Arthritis Centers Of Texas

Had several visits to a doctor at St. Paul - VERY cranky and zero bedside manner. Got on the list for Dr. Petrone and was THRILLED with her attentiveness, professionalism and kindness. She is a really great doctor, and an even better person. Highly recommend her and her team. more

I went to Dr. Petrone for a second opinion because I simply wasn't seeing any improvement with the Rheumatologist I had been going to at St. Paul. She was very patient, listened to me, reviewed my records, ran her own tests and was able to give me a different diagnosis and treatment plan that thankfully has made a tremendous difference in my joint pain and fatigue. I have been going to her now for almost 3 years and she has also correctly diagnosed some other health issues and referred me to some excellent specialists to deal with those issues. I would highly recommend her, I had to wait nearly 6 months to get in to see her but it was well worth the wait! more

I've previously had arthritis problems (synovial cyst, used Baylor Spine Specialist, H.Chapman) and was successfully restored to full mobility. I was later having additional problems with knees, shoulder and neck and felt the most practical choice was to see a rheumatologist since I have used Baylor for many years and determined this should be the correct course. I don't like to give up easily on being able to work, but I explained to Dr. Petrone and the PA Kathy I had gone as far as I could without diagnosis and treatment and lost the ability to work until resolved. I agreed the blood tests and MRI's on both knees were required but Petrone told me emphatically that she would not stick a needle in a joint not know what was wrong. I agree with that as well, but the pain was excruciating and I didn't feel she related to me. They told me not to come back for two weeks, that the tests would not be ready. (Could the tests have not been rushed; could she offer suggestions about how to deal with lost of work? I was overcome with pain and unable to make any logical decisions regarding my life at that time. I was concentrating on doing exactly as told. So I went home and called work and told them I could not work. My disability will not pay if you take yourself off work and Dr. Petrone fully explained she did not do disability papers but my mind was confused and I didn't understand. When I did go back two weeks later to get the results of the test she explained I didn't have inflammatory arthritis, degenerative. Both knees were in bad shape from tears, fluid build up, cysts, spurs, etc. I got nothing for pain and nothing for disability for the week I couldn't work. She referred me to an orthopedic doctor at Carrell Clinic (John Baker, MD). Fortunately, he was able to see me the next day, make an assessment and advised me I needed a knee replacement in both knees, but would try injections to prolong it. He was attentative, caring and perceived as someone to trust that would help you. I am so glad I went to him, but very sorry I wasted two weeks in pain. He gladly took what paperwork I had and sent it to his office for someone to take care of. I can live with a few days lost pay, but it was senseless. Not sure I made correct points, but that's how I feel now. See if you can cut the star in half and give one-half. more