Rheumatologists treat patients for pain, swelling and stiffness in the muscles or joints. DADA2 patients may see a rheumatologist for persistent unexplained fevers, rashes, weakness, and chronic inflammation and vasculitis involving different parts of the body. A rheumatologist can work with your primary doctor to manage DADA2 treatment and medications. Depending on your symptoms, they may want to see you more frequently in the clinic.

Immunologists treat and manage immune deficiency disease, when part of the immune system is either absent or not functioning properly as seen in some DADA2 patients. An immunologist can order important blood tests to show clues about immune deficiency symptoms and how to best treat them. If you are a DADA2 patient with immune deficiency your immunologist may pace you on IVIG. An immunologist works with your medical team to coordinate your care when health problems arise.

Hematologists are doctors who specialize in blood problems. DADA2 patients with signs of anemia, pure red cell aplasia, cytopenia’s, pancytopenia and bone marrow failure may be referred by their primary doctor to see a hematologist. DADA2 patients having problems with blood cells that are part of lymph nodes and bone marrow may be followed by a hematologist for ongoing care. If you are a DADA2 patient with bone marrow failure your hematologist would be the doctor that performs a bone marrow transplant if needed.

Neurologists treat symptoms involving the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves that make up the nervous system and control the workings of the body. DADA2 patients are at risk for certain types of nervous system problems. Vasculitis may reduce blood and nutrient flow through arteries in the brain, causing risk for stroke (ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke), or damage to the cranial nerves. Left untreated, neurological problems can cause trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing, or learning, or problems with memory, senses (hearing/vision) or mood. Working with a neurologist on your medical team can ensure you maintain better health.

Primary Care Physician is a family physician, pediatrician, or internal medicine physician that you should see for all your routine medical care such as yearly physicals. Depending on your age, they may order routine screening tests such as a mammogram or a screening colonoscopy. They should know all your specialists and not hesitate to reach out to them if you present to their office with any unusual signs or symptoms. All doctors on your team should not only communicate with you but should communicate (via letter if not urgent) with each other so that care can be coordinated.

Mental Health Specialists that can offer important help to patients and families can include psychologists, social workers, licensed cognitive behavioral therapists (CBT), and psychiatrists. Managing ongoing fatigue, chronic symptoms, and navigating regular interruptions to school, work, and daily routines, are chronic stressors, which can lead to harmful impacts on quality of life. Finding a therapist who is skilled at working with families or individuals with a chronic disease like DADA2 can help you address your specific chronic stressors. Your therapist is there to listen to what it is like for you and to explain how they can help you. Together you decide on goals for your therapy.