New From California

[Sangye]

LOL-- Ya gotta take the certification class first!

I would have asked about it anyway. Denial takes a lot of forms and is so prevalent in Weggies.

[Lightwarrior]

LOL-- Ya gotta take the certification class first!.

Okay, okay...I'm working on my pre-reqs

[Sangye]

No worries-- you're an experienced nurse so you can skip some courses. You only need to do the supervised internship and you'll be a Certified Nag.

[Redbecca]

Which hospitals and which doctors in California have seen the most Wegener's patients? We are in URGENT need of finding a hospital and doctors to transfer a loved one to. He's in his 60"s was in remission, had diarrhea for 6+ months, CMV (a common virus that most of us with healthy immune systems regularly fight off and are not affected by) was diagnosed as the problem for the diarrhea. He was put onto anti-viral med. And shortly thereafter has had high fevers. Diarrhea is gone now. But they are saying he has pneumnoia and possibly endocarditis now. Even mentioned sepsis (?) / blood infection. We are very concerned for his health and need to get him transfered from Chico to either San Fransisco area hospital or a Sacramento / Davis area hospital. Any recommendations for the best place? or for docs who have seen multiple Wegener's patients?
Thanks in advance!
Rebecca

[JudyJ]

Redbecca,sorry to hear about your relative. I see Dr. Robert Shapiro at Sacramento Rheumatology on Scripps Drive. He has an associate that is also really good Dr. Weisner. I was at Mercy General in Sacramento. I think very highly of them both. I would not be here today if not for them. They do confer with Rhematologists in San Fransisco. They started the whole Rheumatology department at UC Davis years ago, if I remember correctly, then moved out on their own. They pretty much only take life threatening cases. Good Luck and God Bless.

[sharon]

welcome JudyJ,
great to have you on board, so glad you found us. I have found this site very helpful, the more information u have, the more informed choices you can make, you are your own best advocate. Take one day at a time, live that day the best you can, the rest take care of themselves, as you have found worry and stress are our worst enemies. Once again welcome.

Sangye- you are such a gem, always helpful, always spot on, can we borrow you down here? I have been talking to Natalie, she may well have convinced me to give up my beloved coffee after one of your recent posts. Thanks where would we be without you?

[Redbecca]

JudyJ,
Thanks for passing along Dr. Robert Shapiro's name. We've also been told about a doctor in SF named Sharon Chung. Have you ever worked with that doc or do you know if Dr. Shapiro has consulted with that doc?

[Sangye]

Thank you, Sharon! I just share what I've learned pre- and post-Wegs. I hope it helps you.

[JudyJ]

Rebecca
I don't know who Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Weisner confer with in SF Sorry I can't help you there. I pray who ever you go with will be exactly who you need. In this past year I have seen 7 different Drs. and Dr. Shapiro is the only one I truely trust. It is very frustrating. I have left 2 offices almost in tears because they did not know what to do or was told something totally different, So please be selective and careful and go with who you guys are comfortable with. Dr. Shapiro and Weiser are very agressive so if you choose to see them be prepared. Wish I could help you more. Good luck and I will keep you in my prayers.
Judy

[sharon]

Good afternoon Sangye,
i am off to the sunshine coast tomorrow for a conference and break, i will be looking for alternatives to my coffee & choc regime. It makes so much sense. Once again thanks for taking the time to help us all.
Enjoy the rest of yr week and take care.