Cleveland Clinic or John Hopkins

[Velcro]

I was given some insight this weekend from a Doctor.  I have been appointed to the Tennessee State Board for Scleroderma, and I had my first meeting in the state capital Saturday.  One of the board members is a leading Dermatologist at the major hospital there.  Great hospital and have saved many lives.  He and I were talking at lunch and he said he didn't know what he was going to do now.  Their major funding had been cut in half, government stuff.  They were letting go of staff and having to downsize their research area.  He treats patients and he said with all the defunding, he was going to have to stop taking new patients for awhile and figure out how to juggle his current ones with a lot less staff.  You could see the stress and worry in his face.

Very, very nice man and it made me realize how much stress and pressure they are under as well.  Juggle to me said less time with each patient. 

[Diane54]

I go to the Cleveland Clinic Solon office and Dr Desai is my Rhuematologist....she is wonderful....she believes that 50% of Sjogrens patients are sero negative.  I highly recommend her if you can get an appointment. I have no experience with the Rhuematologists at the main Clinic...........one thing to be aware of...........their billing department sucks!

[gurs]

Bobbi,

My doc is in Lansing..she also has Sjogrens..I drive 1.5 hours to see her, but worth it. If you want to see her, would be glad to give you her name/number.

Just send me a message..

gursie

[Bobbie]

Hi Gursie,

Yes, I would be interested!  If you don't mind putting her name and number
on the forum that would be great.  I am not set up for PM.

Thank you so much 

Bobbie

[gurs]

Bobbi,

Her name is Dr. Carol Beals, Lansing MI..not sure how long it takes for new patients to see her, but make an appt if you can. Another FYI...I see her early morning because she gets backed up.

You will love her..been seeing her for years..let me know if you ever go and good luck in wherever you end up at.

Gursie

[catherine1234]

Hope you do not mind me tagging onto your thread, but I am actually scheduled for Dr. Baer at Johns Hopkins on Nov. 5. Will let you know how it goes. I am quite concerned about the nerve and lip biopsies...how necessary are these and what kinds of risks do they pose for adding more issues to my growing medical list?!

Also, for those of you who have been to Hopkins, and tips on places to stay, transport, what to do/not to do, etc.? I have a family member who believes I need them there for support. Is it better to go with someone or by yourself?

Thanks!

[Bobbie]

Thank you Gursie, I will look into that office!

Yes, Catherine1234, please let me know how it goes for you!  I have not had a lip
biopsy either,  Hope I won't ever have to.  I know they require it though.  Good Luck!!

Thanks for the information Diane54.  She does sound good.   Wow, two good recommendations
for Rheumies.  One from Gursie too.  Glad you have someone you are comfortable with 

[SjoGirl]

Catherine, I suggest having someone with you. The day can be quite long and lots of testing. In addition to lip biopsy (which was last item of the day), I had salivary gland scan (two hours of laying very still in an MRI), lots of blood taken (17 vials as I recall), and appt with doc. It is tiring.