1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Recommendations for PMR savvy rheumatologist in Washington DC/MD/ VA

Posted by bschoeni @bschoeni, Jul 28, 2023

I've relocated to Washington, DC and looking for a rheumatologist in the area who is knowledgeable about PMR.

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susan63 | @susan63 | Aug 29, 2023
In reply to @jnwwells "Not great. She thinks my problem is physical with the MRI showing some back nerve issues...." + (show)
@jnwwells

Not great. She thinks my problem is physical with the MRI showing some back nerve issues.
That doesnt explain all the other pain or the morning pain that mostly gets better later in the day. She wants me to see a pain management specialist, but I dont know if I will.

I have had nothing but bad experiences with those docs. Meanwhile serious exercise seems to be helping some, especially legs, back, and stomach work. No prednisone. Just gutting it out from here I guess.
But thanks for trying! The other rheum doc I went to last week just said "you dont have PMR because prednisone doesnt work and had nothing further to suggest except to get hip therapy. I am done with doctors, this time I think for good.

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I am so sorry! I was hoping she could help you. I do seriously work out every day as well. Even on days when I am not feeling it. It helps. I have recently started trying to get stretching in daily (don't always make it though) esp. for the hips.

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lfd28 | @lfd28 | Aug 30, 2023

@bschoeni I live in Northern Virginia. My rheumatologist is with the Fairfax office of Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates. They have several locations in the DMV, so you can figure out which one is most convenient. It's difficult to get an appointment, but I've been very happy with the care offered once you are accepted as a patient. They are knowledgable about PMR and the risk of GCA. They do blood tests regularly. I'd be happy to give you my doctor's name if you want to go to the Fairfax office.

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jnwwells | @jnwwells | Aug 31, 2023

I am going to take a break from PMR reading and doctors for a while. ***Edited*** if you want to continue our conversation. Good luck!

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 31, 2023
In reply to @jnwwells "I am going to take a break from PMR reading and doctors for a while. ***Edited***..." + (show)
@jnwwells

I am going to take a break from PMR reading and doctors for a while. ***Edited*** if you want to continue our conversation. Good luck!

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@jnwwells You will notice that we removed your email address to protect your privacy. We recommend that members share contact information using the private message function of Connect.

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bschoeni | @bschoeni | Aug 31, 2023
In reply to @lfd28 "@bschoeni I live in Northern Virginia. My rheumatologist is with the Fairfax office of Arthritis and..." + (show)
@lfd28

@bschoeni I live in Northern Virginia. My rheumatologist is with the Fairfax office of Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates. They have several locations in the DMV, so you can figure out which one is most convenient. It's difficult to get an appointment, but I've been very happy with the care offered once you are accepted as a patient. They are knowledgable about PMR and the risk of GCA. They do blood tests regularly. I'd be happy to give you my doctor's name if you want to go to the Fairfax office.

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Thanks, I’ve seen A&R Associates come up frequently and will give them a try, probably their DC office.

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sunshine4u | @sunshine4u | Sep 15, 2023

Dr Susan Berger in Annapolis is great. Annapolis Rheumatology. The minute I told her my symptoms, she knew what it was. I think I had it in my system for at least a year but thought it was a flare up of my RA. That number is 410-897-1941. Good luck!

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sunshine4u | @sunshine4u | Sep 15, 2023
In reply to @susan63 "I am so sorry! I was hoping she could help you. I do seriously work out..." + (show)
@susan63

I am so sorry! I was hoping she could help you. I do seriously work out every day as well. Even on days when I am not feeling it. It helps. I have recently started trying to get stretching in daily (don't always make it though) esp. for the hips.

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Stretching for the hips is good. That seems to be where most of the pain is for me. Where do others feel the most pain?

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sunshine4u | @sunshine4u | Sep 15, 2023
In reply to @jnwwells "I live in Annapolis and also looking for a PMR specialist. Prednisone therapy and Actemera did..." + (show)
@jnwwells

I live in Annapolis and also looking for a PMR specialist.
Prednisone therapy and Actemera did not work and my doctor basically gave up.

Anywhere in DC/Baltimore region or nearby Eastern Shore.
I was hoping for Johns Hopkins but it is not working out.
Thanks!
John Wells

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Annapolis Rheumatology, Dr. Susan Berger. I also live in Annapolis.

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jnwwells | @jnwwells | Sep 15, 2023
In reply to @sunshine4u "Annapolis Rheumatology, Dr. Susan Berger. I also live in Annapolis." + (show)
@sunshine4u

Annapolis Rheumatology, Dr. Susan Berger. I also live in Annapolis.

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Thanks, I was working with Annapolis Rheumatology. They don’t have any answers. I appreciate your concern.

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sgcaro1 | @sgcaro1 | Sep 17, 2023
In reply to @sunshine4u "Stretching for the hips is good. That seems to be where most of the pain is..." + (show)
@sunshine4u

Stretching for the hips is good. That seems to be where most of the pain is for me. Where do others feel the most pain?

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Mine is in my shoulder’s and upper arms. They hurt mainly when I’m laying down. My doctor gave me stretching exercises but when it’s is real painful I can’t hardly move my arms my doctor gives me a shot in the back of my shoulder it’s depo something and sometimes the relief is almost immediate. I can’t take anti inflammatory because I have stomach ulcers and Tylenol doesn’t work.

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