I've been fortunate in the care I've received from medical providers.
My PCP, Dr. Steven Draeger at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, is exceptionally perceptive. When I first visited his office (about a week before I was diagnosed with GPA/Wegener's), he realized that I was much too sick to have just an ear infection. He set me up with the ER ENT and I was admitted to hospital in short order.
The team at OSU Wexner Medical Center didn't know what to think when I showed up. I was admitted into infectious diseases as they thought I might have TB. The doctors and nurses there were exceptional. Kudos to Drs. Mike Chacey (Pulmy), Stan McClurg (ENT), and Ulysses Magalang (Pulmy) who ultimately diagnosed me. Two nurses, Cheri and Rob, were there whenever I needed them - which at night was about every two hours to bring fresh bed clothes after night sweats. Cheri told me that I needed to get up and walk every day so that I wouldn't get DVT (or the shot of heparin into my abdomen to combat DVT). Dr. Matt Exline (Pulmy) was my first doc that managed my disease. He was good, but inexperienced in treating GPA. I realized his inexperience when I joined this forum and began learning more about treatment protocols and the importance of having a GPA specialist. Dr. Exline was most gracious when I asked about a referral to Cleveland Clinic. As he didn't know any specialists there, he suggested that I self refer.
Dr. Alexandra Villa Forte, rheumy at the Cleveland Clinic, is another exceptional physician. My first visit to her in July 2012 lasted almost two hours. During that first visit, she wanted to know all of the details of my symptoms and history with the disease. Subsequent visits are marked by her taking all the time with her that I need. I have a written list of questions and concerns, and she takes the time to address every item and makes sure that I understand her instructions. She is responsive. If I call her office during the day, she calls me yet that day - even if it's well after office hours.
I don't think I've ever been blown off or disrespected by anyone who has helped treat my disease. As I said, I'm fortunate - and as healthy as the disease will allow.
Pete
dx 1/11
"Every day is a good day. Some are better than others." - unknown
"Take your meds as directed and live your life as fully as you can." - Michael Chacey, MD
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