Good luck finding a new rheumy!! Blessings!
Posted 7/15/2008 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
You did not mention what part of Virginia you are in but if you are in Northern Virginia and don't mind a bit of a drive there is an awesome doctor in Rockville MD I see her and I love her. If that would be of help let me know and I will give your her name and phone number. Her main focus is Lupus-I am one of her few RA patients.
Sj
Posted 7/17/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi SJ,

I am in the same boat as Beth and would be interested in your doctor. My doctor is in Bethesda. I haven't gotten a diagnosis either and have been sick since Jan 07. My doctor is real nice, but I don't think she has a clue! At a minimum I have MCTD, but from my symptoms I think it's lupus and polymyositis.

Beth, I totally feel your pain and frustration.
Posted 7/17/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know if we are supposed to post this here but I will and if they poof it you can email me and I will reply with the info.
Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates
Dr. Emma DiIorio
301-251-5910
14955 Shady Grove Rd Suite 203
Rockville MD 20850

Dr.'s in the same practice also see patients in wheaton and Laurel the phone number for that office is 301-942-7600. All of the doctors in this practice have great reputations and several have been listed in DC's 100 best physicians. However, I have only been seen by my Doctor and would not trade Dr. Di for anything. I tend to argue with her occasionally but she is the only person on earth I trust with my medical care more than I trust myself.
It may take a while to get in to see her. I hope this works out well for you.
Sj
Posted 7/17/2008 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Yes Sj . . . we can post Dr. names with positive comments . . . but not with negative comments. Thanks for sharing!
Posted 7/17/2008 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, thank you very much! I will give her a call and I can wait for an opening to see her. I gave my current doctor a year and a half of my precious time for a vague diagnosis (she thinks mctd and not lupus). AND she rushed me during my last appointment! Not happy at all.
Posted 7/17/2008 12:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hat, MCTD is not a vague dx. It is mixed connective tissue disease which indicates overlapping features of three different connective tissue diseases. This usually indicates Lupus, Polymyositis and Scleroderma UCTD is Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. Usually means that "the characteristic features that are used to define the classic connective tissue diseases are not present, but that some symptoms or signs of a connective tissue disease exist." Here is a link that briefly explains the two: http://www.medicinenet.com/script /main/art.asp?articlekey=16955 The bigger question is: Is your doctor TREATING your symptoms?? Make sure to check the info in "Lupus Resources" . . . the link is in my signature. The link above is included in that topic as well. I hope this helps. Blessings!
Posted 7/17/2008 6:30 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for everyone's responses.  Now I have a new dilemma. The Rheumy I currently go to and have not been happy with has gotten another rheumy in his office that comes with a great reputation. How can I tactfully ask to see him instead?  I am close to Charlottesville so I would rather stay in Virginia if possible. 

Beth

Posted 7/17/2008 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Beth,

I changed Drs. in the same clinic because I wasn't happy with the care I had been getting and I would like to have all my records turned over to the new Dr. after all they work for us and our money LOL.
Good luck , Linda
Posted 7/18/2008 3:09 AM (GMT 0)

Hi AlwaysRosie,

I guess I used the word vague incorrectly and that the doctor was vauge about telling me I had MCTD.  When I first got sick she told me I had either lupus or mctd which she later matter of factly said that it looks like MCTD.  She gave me brochures on lupus, but nothing on MCTD.  I do have symptoms of lupus and polymyositis including the mechanic's hands which she's asking me about.  I think I'm her first patient with my symptoms so her treatment I think maybe 'text book' like.  She is a really nice person, but not helpful at all. mad .  Thank you for the info. 

Tamu

I don't know about anyone else, but today was not a good day. 

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