Health Organization for Pudendal Education

I was just wondering if anyone has had an appt with Dr. Mario Castellanos? He is Dr. Hibner's fellow out in Phoenix. When I called to look into an appt with Dr. Hibner, his 1st available wasn't until Sept. Dr. Castellanos was available mid June. Any experiences with Dr. Castellanos and if surgery is recommended, would that get you in the door sooner to see the fellow? I just can't seem to get any help from my doctors out here in LA - they all seem so PN ignorant. (I have yet to see Dr. Jordan but have an appt with him on 4/14). Thank you again for all your help!

I have an appointment with Dr. Castellanos on Wed, April 6th. I see Loretta first in the morning. I decided to give Dr. C a chance since I live in Southern AZ, only about 3 hours away. My son will drive me up and then my aunt will drive me around town for the appointments. (I thought the offices were near each other but they are not!)

Please if everyone would list there questions here I promise to take a list with me and see what I can get answered for us. My little brain doesn't remember everything so I have to take a list. Love the memory loss!!

Hi TracyB,

Definitely let me know how it goes! I was a little hesitant since it wasn't with Dr. Hibner, but I don't know if going to see Dr. Castallanos would help one get in the door faster (ie if surgery was needed). Let me know if you felt the appt went well and what his recommended next steps are. I'm just worried that by making the appt with Dr. C in June, if I feel I need to see Dr. Hibner still, I'll have to wait until 2012 since he's already booking for Sept at this point.

And is it true that Dr. Hibner requires PT, botox, and a pain pump to all be done first? On the phone they never mentioned PT or Loretta to me. That just seems like so much to go through, esp in my case where my pain is so localized and doctors know exactly when and what caused the insult to my nerve. Anyway, just trying to prepare myself so I know what to expect. Thanks Tracy and I can't wait to hear your experiences! Hope you are doing well!

Hi NewMom,

I am an existing patient w/ Dr. Hibner, but have talked w/ Dr. Castellanos a couple of times. He seems very knowledgable and I think that if I was in your shoes, I would get in to see him, and see where it takes you. Once you get established, it seems like it is easier to get in to see someone at Hibner's office. I also went to a PT that send patients to Dr. Hibner (A PT that works in the same office as Loretta), and his name came up today, and she thought he was a great asset in the fight against PN/PNE. Go for it!! Good luck.

Thank so smuch AZGuy! I went ahead and made an appt with Dr. C for June. If anyone knows the answer to this or can ask Dr. C, what happens once his fellowhip is over at the end of June? What will happen to all of his patients? Does Dr. C plan on staying on at St. Josephs with Dr. Hibner? I'm worried about seeing him for my initial consultation in June and then he plans on leaving and will be gone after his fellowhip ends. Thanks to anyone who can answer!

Hi NewMom!! I'll be sure to ask Dr. Castellanos what happens to his patients once his fellowship is over. I didn't realize it was ending so soon. Please let me know if you think of anything else you want me to ask.

Hi AZGuy, I noticed in your signature you have diagnosed with PN by Hibner. How did he diagnose it? My neuro still isn't convinced, actually said he believes it's something overdiagnosed...moron!! Anyone, heading to see Loretta and Dr. Castellanos Wednesday and just looking to get an idea of what to expect from the appointment.

Tracy,

You will have a great visit on Wednesday and finally get some answers. Loretta is wonderful, and so is Dr. Hibner. By seeing Dr. Castellanos you will be able to get into Hibner later. But, you will get answers and hopefully begin to have a plan of action. I would advise having all your questions written down, as you will be amazed at the depth of their knowledge. Dr. Hibner diagnosed me after a physical exam in 7/2009, and then referred my to Dr. Weiss (SF) who saw me for a week in Feb 2010. He found that my perineal branch of my pudendal nerve was irritated, and he gave me a steroid injection in April 2010 that calmed the nerve, and was confirmed in September 2010 by Weiss.

All the best. Please let me know how your visit goes.

John

I posted under "Case Updates" about my visit. It was such a breathe of fresh air to have someone listen and understand you!!!

Tracy, where is case studies located?