Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 , I saw Dr Franco one time, in 2001. I refused all xrays because at the time, I had no labs that indicated RA or indications of RA...and did not want the additional radiation, I did allow him to do all labs which my insurance covered. I liked him, found him very nice...but he told me nothing new about my SD...and I was already on minocin for my SD....which after 2 yrs, my ordering rheumy in NJ had me discontinue. I live in Cincinnati and drive once a year to see my rheumy in NJ. Hope this helps, Debbie rheumatic Dr. F in California Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 I've seen Dr. Franco and his associate several times - last in September 2007. because I went too long between visits from 2005, I had to start over with x-rays and labs in 2007. Fortunately, insurance covered most of it but I won't do that again. He didn't tell me anything I hadn't already learned from this group. This group has been the most valuable resource I've had in fighting my MCTD and complications. Sandy Beaumont, CA rheumatic Dr. F in California Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Hi . My wife has been seeing Dr. F for a little over a year. We live in Arizona and drive to see him every two months. She was diagnosed with MCTD from Dr. F and Lyme from Dr. H in Malibu, California. We are going to both. She seems to have gone into remission and is feeling almost like her old self. We go again in two weeks and hope to be finished with the Lyme Doctor and have her medications reduced by Dr. F at this time. The protocol seems to be working for her. Phil rheumatic Dr. F in California Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1208 - Release Date: 1/3/2008 3:52 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi Phil - Thanks so much for this. It is a bit more encouraging then. How about the cost though? Is it really $3,000 for the initial labs and 2 visits? . > > Hi . My wife has been seeing Dr. F for a little over a year. We live in Arizona and drive to see him every two months. She was diagnosed with MCTD from Dr. F and Lyme from Dr. H in Malibu, California. We are going to both. She seems to have gone into remission and is feeling almost like her old self. We go again in two weeks and hope to be finished with the Lyme Doctor and have her medications reduced by Dr. F at this time. The protocol seems to be working for her. Phil rheumatic Dr. F in California > > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1208 - Release Date: 1/3/2008 3:52 PM > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi Sandy and Debbie - Well, I'm new to this group and don't always understand how to get the posts. I just picked up your replies on Dr. F. That makes three votes against him and 1 vote for him. Sure sounds like I should do a bit more research before I proceed. I'm going to post again about Dr. S. in Iowa and see if maybe he a better choice. I also have one doc in Colorado Springs that may be a choice so I'll try him too. I agree with you that this group along with Road Back group is the most helpful resource. Thanks so much for your responses to my inquiry. . > > I've seen Dr. Franco and his associate several times - last in September 2007. > > because I went too long between visits from 2005, I had to start over with x-rays and labs in 2007. Fortunately, insurance covered most of it but I won't do that again. > > He didn't tell me anything I hadn't already learned from this group. > > This group has been the most valuable resource I've had in fighting my MCTD and complications. > > Sandy > Beaumont, CA > rheumatic Dr. F in California > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 HI ...I liked DR F....I just felt that frankly, he told me nothing new...and from the extensive labs he did...I learned nothing new either... my insurance covered all the labs...but they had all been ordered before by my rheumy in NJ... DR F had nothing new to add...and I felt did not go over my lab results with me at all...I finally called and requested and received a copy for my medical notebook that I keep... If I had to pay for him out of pocket, I would see either DR Whitman in NJ or I would see DR D. Trentham in Boston...just my opinion..RE DR Sinnot, I like him as well...but have not gone to see him..altho we have had several phone consults. Hope this helps, Debb rheumatic Dr. F in California > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi . Fortunatly we had medicare with a supplement that paid for all the labs and doctor's fees. He also has supplements that he recommends that are expensive. We tried them at first, but have gone off of most of them except the probiotics because of the antibiotics she is taking. What are your symptoms and diagnosis? Phil rheumatic Dr. F in California > > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1208 - Release Date: 1/3/2008 3:52 PM > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Hi Phil - I have RA. My symptoms are pretty standard......lots of stiffness, swelling, restricted motion and of course, the pain. I take many drugs right now just to stand upright, but I'm getting by. I have heard from many folks about choices on docs and now have many choices. Just not sure what to do, but I'll figure it out. Thanks again for your input. . > > > > Hi . My wife has been seeing Dr. F for a little over a > year. We live in Arizona and drive to see him every two months. She > was diagnosed with MCTD from Dr. F and Lyme from Dr. H in Malibu, > California. We are going to both. She seems to have gone into > remission and is feeling almost like her old self. We go again in > two weeks and hope to be finished with the Lyme Doctor and have her > medications reduced by Dr. F at this time. The protocol seems to be > working for her. Phil rheumatic Dr. F in California > > > > > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and > if so, > > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in > finding > > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him > on > > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs > and > > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and > I > > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ----------- > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1208 - Release > Date: 1/3/2008 3:52 PM > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Hi Phill, long time no talk. so glad your wife is better. can u please tell us exactly what symptoms are better? sounds like the Lyme is gone?!?!?! WOW. If i recall correctly, the other doctor was treating that, not Dr. F. I just wanted to clarify.... " cindy.slevin " <cindy.slevin@...> wrote: Hi Phil - I have RA. My symptoms are pretty standard......lots of stiffness, swelling, restricted motion and of course, the pain. I take many drugs right now just to stand upright, but I'm getting by. I have heard from many folks about choices on docs and now have many choices. Just not sure what to do, but I'll figure it out. Thanks again for your input. . > > > > Hi . My wife has been seeing Dr. F for a little over a > year. We live in Arizona and drive to see him every two months. She > was diagnosed with MCTD from Dr. F and Lyme from Dr. H in Malibu, > California. We are going to both. She seems to have gone into > remission and is feeling almost like her old self. We go again in > two weeks and hope to be finished with the Lyme Doctor and have her > medications reduced by Dr. F at this time. The protocol seems to be > working for her. Phil rheumatic Dr. F in California > > > > > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and > if so, > > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in > finding > > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him > on > > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs > and > > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and > I > > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ----------- > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1208 - Release > Date: 1/3/2008 3:52 PM > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Sitting in Dr F's waiting room for the hours I waited both days, along with a bunch of other patients who got really upset about the wait, it gave me a lot of time to do nothing. So I began talking to one of his patient who had Sjogren's as well. She had been a patient there for many years. I asked about her experience and she said he RX'd her all these immunosupprestant type drugs. She was shocked to hear I was there for antibiotics. Well, not for them exactly, I can get them from my own doctor, but to get advice on which ones, how much, how often, what to do if this or that happens, questions on herxes versus bad allergic reactions that can lead to trouble. I can't say I got those questions answered unfortunately. Also, I can't get that poor woman out of my mind who was totally clueless about the antibiotics and was clearly miserable, she had RA as well as SS and 1-2 other auto immune diseases. --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make your homepage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Hi Vicki, So did you decide to go to Dr. F.? Did he help you at all? My wife seems a lot better, but is still more fragile than she was two and a half years ago. Phil P.S. We had to wait a long time past our appointment too. It seems he is overbooking. rheumatic Dr. F in California > > > > > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and > if so, > > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in > finding > > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him > on > > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs > and > > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and > I > > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ----------- > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1208 - Release > Date: 1/3/2008 3:52 PM > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 , I saw Dr. Franco from 1998 through 2002 and have nothing but good things to say about him. I am sure that I spent much more than $3,000 when I take into account the meds, supplements, x-rays, blood tests, plane flights, hotels..... I come from a country with socialized medicine that I pay for through much higher taxes than you would pay in Denver and I have no regrets WHATSOEVER. Please read my story on the rheumatic.org > > Hi - Has anyone treated with Dr. F in Riverside,California and if so, > what are your thoughts about him. I have been unsuccessful in finding > a Denver or nearby doctor so I scheduled with Dr. F. I see him on > 2/11 and 2/12 and discovered yesterday that his costs for labs and > evaluation exceed $3,000. That's alot money out of my pocket and I > need to feel sure that it is worth it. I'd appreciate any input > anyone has on this. I'm anxious to get started on the A/P, but I > don't want to make the wrong choice. Thanks. . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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