Good Doctor in Arkansas

[runningemiles]

Does anyone live in Arkansas and have a good doctor that treats and understands IC. Thank you

[Stl]

Here is the name of a doctor that is listed in the patient handbook under ICN physicians list:LITTLE ROCK
John Brizzolara, MD, Arkansas Urology Associates, #1 St. Vincent Ct., Suite 320, Little Rock, AR 72205. (501)664-1762 E-mail: ipb111347@aol.com.

I don't know if that's close to you but I thought maybe it would help especially since it was listed under this site.
Sue

[Vicki]

I am from Arkansas and have used Dr. Brizz. for about seven or so years now. I absolutely love him. He is kind and compassionate. Most importantly, he is willing to try almost anything to help me. I highly recommend him. I know there is another lady on here that uses him as well. The other doc. I have never seen but comes highly recommended to me from another doctor is Dr. Graham Greene. He is at UAMS. My dermatologist, who I went to see for hairloss issues(which turned out to be from Elmiron), told me that his mom had IC and that Graham Greene was the best in Little Rock for IC. Anyhow, best of luck to you. -Vicki

[donnadb40]

Vicki,
Will Dr. Brizz prescribe pain meds or will he refer to a pain specialist? If you wouldn't mind sharing some of your treatment plan... For example, what treatments have you had with Dr. Brizz (hydrodistension, instills, etc.???) I would so much appreciate this info!!! I was actually online just now looking for a Dr. in LR.. My doc is a nice guy and has done 3 hydros on me but admits to not being very knowledgeable in the area of IC and I am having one MAJOR flare right now!!!!!

Hugs!
Donna:smile tee

[runningemiles]

Donna
I live in Arkansas too and just made an appt. about two weeks ago and could not get into Dr. Brizzolara until Feb. My doctor called the next day and they told him March. So you might want to call tomorrow and just get an appt in the meantime while you are waiting to decide if you wan to see him. I had them put me on the cancellation list. Haven't heard anything though. I know Vicki recommended another doctor and I emailed Dr. Brookoff and he recommend Dr. Alex Finkbeiner at UAMS. I am going to call him tomorrow and see the wait for him. He is the chairman of Urology at UAMS. Hope this helps.

[donnadb40]

Wow, Feb or March??? Thats rough! I will call tomorrow first thing! Also, did he require a referral from your other uro or PCP?? My insurance doesn't requrie that but some docs still want it anyway:confused: Guess I will probably end up getting another hydrodistention in the meantime (which sucks!)... Thanks for the info!!!!!

Hugs!
Donna

[runningemiles]

No he does not require a referral or they didn't ask me for one. Hopefully you can get in sooner. Do the hydros help you? I have just had one back in October and almost felt worse afterwards. I hate you would have to go through that again. I had a doctor tell me that Dr. Brizzolara is on the cutting edge of treating IC so hopefully he will have something for you that will help. Keep me posted on what you find out! Good Luck

[donnadb40]

I would have to say yes that they do help me, but not at first! The last one that I got took me 6 weeks to get over and I felt much worse those first 6 weeks. After that, I haven't had any problems for about 9 months. Then, the pain begins and the hydro gets scheduled :confused:. I usually get a hydro almost every December and each one takes a little longer to recover from so who's to say what the next one might bring?!?!?!?! I am definitely calling Dr. Brizz tomorrow so I will let you know how long it will be until my appointment! Thanks again for all of your helpful info!!! Happy Holidays!

[Vicki]

Vicki,
Will Dr. Brizz prescribe pain meds or will he refer to a pain specialist? If you wouldn't mind sharing some of your treatment plan... For example, what treatments have you had with Dr. Brizz (hydrodistension, instills, etc.???) I would so much appreciate this info!!! I was actually online just now looking for a Dr. in LR.. My doc is a nice guy and has done 3 hydros on me but admits to not being very knowledgeable in the area of IC and I am having one MAJOR flare right now!!!!!

Hugs!
Donna

I asked him about going to a pain specialist once and he did not think I needed to go that route. I am sure each patient is different as far as what he will prescribe. He has prescribed a couple of different pain meds for me to try. I have never used more than one refill in six months. I have tried every herb and medication known to man(other than cell cept and cyclosporine), hydros, elmiron instills, heparin instills, dmso instills and an interstim trial. Like I said I highly recommend him. He allows me to tell him how I feel and listens to what I think. So, give a try. -Vicki

[donnadb40]

Called Dr. Brizzolara's office this morning and got an appointment for Dec
12th!!!!! OMG, I am sssooooo excited!!!! Hopefully, he will have the answer!!! Thanks for the advice to call him and pray for me!!!!!

Hugs!
Donna

[Vicki]

Great Donna. Tell him I am doing great with the Cystistat and had no pain after my hydro! -Vicki

[donnadb40]

Ok Vicki, I will surely tell him. One question for you, what is cystistat?? I thought that it was some kind of instill only available from Canada?? I am kinda nervous about my appt. I know he probably wont do ANYTHING the first visit but I don't want any painful procedures done! I've already had 3 hydros with general anesthesia...:confused:

Hugs
Donna