Looking for doctor in Mpls

Could anyone here recommend a good doctor for fibro/CFS in the Minneapolis/St Paul area? I would appreciate any referrals. Also, is there an advocacy organization for people suffering these types of illnesses that I could try to connect with in my area? Thanks for any help you can provide.

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pasara
co-moderator CFS forum

Post Edited (pasara) : 2/14/2007 8:06:20 PM (GMT-7)

Well, that's where I live.. I'm in Andover just north of Minneapolis.

The doctor I'm seeing now is Dr. Dole at http://www.dakotamc.com/.

He may not be covered by your insurance, so you'd have to check. I found that my insurance (Medica) did cover my visit - however I have a deductible so I still had to pay it all out of pocket.

I've only had 2 visits, but he's done the most out of all the doctors I've seen yet. You can read the last few posts of my "Always tired too" thread to see what he's done if you like.

Howdy Neighbor! I have been following your posts, and had no idea you were in the Twin Cities area! Amazing! Is Dr Dole a rheumatologist or what type of specialty? I did check out the webpage, but there was not a lot of information on it. I am actually not looking for someone for treatment necessarily (although if he/she's got something to offer, bring it on!) but more for diagnosis, especially as I am applying for SSDI. I have this huge constellation of symptoms, but no one is able to give it a name, and it seems lawyers and bureaucrats love names. Thanks for the tip!

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pasara
co-moderator CFS forum

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

- Anais Nin

Hi back neighbor. No, Dole is not specifically a rheumatologist, he just specializes in chronic fatigue illnesses per se, typically where other doctors have given up - or the patient isn't finding the care they need. I'm not sure if that fits your bill, although you can call to ask them specifically.

I did go to a rheumatology specialist center before that was in Edina on France avenue just north of 494. They are supposedly pretty good, so if you're looking for a rheumatologist specifically, they may be what you're looking for. However, I should note, they looked me over and because I didn't have painful joints - they pretty much said I didn't have any rheumatic issues and they didn't really want me around any longer.

I think that's the problem with all the symptoms - getting a straight up diagnosis. If you go through all the regular doctors and can't get a diagnosis, you could try Dole. He is a physician with a degree from Wake Forrest.

Good luck.. let me know if you need any additional information.

I live in Blaine!! I go to my family physician at Champlin Allina. Her name is Janet Siciliano. She is unbelievable! I have brought in articles, books and different meds I would like to try and she is up for learning more about fibro and that is what really counts for me. I recommend NOT going to a rhemetologist because they don't like fibro patients. They just hand us meds and don't really look into studies and other possibilities.
I hope this info helps you!!!

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dx'd with fibro and cfs
Soma, Malic Acid with Magnesium, Wellbutrin XL, Clonazapam, Vicodin, Neurontin