- Osteoporosis
- Headaches
- ArthritisAs a service to our patients, we provide in-office infusion and injection therapy for osteoporosis Reclast (Zoledronic Acid), Prolia (denosumab), and Boniva (ibandronate sodium) and biologic treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis including, Actemra (tocilizumab), Benlysta (belimumab), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Orencia (abatacept), Remicade (infliximab), Rituxan (rituximab), and Simponi Aria (golimumab).
- RheumatologyDeborah Jane Power, D.O. is a native of San Pedro, California and has been practicing medicine in Arizona for over ten years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences at The University of Arizona. She earned her D.O. degree in 1997 at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Missouri and interned at Midwestern University/Arizona Graduate Medical Education Consortium at Tucson General Hospital. Dr. Power completed her rheumatology fellowship at the University of Arizona in 2002 where she still has an appointment as a an adjunct faculty member.
- Primary CareWe are a rheumatology practice only. All patients must have a primary care physician for his or her non-rheumatology needs.
- Sleep DisordersThe National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. The NHLBI Information Center develops and maintains information on numerous topics to respond to inquiries on specific diseases related to the heart, lungs, and blood.
- Family PracticeSandy Jansen received her Physician Assistant training at Wake Forest University's Bowman Gray School of Medicine and her Master's of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has worked in Rheumatology since 2007, previously having worked in Internal Medicine and Family Practice. She has lived in Tucson since 1992.
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Infectious DiseasesThe National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases conducts and supports research that strives to understand, treat, and ultimately prevent the myriad infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases that threaten hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The Institute\'s mission is driven by a strong commitment to basic research and the understanding that the fields of immunology, microbiology, and infectious disease are related and complementary.
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- ImmunizationsIt is also important for people with lupus to receive regular health care, instead of seeking help only when symptoms worsen. Results from a medical exam and laboratory work on a regular basis allows the doctor to note any changes and to identify and treat flares early. The treatment plan, which is tailored to the individual?s specific needs and circumstances, can be adjusted accordingly. If new symptoms are identified early, treatments may be more effective. Other concerns also can be addressed at regular checkups. The doctor can provide guidance about such issues as the use of sunscreens, stress reduction, and the importance of structured exercise and rest, as well as birth control and family planning. Because people with lupus can be more susceptible to infections, the doctor may recommend yearly influenza vaccinations or pneumococcal vaccinations for some patients.
- CataractsOsteoporosis, mood changes, fragile skin, easy bruising, fluid retention, weight gain, muscle weakness, onset or worsening of diabetes, cataracts, increased risk of infection, hyper-tension (high blood pressure).
- Eye ExamWomen with lupus should receive regular preventive health care, such as gynecological and breast examinations. Men with lupus should have the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Both men and women need to have their blood pressure and cholesterol checked on a regular basis. If a person is taking corticosteroids or antimalarial medications, an eye exam should be done at least yearly to screen for and treat eye problems.
- EndometriosisMedications that cause bone loss: The long-term use of glucocorticoids (medications prescribed for a wide range of diseases, including arthritis, asthma, Crohn?s disease, lupus, and other diseases of the lungs, kidneys, and liver) can lead to a loss of bone density and fractures. Bone loss can also result from long-term treatment with certain antiseizure drugs ? such as phenytoin (Dilantin?) and barbiturates; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drugs used to treat endometriosis; excessive use of aluminum-containing antacids; certain cancer treatments; and excessive thyroid hormone. It is important to discuss the use of these drugs with your physician and not to stop or change your medication dose on your own.
- Pregnancy
- Internal MedicineMichael Maricic, M.D. received his BA from Brown University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Zagreb in Croatia. He completed his training in Internal Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, and his Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Arizona. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona School Of Medicine. He is an experienced clinical investigator, having participated in over 90 clinical trials for osteoporosis and all areas of rheumatology since 1984.
- Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome ?a condition in which the median nerve, which supplies the thumb side of the palm, becomes compressed in the space between the bones of the wrist through which the nerves and tendons run. It can cause tingling of the middle and index finger and weakness of the thumb.
- Stress ManagementControl stress. Because stress and emotional upsets may trigger an attack, particularly for people who have primary Raynaud?s phenomenon, learning to recognize and avoid stressful situations may help control the number of attacks. Many people have found that relaxation can help decrease the number and severity of attacks. Local hospitals and other community organizations, such as schools, often offer programs in stress management.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetes Care
- Thyroid
- MRIAlso known as an MRI, magnetic resonance imaging provides high-resolution computerized images of internal body tissues. This procedure uses a strong magnet that passes a force through the body to create these images. Doctors often use MRI tests if there is pain; if x-ray findings are minimal; and if the findings suggest damage to other joint tissues such as a ligament, or the pad of connective tissue in the knee known as the meniscus.
- X-Rays
- ChemotherapyIt is common for patients with a connective tissue disease to have Raynaud?s phenomenon. It occurs in more than 90 percent of patients with scleroderma, and in about 30 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and with Sj?gren?s syndrome. Secondary Raynaud?s phenomenon may also be associated with exposure to vibrating tools such as jackhammers, which cause trauma to the hands and wrists. And it may be linked to certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents, or to chemicals such as vinyl chloride.
- Radiation TherapyLocalized morphea limits itself to one or several patches, ranging in size from a half-inch to 12 inches in diameter. The condition sometimes appears on areas treated by radiation therapy. Some people have both morphea and linear scleroderma (described below). The disease is referred to as
- Joint ReplacementSurgery: Several types of surgery are available to patients with severe joint damage. The primary purpose of these procedures is to reduce pain, improve the affected joint\'s function, and improve the patient\'s ability to perform daily activities. Surgery is not for everyone, however, and the decision should be made only after careful consideration by patient and doctor. Together they should discuss the patient's overall health, the condition of the joint or tendon that will be operated on, and the reason for, as well as the risks and benefits of, the surgical procedure. Cost may be another factor. Commonly performed surgical procedures include joint replacement, tendon reconstruction, and synovectomy.
- GangreneSevere cases of Raynaud?s phenomenon?usually of the secondary form?can lead to problems such as skin ulcers (sores) or gangrene (tissue death) in the fingers and toes, which can be painful and difficult to treat.
- Reconstructive SurgerySynovectomy: In this surgery, the doctor actually removes the inflamed synovial tissue. Synovectomy by itself is seldom performed now because not all of the tissue can be removed, and it eventually grows back. Synovectomy is done as part of reconstructive surgery, especially tendon reconstruction.
- Plastic SurgeryAppearance and self-esteem: Aside from the initial concerns about health and longevity, people with scleroderma quickly become concerned with how the disease will affect their appearance. Thick, hardened skin can be difficult to accept, particularly on the face. Systemic scleroderma may result in facial changes that eventually cause the opening to the mouth to become smaller and the upper lip to virtually disappear. Linear scleroderma may leave its mark on the forehead. Although these problems can?t always be prevented, their effects may be minimized with proper treatment. Also, special cosmetics ? and in some cases, plastic surgery ? can help conceal scleroderma?s damage.
- Cosmetic SurgeryEn coup de sabre that may run down the forehead in people with linear scleroderma ? may be corrected through cosmetic surgery. (However, such surgery is not appropriate for areas of the skin where the disease is active.)
- DermatologyKate has recently joined Catalina Pointe and brings with her 20 years of experience as a practicing PA in the specialties of internal medicine, geriatrics and dermatology.
- UlcerFor all corticosteroids, let your doctor know if you have one of the following: fungal infection, history of tuberculosis, underactive thyroid, herpes simplex of the eye, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or stomach ulcer.
- LesionsSubacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus refers to skin lesions that appear on parts of the body exposed to sun. The lesions do not cause scarring.
- Rashes
- Physical TherapyFor many years, doctors initially prescribed aspirin or other pain-relieving drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as rest and physical therapy. They usually prescribed more powerful drugs later only if the disease worsened.
- Heel Pain
- Back Pain
- Geriatrics
- Heel SpursThe arthritis associated with reactive arthritis typically involves pain and swelling in the knees, ankles, and feet. Wrists, fingers, and other joints are affected less often. People with reactive arthritis commonly develop inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or at places where tendons attach to the bone (ethesitis). In many people with reactive arthritis, this results in heel pain or irritation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. Some people with reactive arthritis also develop heel spurs, which are bony growths in the heel that may cause chronic (long-lasting) foot pain. Approximately half of people with reactive arthritis report low-back and buttock pain.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain