I've been seeing Dr. Bastian for about four years and think he's the best doctor I've ever had for anything--PERIOD. I see him 2-3 times a year. I have AD/SD. His "bed side" manner has been just wonderful. I think he is very knowledgable and extremely considerate. He takes the time to talk to you and genuinely asks for your input. He's very sensitive and does his best to inform you about your condition. Though my treatments have been disapointing I feel confident that I'm in the care of one of the best. He's with the Loyola University Health System in Maywood Il. (a suburb of Chicago). I can send you the particulars on where and how to contact him. Best of luck.

Like Lylia, not being one of Dr. Bastian's patients, I've been very impressed in meeting him at three symposiums. As Lylia says, he is a medical advisor to the NSDA and makes a concerted effort to appear and present at such events. He has such a high-quality bedside-manner that he makes you feel like you are the most important patient on Earth. That is a rare skill, in dealing with patients. Since having SD tends to direct us to numerous doctors/specialists, we all know how important that "people-skill" is.

I spoke to Dr. Bastian on our first break at the Michigan Symposium (March, 2001) and, due to that conversation, he actually solicited my comments in the auditorium (170 people) when we were discussing a relevant agenda item. I was really impressed that an esteemed medical professional would gesture, from the stage to the audience, so that a patient(s) could speak.

Dr. Bastian is a skilled SD expert and talented in dealing with (or *bringing out the best in*) the people who have our disorder. If I lived near Loyola University (Chicago), I would waste no time in getting in to see him. Also...on a side note, if Dr. Bastian is on the agenda for any SD or Dystonia Symposium, I consider his presence a big draw and hope to see him at future symposiums.

Dr. Bastian only does Botox injections at Maywood (not far from Brookfield Zoo) on Fridays. I believe he does Botox treatments at the clinic in Chicago on Mondays (but preferring not to go the extra distance to Chicago I'm not exactly sure).

Maywood is a suburb east of Chicago. Depending on traffic it's probably 30+ minutes from the Loop (downtown). I think that's where the clinic is where Dr. Bastian see his SD patients. The address to his Maywood office is:

Loyola University Medical Center

2160 South First Avenue

Maywood, Il. 60153

Here are the phone numbers if you want to call to make sure:

Chicago (312) 621-8700

Maywood (708) 216-8563

Secretary (708) 216-4373

Let me know if you need any further information.

I'm fortunate enough to see Dr. Bastin, too. He really is a very nice, caring, well-respected guy. I see him on Mondays at the Lyric opera House right on Wacker Dr in Chicago. He does Fridays at the Maywood Clinic, both of them are part of Loyola Hospital, I think. The Chicago one is called the Loyola Voice Institute. He did provide some good info when i was diagnosed and is very good with the Botox shots.

Renee Urban

Where do you live? I'm assuming in Atlanta or near there? Nashville is much closer then Chicago. There are awsome doctors at the Voice Center at Vanderbilt. Would that be closer to you? I do know there are alot of people go there from Atlanta as well as North & South Carolina........all over really.