Looking for Orthopedic or Arthritis Dr.(rheumitology)

I live in Baldwinsville New York and need a good Dr. I have the lap band and can't take anti- inflammatory medication and arthritis is out of control! Tried some over the counter liquid supplements and nothing works. Any info would be really appreciated. Thanks

I have an excellent orthopedic office. It is in Rochester, NY but worth the thruway cost. I have been with them for 8 years now. Greater Rochester orthopedics, 30 Hagen Drive, Rochester,NY
phone 585-295-5476.
I have had shoulder and lower back surgery with these guys. I absolutely love Dr. Peter Capicotto who did my back surgery. The man is a saint in my eyes. I too have arthritis and they address it. Dr. Paul Peartree did my shoulder surgery.

Hello luvbear: I am a bit late in reading all the latest stuff here on OH but just wondered if you or your primary care dr, had ever considered water therapy in the pool? The exercise really helps with arthritis  and also helps with pain.  It may take a few sessions before you feel the effects but it does work.  I  have been doing it since after my surgery 8/08 and it has strengthened my body helped with my osteoarthritis of my knees and hands and it was just a thought for you to consider.  It appears you have RA which may be a different ballgame as far as exercise, however, check out your p.t. dept. of your local hospital/or one your dr. may recommendbecause it may be covered by any insurance you have either prior to or even after your surgery.    You have to ask your dr. about this.  I found out abou****er therapy from my support group and it was one of the best things that I have ever done.  Good luck.  I have taken xtra strength tyelnol for pain with some success.  My bariatric center said it was ok to take.   Mary (Molly P.)

I am not getting any help from primary Dr. office. They want me to come in to have a test for my asthma before they will give me any referrals. It's just all about money! Curious why you might think I could have RA. Have not been diagnosed with RA but osteoarthritis. Wouldn't hurt to have a updated diagnose. My mother had RA.Also curious about your support group, can you give me any info that might be helpful.I called an office at 5100 Taft Rd. they told me they had one doctor and I had to have a referral even though my insurance doesn't require it.They didn't seem very nice.I may be looking for new primary too because you can never talk to anyone have to leave a message and takes two weeks to get a call back.Tylenol does absolutely nothing for me. I'm hoping steroid shots to start out and maybe Dr. will have some idea to help get me some relief from all this pain without irritating my lap band. Diane

Hi again luvbear: I'm so sorry I don't know where I got that you had RA! I must've gotten you mixed up so my apologies! I too have osteoarthritis in my knees and it can be so painful at times. I wondered if your surgeon who did your lapband might be willing to write you out a referral if you just called them on the phone and asked? Sometimes, they will without seeing you.  Just a thought.  I think the water therapy would be very beneficial to you, if you can't get the p.t. referral consider joining the Y and trying their water program.  You can move so much better in the water & it does help build muscle tone & strength.
As far as support groups go I had a list given to me by my bariatric center and we were required to attend at least 3 sessions prior to surgery and encouraged to continue afterwords.  They are a great support mechanism.
There is a main support & lapband group that meets at the Institute for Human Performance  and the contact person for lapband is Michele Martin (315) 427-2063 -she could give you directions on how to get there - I believe the parking lot is on Madison St. in Syracuse near Upstate.  I go to a group in Sherrill, and have been to Camden, & New Hartford which are all closest to me.  There are 2-3 others in Syracuse/Liverpool also.  These are affiliated thru University Hospital/Bariatric Center however, I don't believe you have to be a patient there to attend them as I have seen others from Utica who have had surgery in  Utica.  Hope this helps and so sorry I read alot of different blogs -Take care  Mary (Molly P.)

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
5100 Taft Rd 315 - 452 - 2120

Dr. Warren Wulff did my back surgery 3 years ago, this practice specializes in all types of orthopedics, from joints to feet and also they have spine specialists also. Thye have 5 different locations also in and around the area.

I will try and reach the Dr. you mentioned. I did call over to that clinic and the woman who answered the phone said they had one Orthopedic Dr. and I would have to have a referral even though my insurance doesn't require it.I didn't know it was so difficult to see a Dr. in NY. Thanks for the info. Diane