Carmela's MD appt's

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone

Sorry for the delay in sending this email, but was busy over this weekend

and there was plenty to think about and say regarding my homeo/naturopath/MD

appt.

This past week I had a 2-part appt with the homeopath and MD. After filling

out a detailed 28 page questionnaire I met with the homeopath, she reviewed

the questionnaire and asked many other detailed questions about my habits,

likes and dislikes - Apparently based on this they came up with a custom

made treatment plan. But all decisions are left up to the MD and patient.

The following day I met with the MD himself. He seemed very personable and

nice. I handed over many of my test results and a copy of Dr Trentham's RP

report.

As he spoke with me he also reviewed the homeopath's written notes, my

questionnaire, test results and Dr T's report. - I didn't feel like he

was ignoring me he was very attentive.

After reading through Dr T's report he said he was impressed and thanked me

for giving it to him and that he found it very informative. Now based on

what he discovered about me re: my questionnaire - he recommended a

homeopathic treatment of NATRUM (MURIATICUM) one pellet twice a day

dissolved under the tongue. I asked him what it's supposed to do and he

said according to my answers, habits, likes and dislikes this treatment is

tailor made since I like savory and salty foods, rather than sweets, etc.

It's rather complicated but it's designed for overall well-being. I'm ready

to give it a try. Then as far as the RP goes, I told him I'm on pred and it

doesn't seem to be doing much. He FIRMLY believes that food either triggers

or causes RP. He continued to explain that there is a special blood test

called IGG which tests 116 possible food allergies. But it's only processed

in the US and costs about $400 US. He really thinks it's worth it rather

than spending hundreds and hundreds of $$ on natural supplement products

which are not certain to help with RP. - This blood test at least will

rule out for sure any food allergies or triggers. However, the pred and any

immunosuppressants MUST be out of the body completely or it won't be

accurate at all. - So I have to wait and save my $$ - I certainly would

like to try this.

Then we spoke of other RP treatments... mainly MINOCIN. He feels it is

worth a try and explained that the immune system will not attack the body if

it's not looking for any other nasties (bacteria, etc) to kill off. So we

will try Minocin at VERY low doses. In addition to Minocin he's adding

lactobacillus tablets to restore the GOOD bacteria in the gut. If I have

any bad or adverse reaction to cut back on the dose and/or call him with any

problems.

We spoke of many things and I was able to express myself as to my fears and

concerns. He actually heard me and seemed to understand. Mind you, I still

take EVERYTHING with a grain of salt and healthy dose of skepticism only

because it seemed to good to be true that I may have actually found an MD

who is willing and ready to help me.

I asked him about any immunosuppressant treatments and he explained that he

rather take out the big guns only if absolutely necessary. He asked about

any other doctors I'm seeing especially rheumy's. I told him his name and

that I wasn't too pleased with him - I told him I'll be interviewing two

more rheumy's - I mentioned the name of one of them and he knows her and

said she's very, very good, is attentive, but to keep in mind that she still

works in the traditional way and still uses protocol and procedure laid out

for treatments, but that she will be more sympathetic and a little less

rigid re: treatments and procedures used to try to diagnose and treat RP.

Anyway, I already underwent a spiral CT scan (privately $$) last Monday, w/o

contrast though, and this new doctor wants a copy of the results. But a

'hospital' CT scan is scheduled for Jan. I'm anxious to see if they will do

it differently and if the results are the same. I'll keep you posted.

The MD then went on to explain that in order for the Minocin to work

properly I need to take it regularly twice a day 3x/week for 3 months.

(apparently pellet form is not available here). Then as I go along he will

assess if it's helping me or not. He also mentioned the Herxheimer

syndrome??? and he explained the special bath to take for relief. But not

to worry because it means it's working. I'm to see him again in Feb for

follow-up.

Yes there is more..... LOL )

He explained to me that the physical body, mental, emotional and spiritual

all go hand in hand and when one suffers, all suffer. RP, however difficult

to diagnose and treat, IS treatable if all aspects of a person's well-being

is addressed in tandem. Everyone responds differently to all treatments and

therefore it's basically and hit and miss kind of treatment - if it's taken

seriously it can be helped.

Because we don't really know why RP happens he suggested all possibilities

should be explored - There is another specialist who works with him who

" manipulates body and mind " - I wasn't too sure how and he said it's a

little complicated but I need to be ready to commit myself in order to be

helped and this specialist is very successful. He asked me if I've ever

heard of fibromyalgia.. .he said 2 sessions with this guy and fibro

patient's feel 70% better. They refer to him as the " King of Fibro " LOL...

(? Heidi?) He also takes care of other stuff too...It costs $60. per

1 hr session, but the MD suggested to wait until I'm sure I'm ready for

something so intense, but feels it may help me considering RP may be very

much stress/emotion related also. He doesn't want me spending $$ if I'm not

sure or ready to commit - just to think about it as a possibility later on

in my treatment plan.

He assured me that he will try his best to help me through using traditional

treatments and/or supplements etc. and to contact him if there are any other

problems.

I didn't get around to asking him if he's treated others with RP

successfully but he seemed very sure about his course of action so I feel OK

with it. Besides my head was in an RP haze after spending 2hrs with him.

.... LOL... there is a lot to think about...

So, I'm sorry for this very long email,, but I wanted to share my

experiences with you guys just in case it may help you in any way, even just

a little bit. I'm sure that if you look hard and long enough chances are

good in finding an MD to help. But like I said before I take everything

with a grain of salt and some skepticism. I plan to say on top of my RP

treatment ( I hope the Minocin works for me). We'll beat this devil yet.

I love you all so much and a special thank you to Connie H xxxx for sending

me the list of MD names who use the AP (antibiotic protocol) where this

physician's name appeared.

If any of you have any ??? please feel free to ask or make comments.

luv always

Carmela

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