Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

That's nice Brenda, I have an email relationship with my PCP and I really appreciate that. My rheumatologist and neurologist are another story, I have to get through their team and make an appointment to talk to them, but I shouldn't complain their team does a pretty good job and I get what I need. Always nice to hear how you are doing.
Hugs
Maruska

Your Neurologist sounds like a gem! It is rare to find a specialist that is so responsive. My old Neurologist was impossible to talk to without an appointment and it was very difficult to get an appointment. It was so stressful. My new Neurologist at least responds and her nurse is very responsive which is nice.

Enjoy. Good luck on your CPK. I have my fingers crossed it comes back great.

I like my neurologist too. He spends over an hour and a half with each patient. The art prints on his wall were painted by his mother, and she has artwork hanging in the Smithsonian Institution! My doctor always has a full office. The only problem is it takes several months to get in to see him and several months for a follow up because he is in demand. My follow up is in November. My doctor did a brilliant job in caring for my dad during his spinal surgery. I am so glad Brenda that you have a good doctor because that is important! I hope that your health continues to improve and keep us posted.

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since he started treating me. My rheumatologist has left USF, where he was a fellow, but is just across the bridge in St Pete so I plan to continue to see him. He is the one who diagnosed my condition so I told him that I will be following him. Maruska how are you doing these days?

That is such good news! Count me jealous. ;). I am looking for a good one in DC. I got a recommendation for one in Baltimore but I do not own a car or drive. if I cannot find a good doc I will see if I can take the train to Baltimore.

Gabrielle

Thanks Brenda. I am doing pretty well, I should say very well compared to last year at this time! We were both class of summer 2011 right. I am in remission (medical remission on mtx and plaq, off of steroids) able to do my work again with some adaptations and about 2/3rds as much as I used to. The heat and sun make me feel sick so I avoid it when possible. I am seeing a new neurologist for the benign tumor in my brain and she seems to be very good. I am getting another MRI in September to see if it's grown and if we have to do anything about it. Otherwise, all is well. I am grateful I can do all I can do.
Hugs
Maruska

Brenda -what a blessing for your dr to do that! Saves a lot of money! He sounds great.
Gabpaul - in Baltimore Dr. stein and Mammen at John Hopkins are great
Maruska - so glad to hear you are off steroids and are doing better.
Blessings
Ann -:)

Gabpaul if it is a good doctor it will be worth the train trip, plus I love trains so of course I would take it. I will more than likely take public transportation to see my Rheumy over in St Pete and make a day trip of it. I stopped driving 2 weeks ago. I am uncomfortable driving and sometimes do not feel as if my reflexes are that great, so I decided it was safer for me and others to stop driving. I was only driving once a week and it wasn't worth the cost that I was paying in car note and insurance to continue it. Now my new mission is a new church home that speaks to my soul. Maruska yes we are both having our 1 yr anniversary. It is great that we are seeing better results. I am still on the prednisone, but so much better than last year. Amen

I got a card the other day telling me that my primary care provider is no longer with USF. It was almost a relief because even though she was a good listener and thorough, I didn't really see the need to have a primary provider since my Rheumy, neurologist an Diabetes nurse handle all my treatment and order my RX. I look at it as one less expense. It will be a great day when i can see each only as needed. My Rheumy is down to every six months and my Neurologist 3-4 months that I can really push even further out as long as I take my routine labs every two months. I am not seeing any changes good or bad, so to me that is a plus.