Doc in SC/NC?
 

Someone recommended to me a Dr James Howard at UNC. Is this the best place for me to go to make sure I completely rule out/in MG before I move on to a rheumatologist? I go back to my primary next Wednesday and would like to ask him to refer me to someone skilled in neuromuscular disorders. I am in upstate SC.
Thanks!
Jaimee

Jaimee- yes, doctor Howard is your best bet for the catolinas. I go to duke, not by choice and hate my doctor. I saw dr. Howard once while at the hospital during a crisis, and remember him to be more remarkable than any neuro I've ever met. He's very intelligent. Has
any publications in his name, if you search the Internet.

I would definetly go with dr Howard. He also diagnosed me with mg so i'm sure he could help you.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Tyson

Thanks!
Now to figure out how to ask for a referral to him without my Dr thinking I'm a hypochondriac or using the internet way too much! :rolleyes:

Well, Jaimee, how about saying you saw his name on the MGFA website (www.myasthenia.org) and a lot of people love him as a doctor.

He is hard to get in to see though and you may have to wait a while. I've seen him twice. I highly recommend him but you do have to crystal clear about what you want and need (SFEMG testing and on what muscles, pulmonary tests, blood tests, etc.).

Good luck.

Annie

I suppose I could do that :)
Anybody else know of any good docs closer by who could do everything necessary to rule out MG? (in case my primary doesn't go for the referring to NC thing)

Jaimee:

I see Dr. David Stickler at MUSC in Charleston. He is an MG specialist. He is young (around 37) which is good and bad. Know what I mean? I had seen a neurologist here in Columbia, SC who referred me to MUSC. He also had given me Dr. Howard's name at UNC. Charleston was closer. Their number for an appointment is: 843.792.3223.

Hi Jaimee! Dr. Howard is one of the leading MG docs and researchers worldwide. He is really amazing. My local neuro sent me to him for confirmation of my MG. Whatever Doc Howard tells you, you can take it to the bank. I also consulted with Dr. Bravver at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. She is skilled as well. Best of luck to you. It's very difficult knowing something is just not right and having to battle trying to find the cause.
Be persistient!!!

Hey thanks guys! :)
I went to a follow up with my primary today and much to my surprise he did not agree with the neuro that it is clearly enough hemiplegic migraine to treat for it without being absolutely certain that it is not myasthenia gravis. I gave him both names, Howard and Stickler, he's going to do some research and set me up with an appointment. So we shall see.

So if I am not sick when I go to my appointment (as in, not having a huge episode of weakness), will all the testing and such that they do on my muscles be accurate still?