Any advice on a good doctor in Los Angeles?

[noegirl]

Hello -
I was hoping that someone might have insights on good doctors in the LA area.

I'm in the midst of a not-very-delightful yearlong flare that was triggered by a number of bladder infections (which I've had all my life, but for some reason, this flare won't budge). I have been seeing Dr. Raz at UCLA and he seems like a nice man and obviously an expert, but he sees 80 patients a day and probably couldn't pick me out of a line-up.

Dr. Raz says the only option left for me is the neurostimulator, but that seems awfully invasive and as I read your posts, I see there are lots of options I haven't tried. Most of my pain is urethral, it's constant, but I have no frequency or urgency. Occasionally, there is aching in my bladder, but mostly just urethral aching that is worse during my period and much worse at night and in the morning. Analgesics don't help at all. Elmiron has been a bust. Neurontin, no dice. Horrible nerve block shot (inside the privates, and on the sacrum people, ouch) also failed.

I am going to try lots of things I've read about here, but if you love your doctor and he or she is anywhere near LA, please let me know. The whole concept of the urogyno sounds promising. I would love any insights or referrals.

Thanks so much.

[elamar]

Just wanted to post this since you are also having urethral pain. Cantharis is a natural supplement that has helped alot with my urethral burning. You can buy it at whole foods or other health food type places. It comes in a vial as little pills that you dissolve under your tongue. It only costs about $7 a vial which lasts about 10 days. It's one of those things that you could try and if it doesn't help, then you aren't out a fortune. For a little while, the muscle relaxant Librax helped get rid of my urethral pain. My third day on it, it was like a miracle. But it only lasted about 3 months and then my pain came back. You could always ask a doctor about trying it. It is a smooth muscle relaxant so most wouldn't think to prescribe it. Good luck to you.

[noegirl]

I appreciate the help so much; cantharis is on my list of things to try before I let anyone slice me open.
Librax is now on my list as well.
For some reason, topical Lidocaine seems like it might work, but I have no idea who would prescribe it, hence the need for a new doc. Also, seems like I'm trying to keep chemicals out of that region, so adding some seems counter-intuitive.
Anyway, so grateful for the tip. I'm open to anything.