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seeking outside help-mayo, chicago, birmingham

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seeking outside help-mayo, chicago, birmingham  
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Posted 5/22/2010 6:25 PM (GMT -7)
I Am seeking outside counsel, from my local GI, I LIVE IN ALABAMA, does anyone have any knowledge of of UAB HOSPITAL IN BIRMINGHAM HAVING A GOOD gi department, I made contact
with DAVID RUBINS OFFICE AT UNIVESITY OFCHICAGO, THATS ANOTHER OPTION, I TO AM EXPLORING MAYO, BUT MY FUNDS ARE LIMITED, I DO HAVE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD INSURANCE.
DOES ANT ONE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF VANDERBILT UNIVESITY IN TENN, I WOULD LIKE TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME, BUT THEN I WANT TO GET THE BEST RESULTS, OR WOULD SOME OF U ADVISE JUST BITE THE BULLET AND GO STRAIGHT TO THE TOP AT MAYO. this david rubin seems like a really
good option and personable
THANX FOR LISTENING
tigerpawn
Posted 5/23/2010 12:30 AM (GMT -7)
Ive had nothing but good experience with Mayo. I havent been to many other places, though, so I can't compare much. I got lucky, I live a few miles away from Mayo.
Diagnosed with Crohn's late December 2004. Narrowly avoiding a full-blown flare on Azathioprine (50mg daily).

Posted 5/23/2010 3:44 AM (GMT -7)
I have not seen Rubin but had an appointment to see him a couple of years ago but my insurance would not cover him. My G.I. wanted me to fly to Chicago to see him specifically because he and the doctor he practices with were at the time considered the number 1 and 2 crohn's docs.(that was about 5 years ago) I really wish that I would have been able to see him but we had to change insurance providers right after I scheduled and it was not possible. He goes around the world doing talks and conferences on Crohn's.
Posted 5/23/2010 10:35 AM (GMT -7)
I would also like recommendations for Birmingham, Al and Vanderbilt. I live in MS and have been seeing a GI in Baton Rouge, LA. He has had me on Humira for the past 5 months and I have had no improvement. Last visit he said to double my dose. How long do I do the same thing and get the same results. Just thinking I need another opinion.

Going to Vanderbilt would be my 1st choice because I have family there to stay with.
humira Feb 2010
nexium 40mg
gemfibrozil 1200mg
levothyroxin 100mg
estradoil 1mg
topmmax 200mg

Posted 5/24/2010 12:22 PM (GMT -7)
I would go to whichever one you can get into quickest and that your insurance will cover. They're both great institutions. Once you're on the right track the docs from either Mayo or U of Chicago (I go to Russel Cohen who is on the same service as Rubin and Haneuer) will work together with your local doctor to keep you on track. Then you can follow up at U of Chicago or Mayo every six months or so. It means a lot of traveling and planning but it will be worth it. You can spend another year getting poor results in Atlanta or you can spend the next year getting on the right track and into remission. I know what I would do.
Posted 5/24/2010 5:07 PM (GMT -7)
Southern;

I am in MS too, Olive Branch, next door to Memphis, TN.

If you want to come to Memphis, I can give you a list of doctors.

May be too far though, since you mentioned Baton Rouge.

Posted 5/26/2010 7:20 AM (GMT -7)
I just made an appt for the Kirklin clinic at UAB for June 8.  I hope I get some help there!  I will let you know what I think of them!
Diagnosed w/ Crohn's 2010

Diagnosed w/Hemicrania Continua (variation of migraine disorder)fall 2009

Current meds: Pentasa, prednisone taper, omeprazole (Prilosec), zonisamide (Zonegran)

Posted 5/26/2010 8:18 AM (GMT -7)
Hello,
I am from Birmingham, Al & the UAB system is very good. I don't see their doctors because I have been seeing my GI doctor since 1978 & we have a good working relationship. I live in Florida now but still go to B'ham for treatment. I have been very lucky as I have been in & out of remission since my surgery in 1983. Am now on Ectocort because of slow GI bleeding. Good luck & all the best to you. :-)
Posted 5/26/2010 12:16 PM (GMT -7)
Isn't there a Douglas Woods in Atlanta who is supposed to be super good?

My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.

Posted 5/26/2010 12:52 PM (GMT -7)
I love Dr. Rubin. He is so knowledgeable and sooooo kind. He'll take time with you and explain everything to you and answer all your questions. Also, it's easy to ask his nurse questions over the phone and get answers. I could not say enough good things about him. His expertise has been invaluable during my pregnancy. HTH!
Dx'ed with CD in 8/2009
currently on:
prenatal vitamin for my baby due 9/5/10!
Zoloft for my craziness
Remicade for CD (5mg/kg every 8 weeks)

Posted 5/27/2010 7:18 PM (GMT -7)
AL GIRL, what a coincidence I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT JULY 8 WITH DR WEBER
AT KIRKLIN CLINIC, my pcp at UAB SET UP THE APPOINTMENT, WHICH DR ARE U
GOING TO SEE.
TIGERPAWN

15. No SHOUTING.  Remember, using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in posts is considered yelling and rude, plus it is difficult to read.  Thanks!

Post Edited By Moderator (Nanners) : 5/28/2010 7:23:20 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/28/2010 7:00 AM (GMT -7)
Tiger, I see Dr. Rubin Now, And let me tell you.. He will jump the gun if he needs to. this is why i like him. He will either agree or disagree in the most respectful manner.. I do respect all his opinions. The scary part is, he knows DATA based on everything. Amazing this guy is. He recommended the surgeon i see here in the burbs. I live in chicago so it was just an hour drive to see em.
Male, 22. Diagnosed with Crohn's officially since 2001.. Osteoporosis, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Chronic Anemia.

Medications Used: Remicade, Humira, Cimzia, 6-mp, Pentasa, Flagyl, Prednisone, Zifaxan, Entocort,
TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition), The whole nine.

Currently:, Entocort EC, Vitamin D, Fentanyl 12mcg / 72hrs, TPN, Cardizem
Currently On SSDI

Posted 5/29/2010 6:52 PM (GMT -7)
Dr. Smallfield.  I looked him up.  He is the associate professor at Gastro I think so he should know what he is doing hopefully!  Good luck to you!  I hope we both get help there.  As for me I am totally miserable right now.  I have been on only liquids now for about 2 weeks and sick of it! I ate some real food and have had a lot of symptoms so it was back to soup for dinner tonight! 
Diagnosed w/ Crohn's 2010

Diagnosed w/Hemicrania Continua (variation of migraine disorder)fall 2009

Diagnosed w/bilateral sacroiliitis/possible developing ankylosing spondylitis due to Crohn's 2010

Current meds: Pentasa, prednisone taper back up to 40 mg a day, omeprazole (Prilosec), zonisamide (Zonegran)

Posted 6/8/2010 7:30 PM (GMT -7)
I had my appointment today!  I am really glad I went and wish I had sooner.  I like Dr. Smallfield much better than my old GI.  He is much, much more knowledgeable and sympathetic also.  I do have to go through the diagnostic process again with colonoscopy, CT, etc, but I feel like at least there may be a light at the end of the tunnel!
Diagnosed w/ Crohn's 2010

Diagnosed w/Hemicrania Continua (variation of migraine disorder)fall 2009

Diagnosed w/bilateral sacroiliitis/possible developing ankylosing spondylitis due to Crohn's 2010

Current meds: Pentasa, prednisone taper back up to 40 mg a day, omeprazole (Prilosec), zonisamide (Zonegran)

Posted 6/8/2010 8:21 PM (GMT -7)
Hallelujah! I'm so glad to hear that you've been impressed by this gastro and have good feelings about his interest and care!!!! Good luck!

My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.

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