Dr. Recommendation

[galliar]

Hello,

A while back I remember reading something about a list of endo's who are true experts on adrenal insufficiency.  Somewhere I remember there was an Endo in Los Angeles that was supposed to be exceptional.  Does anybody know how to get a good recommendation?  I was thinking about sending them my results for 3 recent ACTH tests and letting them look at them.


Regards,

Randy.

[ashley]

Randy,

I don't know about a list, but the doctor in LA is Theodore Friedman. I just started seeing him and he is really very good. His website is http://www.goodhormonehealth.com/

ashley

[Joel]

Randy,

Dr. Theodore Friedman in Los Angeles is excellent and I have seen him several times.
Beware it can take some time to get an appt and lab test results.
He is not cheap but my insurance paid for most of it.
Here is his web site:

www.goodhormonehealth.com

You could just try to email your labs with an explanation and he might respond.
Do you live in California?

Joel

[ashley]

Joel,

Funny that we posted the exact same thing at the exact same time. Do you still see Dr. F? Did you ever use him as your only endo, or did you also have a local one? Just curious.
I hope you are feeling better,
ashley

[Joel]

Ashley,

from 2005 to 2008 I was feeling really well and did not have a need for an endo.
I saw Friedman in 2004 and earlier this year when I started having fatigue and he was not much help this time.
He did not want to adjust my thyroid dose at all.
So now I am seeing a local endo who originally dx my thyroid that I am happy with.
I think Friedman is great to get a dx or second opinion but not as good for ongoing care.
He finds things that others miss. Sometimes I feel he is too overworked.

Joel

[ashley]

Joel,

I've seen Dr. F. only once and I think I agree. He found the pituitary tumor that everyone else missed. He also did a comprehensive pituitary work up that I had asked for, but been denied by others. BUT...it is really hard to get in touch with him. I found out about the tumor 6 weeks ago, and have to wait 3 more weeks before I can talk to him about it. I know it is not his fault, he is overworked, but it is still difficult. I haven't been able to find a good local endo though. I think if I could eventually find a good primary care doctor that would be willing to work with me and fill in the gaps when I can't get in touch with Dr. F, that might be the best scenario. Easier said than done, though. I'm sorry that he wasn't able to help you on your most recent visit. Did he have any ideas at all?

ashley

[Joel]

Ashley,

Since he is finding reasons for your condition I would keep pursuing it with him, although it does take time, effort and patience.
For me, he just said everything looked normal and could not explain my sudden fatigue. When i was fist dx with Addison's it took me 2 years to feel normal and then I felt as good as ever for 3 or 4 years. One year was spent figuiring out I had a thyroid problem.

Joel

[ashley]

Joel,

I do plan to stick with Dr. F - he's the best I've seen after all, I was just remarking that nothing happens quickly. That's ok or now, but I worry what would happen if I needed help quickly at some point...


ashley

[Joel]

Ashley,

If it's one thing I have learned about Addison's / Thyroid it's that nothing happens quickly. It's weeks, months and years to see changes and improvements.  You probably should look for a local endo but let them know you are being treated by Friedman as a special case or they might get offended. I think if you continue to be persistent you will see improvement in time.

Joel

[ashley]

Thank you, Joel. That is good advice. I already feel better than last year for sure. I know that patience is a virtue I haven't yet "mastered."

Hope you are feeling stronger by the day,

ashley