immunologist/rheumatologist recommendation?

I'm looking for a good immunologist/rheumatologist in Maryland or any nearby state.

I was recently diagnosed with Addison's Disease, hypothyroidism, food allergies, pancreatitis and a bunch of other GI issues, possible hypoparathyroidism, and anemia, among some other problems. One of my doctors thinks I may be developing Sjogren's Syndrome too. My issues are presumed to be autoimmune, but all of my antibodies are negative. I have an enlarged thymus.

I need a good doctor to put this all together. I am not convinced that this is autoimmune and am afraid there's something else going on.

Please, if anyone has any recommendations, send them! I'd greatly appreciate any ideas. Thanks in advance.

[usgsa2002]

I'm not sure where you are in MD, but if it's within driving distance to DC I was impressed with Dr. Steen at Georgetown when I saw her last fall (something unrelated to my current symptoms). I imagine the others there are just as good - very thorough history taking. They review your records before calling you to schedule an appointment, though.

[Leigh1234]

Thank you so much for replying so quickly! I can certainly get to DC, and I've heard good things about Georgetown. Do you know if she specializes in certain things (allergies, rheumatology, etc)?

Thanks again!

[usgsa2002]

No problem. I'm happy to help. And it's nice to hear from people going through similar issues. She's a rheumatologist. I'm including a link to the department's page below which lists all of the sub-specialties for their staff. My impression is that they work pretty closely together and would probably consult if you can't get in with the one you like:

http://medicine.georgetown.edu/rheumatology/faculty.htm

[Leigh1234]

Thanks again!

I called the office today and spoke briefly with the receptionist about what's going on. Before I even requested to see Dr. Steen specifically, the receptionist recommended her. Apparently there is an immunologist there, but he hasn't taken new patients for 2 years. I'm hopeful that a good rheumy will be able to address most autoimmune issues, or at least point me in the right direction.

So I'll send my records tomorrow and hope to get in sometime relatively soon. Thanks again for your help. You're right, it is comforting just to know there are others who understand what this is like.

[usgsa2002]

I'm so glad to hear it. Most of my doctors are in the Georgetown system and I have yet to meet one I didn't like. There are a few things that Georgetown doesn't do well, and in those cases, my doctors have referred me to different specialists at GW - perhaps Dr. Steen will have suggestions if she wants you to see someone else. I see Dr. Steen at the end of the month, and I'm hopeful she can help figure out my latest mystery.

Let me know how it goes and feel free to drop me a note if you ever need to commisserate!