help to find a right doc in N Miami

Will someone recommend a great doc in North Miami treating HCV?
Thank you!

[jmjm530]

One of the best in the country:    http://www.med.miami.edu/med/faculty.asp?id=34887

[miagirl]

Thanks a lot! I will make an appointment with the doc.
I just found out on December 31st that I have HCV antibodies, didn't know much about the disease before, and really in shock, searching thru the net. Are there any HCV support or "get together" groups in Miami? appreciate any advise.
Happy New Year!

[FloridaMouse]

Hey miagirl...

When I relapsed my doc gave me my choice of seeing Dr. Schiff at UM or Dr. Nelson at UF (Gainesville)  I live in between  the two.  The only reason why I chose Dr. Nelson at UF is 'cause I was raised in Ft.  Lauderdale and I value my life to much to drive in Miami.  My GI said that Schiff and Nelson write the things he read.  

Good luck to you.

Mouse

[susan400]

I'd say that with you living in Miami that your probably closes to one of the best experts, Dr. Eugene Schiff who works at the University of Miami.  That who I'd check out first and then, if you don't find what you want there, then, you could try taking a drive up to Gainesville and see Dr. Nelson, or even up to Jacksonville to see Mayo Clinic.  There's also a nice doctor who is a gastroenterologist who works in Lakeland-who has a special interest in Hep C.

Hope that helps.

Susan

[FlGuy]

The docs mentioned above are very good options.  In addition, those docs are also in practice with other good docs as well.  From my experience, the UM docs usually have a wait time (up to a few months) for new patients so you might need to be a little patient.  I's suggest that in the meantime you see a gastroenterologist in your area to get a few more tests done.  Since you say that you have the 'antibodies' you might not have the virus itself.  In some percentage of people (about 20%) the immune system eliminates the virus on its own, leaving the antibodies.  If that's the case, there might not be any more action for you to take.  If you decide to see another doc in advance of a Schiff or a Nelson type you might want to get a Viral Load (known as a pcr) and a Liver Function Test which should reveal if you have an active infection that might require expereinced doc to delve further into your situation. They might recommend a few other tests as well.

[miagirl]

Thanks, guys, to all of you! it is so important for me right now that you wrote back to me. I called Dr. Schiff, and his next available appointment only at the end of March. I will try to find some gastro in my area to make those tests to see if I have an active virus. God, help me! I hope not.
God Bless you all! Have a great year of 2008!

[jmjm530]

FLGuy has a good point, and a recent multi-study analysis shows that 40 per cent of women clear the virus naturally. You therefore might want to get both a RIBA antibody and PCR RNA viral load test prior to seeing Schiff as well as a complete CBC and liver function panel.

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

By the way,what were the circumstances under which you were tested for HCV antibodies in the first place?  Something like pre-employment, insurance or blood donation?  If testing was directed by your regular doc, was any follow-up suggested or what was he looking for?

[miagirl]

It is actually really odd that I went to a gynecologist to test myself for all CTDs even though I didn't have a real reason for that, just never did that before.

[miagirl]

Thanks again, Jim. It's really helpful. I found great people here.

[miagirl]

I ment "STD"

[miagirl]

So, my blood test showed HCV antibodies and the gynecologist suggested to see a gastroentorologist to check my liver.

[FlGuy]

Reading here over the years it's always surprising how many people find out about HCV by 'accident' or during the course of routine or non-related examinations and tests.  Good luck to you, hope it's just the antibodies.

[HappyDeb]

I have an appt. with Dr. Schiff on Jan. 29th. I am a slow responder, geno1A . Started tx. July 1st and stopped at Dr.s request in early Sept. I was so bummed out not knowing my destiny. It fells so long know I forgot I even had this virus. Now hopfully I will get the answers from Dr. Schiff ? I hear from everyone that he is the S H I T. I am not looking for miracles, just someone who can help me, that really knows about this virus. My last Dr. ,I was not to comfortable with, I felt as If he just saw me when I had my appt.s and dismissed me when I was a slow responder just saying SORRY , no game plan or nothing. Needless to say, I never heard from him or the nurse practitioner again. Not even a follow up call to see how I am doing or still alive !!!!!!!!!! Oh well. I live in Naples Florida and am making the big trip to Miami and counting the days. I will pray for you, me and everybody that just wants this nightmare over.


                                                              bless you,
                                                            Debbie