Has anyone seen Rheumatologists at Mayo?

[mlaceyks]

I have an appt. with Dr. Thomas Osborne next month at Mayo - have positive SSB, lip biopsy, dry mouth and dry eyes along with 20 years of pain and fatigue. Wondered if anyone has seen him before?  I read on another post that others were not thrilled with Mayo Rheumatologists band that John Hopkins was a better place to go.  Any advice would be appreciated. I was diagnosed by neurologists at Mayo last month based on above and now being referred to rheumy to evaluate for meds, etc..  Thanks!! Mary

[irish]

If you got diagnosed with sjogrens at Mayos then I would think that you would do well with their rheumatologist. I would be sure to ask all the questions that you need answered cause you want to be sure that the letters these docs send back to your doctor will support your diagnosis and treatment.

If you don't have the support of these doctors it can interfere with treatment back at your regular doctors. I went through this. Different circumstances than yours though so don't panic.

This can happen with other medical institutions also. The things you learn on the way to diagnosis!!!Irish

[lynnmarie219]

Just wanted to wish you good luck at your appt next month!

Make sure that you write down all of your questions/concerns as you think of them between now and then and then don't forget to take the paper with you...lol! I only add that last part because I have done that on more than one occasion!

[mlaceyks]

Thanks so much for the advice.  I absolutely have learned to take a notebook with me, both with questions for new appts. and follow-up appts.    I write down everything they say as these appts. are sometimes so stressful.

My first experience at Mayo with neurology and fibro doctors was so positive I am praying this one is too.    I am blessed to have a family doctor at home that is a close personal friend and he will consult and follow whatever Mayo says inbetween appts.  The rheumys here are awful - I decided I would not go back to any of them ever again.

Thanks so much again and I could not agree more - the things we learn on the way to diagnosis are incredible!! Perseverance is the key - following your own intuition about your health - and learning EVERYTHING you can about your disease.  I am the one in charge - no one else.... I have become quite vocal after going through this - that is for sure! The best to both of you....Mary