Hi,

I have an auto-immune PN (assumed anyway CIDP) - but I'd like to see a doctor that will really look at my immune function, etc... right after I got PN my neuro sent me to an allergy doc - it was crazy cause as far as I knew I had 3 allergies - thats it - I tested positive for 80% of all the stuff they tested for, and they repeated the testing on another day to be sure it was accurate....

That was six years ago - and I'd like to have someone take another close look at my immune system - but not sure what type doc best to see - an allergist/immunologist, rhuematologist, or endochronologist? (want them to be knowledgeable about the PN too)... dont have a GP right now so no one to recommend who would be best?

Thanks

You have touched my heart...But I'm the one who let a wound nurse,send
me to a Derm Dr. ended up with a third degree burn,ended up back in the very same burn and wound Clicnic. I can only read,I will,heads together
everyone....Hugs to you Sue List who you have seen,not names,
just list the type of Drs.

--usuall, allergists and rheumatologists are the doctors that specialize in immune function, but in my experience, many allergists and rheumatologists actually have fairly narrow foci. The former tend to look primarily at the IgE, or possibly, IgG immune complex reactins to outside substnaces; the latter seem to focus on primarily the vasculitic diseases associated with the anit-nuclear antibody (ANA) and its variants.

Not many of them are familiar with a lot of the strange autoantibodies to nerve components, mnay of which have only been identified in the last twnety years or so. But, of course, not many neurologists (except those who specialize in these areas, such as Latov's group) are that familiar with them, either.

I think the way to go is to look into particular doctors/practices, and not to worry about the specialty--good doctors often are highly cross-disciplinary, anyway. Problem is, I'm not familiar with anybody with autoimmune neural expertise in your corner of the world--but I wonder if any of the neuropathy support groups there would be.

I had to first look up definitions, then I'm still not a whole bunch clearer, but here are some sites I've found.

Definition Immunologist: http://www.aaaai.org/springallergy/2003/whatis.stm

Definition Allergist: http://www.allergychannel.net/allergist.shtml

Immunologist Assn's Doc finder: http://www.clinimmsoc.org/referral/

Allergist Doc Finder: http://www.acaai.org:80/LocateAllergist/

I found no Immunology or Allergy assessments in the US News Top Hospitals:
http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/best-hospitals
But they do assess Rheumatology...At least if there isn't a TOP hospital in your area, there mite be a rheumy who's trained at one.

I also came across this about docs which is off this particular aspect but is about docs and finding one/or firing one: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/08/16...doc/index.html

Hopes this all helps! - j

I would have thought that finding good docs, whether in Immunology, Allergy, Rheumatology OR Neurology would be a hotter topic than it seems.
How to FIND good docs, where to find them, the resources to use to find them AND how to 'vet' them I thought would be a hot topic.
Guess I am wrong? Surely I am not the only person who has had issues? Thanks - j

I have hestitated to answer this because I don't really know if I can help. The doctor who diagnosed my Sjogren's and my allergies was an ENT. He was pretty knowledgeable about autoimmune disease and the whole allergic response connection, but I never thought to ask him about neuropathy.

fanfaire