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Report on NIH visit in Aug.,2010

mahaff Message
15 Sep 2010, 08:35 PM

In response to those of you who are still trying to decide on whether to go to Bethesda for the NIH protochol research study on SCLS, I highly recommend it. In my case it was four days of pretty intensive interviews, blood draws, heart MRI's and a new procedure using infrared photography to view the capillaries and measure skin temperature changes. It was also an opportunity to meet with Arturo face to face and get one patient's perspective of how to meet the challenges of this very perplexing disease. The visit also gives you and your spouse or other loved ones a chance to ask their questions as well as well as your own of Dr. Druey and his staff. In my case, it was helpful to confirm that I did indeed have SCLS and was able to have all my medical test results sent to my local doctors. If you decide to go, be sure you understand the NIH's travel expense reimbursement policies, room arrangements for you and your spouse, etc. so there are no surprises. The people at NIH were very accomodating, treat you very well and the food is pretty good for hospital fare. If any of you have specific questions or concerns, the people at NIH can send you an email with tons of information about the research study, etc. One other note; the security to enter the campus is extensive so be prepared to unload your vehicle and send all your personal belongings thru scanners. But the bomb sniffing dog is friendly. Good Luck.
jelliott Message
15 Sep 2010, 10:36 PM

Hi Where can I get the information for NIH. Thank you Jessica
mahaff Message
17 Sep 2010, 04:16 PM

Try contacting Dee Dee Gaskins,, email address: dgaskins@niaid.nih.gov. There is also a toll free number: 1-800-411-1222 for patient Recruitment for protocol studies. For online study information try:http://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov The study research protocol number is 09-I-0184 and Kirk M. Druey, MD is the principal investigator. Dee Dee was very helpful in setting up my visit and very accessible. Good luck.
jofusmuffler Message
18 Sep 2010, 02:59 PM

Thank for the details about NIH visit! I am currently waiting for reponse from them about attending the trials. It is noce to know some of the tests they will perform as I am very nervous about that. I just had an MRI done @ Cleveland Clinic this week and I am waiting for the results of that test. As for all of the other tests, I think that I can handle them. As long as there is NOT anything too invasive as I had so much of that kind of testing done in Cleveland between April & May of this year. They were reveiwing my Liver biopsy slides also. Waiting for answers is still very hard though! Thanks! Amy