Doc in Austin or Houston area?

Hi Everyone, I'm new here and I'm pretty sure I have Lupus... or at least something rheumatic going on.  I live in the Austin area and was wondering if anyone else out there lives in this area and has a good rheumatologist that they can recommend.  I'm willing to go to Houston too if someone in that area knows a good diagnostic rheumatologist there.  Five years ago when this all started I had tests run and nothing showed up.  The rheumatologist diagnosed me with Fibro and sent me on my way.  I don't want to go back to him as I felt like I was dismissed a little too quickly and not really listened to.   Now I'm in worse pain and fatigue than I was even then and my annual this past June showed some kidney malfunctioning too (doc said "nothing to really worry about").  In light of everything else I have going on, and the fact that Lupus seems to be especially fond of kidney's, I think it's time to see a "good" rheumatologist who can figure out what's going on.
Thanks so much for any help that y'all can provide in recommending a doc.  I really am grateful for this site, it's been hugely helpful!
Kris

[OldFatChick]

I am still trying to find a good one, myself.  I am currently going to the Rheumatology clinic at UTMB Galveston.  I can tell you to stay away from Dr. Martin Fischer at Kelsey Seybold.  He is NOT a doctor I would recommend.  

My husband got the name of a rheumy from a friend (who highly recommends him) and if UTMB doesn't work out I will try him next.  He is supposed to be a good dr AND he does research on Lupus.  I will try to remember to post his name here when I get home this evening, but if I forget send me a PM or e-mail.

Dawnna

[KristineE]

Thank you for the reply.  I appreciate the heads-up about Dr. Fischer.  I've been to enough marginal docs so I'm equally as grateful for the information about who to stay away from as I am about who to go to.  

I'll watch for your post on the name of the rheumy your husband's friend provided you with.

Thanks again.
Kris

[OldFatChick]

His name is Philip Waller and he is at:
12553 Gulf Fwy
Houston, TX 77034
[phone] and at

12700 N Featherwood Dr Ste 120
Houston, TX 77034
[phone]

It apparently takes a while to get in, but I've heard good things.  Let me know if he works out for you.

[KristineE]

Thank you so much for the information.  I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and hopefully find a "good" doctor in the Central TX area.  If I can't find anyone closer I'll give Dr. Waller a call.  If I end up seeing him I'll let you know how it goes.

I so appreciate your help.
Kris

[OldFatChick]

No problem, good luck!

[mrsturbo]

I live in Dickinson, Texas and have had horrible problems with the whole UTMB system.  My sister in law works at a UTMB clinic and she swears by them, who is your doc and are they any good or just good enough not to make the effort to switch.  I am in need of a rheumy since docs have finally started leaning away from a probable MS diagnosis that they have been trying to pin on me for a year and a half.

[OldFatChick]

I, too live in Dickinson (Colonial Estates).  We moved there 4 years ago.  The UTMB docs are new for me, I have only seen them a couple of times.  Dr. Waller was recommended by a friend of my husband and he swears by the guy.  I am still undecided about UTMB, but they did put me back on plaquenil and my old rheumy wouldn't do a blessed thing.  Dr. Waller is a Lupus researcher, so if UTMB doesn't work out he is my next stop.  Who are you seeing now?

[mrsturbo]

First off I can't write your screen name, I am sure it is a joke, but old and fat are relative terms, so to someone you are young and thin!
  At this moment I have yet to see a rheumatologist.  I have been having symptoms for almost two years now, but my neuro was convinced it was MS since blood work never showed anything.  New MRI's are clear and we are waiting on bloodwork to come back.  Some tests are still pending, it has been 12 days since it was drawn, but I guess Quest is backed up.  I need to ask my PCP for a referral to a rheumy, but still undecided as to which one.

[luppygirl]

Definitely start asking around. Talk to friends, it is amazing how many times a conversation started and next thing I know i have a lead on a Dr. Talk to receptionist they know alot, they are the heart and ears of the place.  Use this with any type of DR's office. it's a small world and it is amazing how many people are willing to help and have ways to help you just have to keep asking around.  I would like to get hooked up with our Prime Ministers Dr. ( I live in Canada just in case people didn't know that we don't have a President and i am not talking kids!!)  Funny story,  Was online one july 4th and there was a girl on who was saying happy birthday to the states.  I just commented that ours was on the 1st. She was like well how can you have a different b-day.  I was like UM... Canada is a different Country and her answer was really i didn't know that and her profile said she was in her 30's I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Don't get how someone can go that long in life ( own a computer that can bring you anywhere in the world) or how ( i am assuming correct if I am wrong and don't mean to offend anyone) this is taught in school.  For me I just thought it was common knowledge. We always took alot about the states so I guess I just thought you guys would learn about your beautiful neighbours!!!So so so sorry for getting so off topic. Once i started babbling i just couldn't stop LOSER!!!!!  lol

Deborah

[luppygirl]

Definitely start asking around. Talk to friends, it is amazing how many times a conversation started and next thing I know i have a lead on a Dr. Talk to receptionist they know alot, they are the heart and ears of the place.  Use this with any type of DR's office. it's a small world and it is amazing how many people are willing to help and have ways to help you just have to keep asking around.  I would like to get hooked up with our Prime Ministers Dr. ( I live in Canada just in case people didn't know that we don't have a President and i am not talking kids!!)  Funny story,  Was online one july 4th and there was a girl on who was saying happy birthday to the states.  I just commented that ours was on the 1st. She was like well how can you have a different b-day.  I was like UM... Canada is a different Country and her answer was really i didn't know that and her profile said she was in her 30's I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Don't get how someone can go that long in life ( own a computer that can bring you anywhere in the world) or how ( i am assuming correct if I am wrong and don't mean to offend anyone) this is taught in school.  For me I just thought it was common knowledge. We always took alot about the states so I guess I just thought you guys would learn about your beautiful neighbours!!!So so so sorry for getting so off topic. Once i started babbling i just couldn't stop LOSER!!!!!  lol

Deborah