WG Specialist in Southern California

[NicShaf]

I have been thinking of seeking the advice of a Wegs Specialist, I know many on this site highly recommend it.
I am a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there; does anyone know of a Wegs Specialist or Vasculitis Center near Southern California? Or even in the surrounding West Coast States? I'm willing to make a trip for a Specialist.
Thanks.

[Skicpa]

Have you looked at the University of Utah? I am taking my wife there at the end of March, they have a two month wait.

[Sangye]

Dr Sharon Chung is at UCSF and is a VF Wegs specialist. You can find her info on the VF website.

[NicShaf]

Skicpa, My husband told me about the center in Utah when I was first diagnosed., I will look into that more, it sounds like that is the big West Coast center. A two month wait isn't too bad, I'm only a couple weeks into my treatment and it shouldn't be changing much in the next two months. Thanks.

Sangye, I will look up UCSF, that is definately closer than Utah and if she is a VF specialist, I would trust her more. Thanks for the info.

[janNaz]

Sangye, I will look up UCSF, that is definately closer than Utah and if she is a VF specialist, I would trust her more. Thanks for the info.

Hi Nicole. I met Dr. Chang at the Long Beach Vasculitis Symposium last year, and I found her wonderful and was impressed with her...she's very personable and "listened" to me. Unfortunately, I am not under her direct care due to insurance problems, but my current rheumy consults with her over the phone regarding my treatment. Also, I communicate with Dr. Chang via email and she has always been responsive. Her telephone number is 415.514.1673. I hope to be under her direct care one day

[NicShaf]

janNaz,
Thank you so much for the info. I think that's what I'm looking for, someone who I feel listens to me. I just met with my second Rheumy on Monday, and while he is better than my first, I still get the slight feeling that my symptoms are being chalked up to WG, and I'm not being heard on a personal basis. It sounds like finding someone like Dr. Chang may make all the difference in the world.

Thanks.

[vdub]

I wouldn't put much money on it, but I believe the U of Utah Vasculitis Center is the western most research center in the US that specializes in vasculitis. I'm in Ogden right now -- my first appointment is Monday (rheumy) and my second is Thursday (neurologist).

[JanW]

At the symposium they were saying that Cedars Sinai is SoCal was getting a center...not sure where they are with that but you can check the Vasculitis Foundation's website.

Both Chung and Koenig (who is at Utah) are vasculitis specialists.

[NicShaf]

That would be awesome if they got a vasculitis center in So Cal!