Re: Think I Finally Found the Right Doctor!!

[Guest guest]

Wow Marc, I'm so excited for you! This guy sounds like he knows what he's

talking about. Does insurance cover him, or do you have to pay out of pocket?

If a doc knows what rT3 is, you've got a winner!

Barb

>

> Today was my appointment with the OB/GYN doc that also does 'Functional

Medicine' as well. He is in his mid-sixties I think but looks much younger and

is very athletic looking and energetic.

>

> He was impressed with all of the copies of bloodwork I had, and the two pages

of symptoms and my story for the past year that I had put together in a folder

for him. He read it before coming into the room, and said it gave him a very

good start on me.

> We went over everything, and sat in front of a dual monitor computer together

talking for over 45 minutes. He showed me all the pathways, and explained most

of my troubles using graphs, etc.

>

> He said the endo I went to should be limited to diabetics, and was a joke. He

especially enjoyed when I told him that she said my last Total T of 323 was

normal,.....the guy laughed out loud.

> This is the FIRST doc, besides my cardiologist that said my E2 was too high

and needed to be treated as well. He offered to start me on TRT and Arimidex

today if I wanted, but asked if I could handle another week or two to have all

of my testing done. Of course I said yes.

>

> Thyroid testing to be done:

> FT3/FT4, TT3/TT4, RT3, TSH, Ferritin, TPO Antibodies, and Thyroglobulin

Antibodies.

> Also he ordered a 25-hydroxy Vitamin D level as well as a full nutrient level

panel.

>

> On top of that, I have to do a 4X day saliva test for cortisol, and adrenal

function. Also some type of urine collection test, as well as a fecal screening

to check for everything imaginable.

>

> Sorry for the long post here, but I am actually encouraged for the first time

in over a year. He says that he will get to the bottom of what is wrong with me,

and I will feel 10 years younger soon. He definitely thinks I have a thyroid

issue as well, and like Barb said, predicts my RT3 will be high due to a

conversion problem.

>

> The guy actually seems to be excited about getting to the bottom of my issues.

He thinks I have a number of small problems that are resulting in a huge loop

making me feel like I am fading away by the month,.......he couldn't have said

it better, as that is how I feel.

>

> Once again I am sorry for the novel, but I feel like I have finally reached

the right doctor and this nightmare just might end soon.

>

[Guest guest]

That's awesome!! How did you go about finding this doctor?

[Guest guest]

Barb,....since I am a new patient I had to pay for my first visit at the time I

left. They tried to get in touch with my insurance company but couldn't in time.

They are submitting it, and I will most likely get reimbursed for that. He has

privileges at both hospitals here as an OB/GYN so that means he is in network

with my PPO.

My insurance company is good, but they are hard to get in touch with quickly,

and I expected this as a new patient today.

Blood work will be covered of course, as I will have it done at Quest,....he

simply wrote orders with codes.

Some of the other stuff is in the form of kits that I have to do at home and

mail in. I have to send payment with the kit to the lab, but they said all of it

should be covered except one. Hate to talk about 'fecal' matters, but whatever

this is they told me that virtually no insurance covers it. He highly recommends

it though since he is into supplements and all that. It is up to me whether to

have it done or not, but I will since I have gastro issues and the like. I think

it is looking for malabsorption issues/parasites/yeast, etc.

He wants to get me off of the Nexium PPI, as he says they are very bad for you

long term.

He said virtually the same as you did about me, and my FT3 being low. Same range

as you said for optimal as in 350, and that is where he predicted high RT3 in my

case. He agrees with my cardiologist in the fact that I have many hypothyroid

symptoms, but they are being compensated for through my adrenals.

Last week I went to my Chiropractor for my back that I have known for years. We

talked about how I was feeling, and he suggested seeing someone. Guess who it

was,.....the guy I saw today. The chiro has known him since he was 18 years old,

and he delivered his two children. His wife is also under his care, and he told

me if he ever had issues like I did this is the guy he would see.

I am doing another novel, but back to your point,....it seems that the vast

majority will be covered by my insurance. At this point I don't care if it costs

me an extra thousand bucks though. I am tired of the endless doc visits with

nothing changing for me. I have already spent far more than that in terms of

deductibles and my 20% up to the next thousand out of pocket. I am sure you know

what I mean.

>

> Wow Marc, I'm so excited for you! This guy sounds like he knows what he's

talking about. Does insurance cover him, or do you have to pay out of pocket?

If a doc knows what rT3 is, you've got a winner!

>

> Barb

>

[Guest guest]

Marc,

Finely a good Dr. I can tell he is good just by what you posted. Next time you

see him ask if you can put his name and number in our Database section for Dr's.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Think I Finally Found the Right Doctor!!

>

> Date: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:44 PM

> Today was my appointment with the

> OB/GYN doc that also does 'Functional Medicine' as well. He

> is in his mid-sixties I think but looks much younger and is

> very athletic looking and energetic.

>

> He was impressed with all of the copies of bloodwork I had,

> and the two pages of symptoms and my story for the past year

> that I had put together in a folder for him. He read it

> before coming into the room, and said it gave him a very

> good start on me.

> We went over everything, and sat in front of a dual monitor

> computer together talking for over 45 minutes. He showed me

> all the pathways, and explained most of my troubles using

> graphs, etc.

>

> He said the endo I went to should be limited to diabetics,

> and was a joke. He especially enjoyed when I told him that

> she said my last Total T of 323 was normal,.....the guy

> laughed out loud.

> This is the FIRST doc, besides my cardiologist that said my

> E2 was too high and needed to be treated as well. He offered

> to start me on TRT and Arimidex today if I wanted, but asked

> if I could handle another week or two to have all of my

> testing done. Of course I said yes.

>

> Thyroid testing to be done:

> FT3/FT4, TT3/TT4, RT3, TSH, Ferritin, TPO Antibodies, and

> Thyroglobulin Antibodies.

> Also he ordered a 25-hydroxy Vitamin D level as well as a

> full nutrient level panel.

>

> On top of that, I have to do a 4X day saliva test for

> cortisol, and adrenal function. Also some type of urine

> collection test, as well as a fecal screening to check for

> everything imaginable.

>

> Sorry for the long post here, but I am actually encouraged

> for the first time in over a year. He says that he will get

> to the bottom of what is wrong with me, and I will feel 10

> years younger soon. He definitely thinks I have a thyroid

> issue as well, and like Barb said, predicts my RT3 will be

> high due to a conversion problem.

>

> The guy actually seems to be excited about getting to the

> bottom of my issues. He thinks I have a number of small

> problems that are resulting in a huge loop making me feel

> like I am fading away by the month,.......he couldn't have

> said it better, as that is how I feel.

>

> Once again I am sorry for the novel, but I feel like I have

> finally reached the right doctor and this nightmare just

> might end soon.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Believe it or not, I was referred by my Cardiologist after a failed Endo visit.

My Cardiologist has an excellent rep in this area, and he is always looking out

for his patients in areas out of his. He was the first to write me a scrip for

Arimidex when nobody else would, but asked for me to wait and see this doc

before filling it. Now I don't need to it seems,.....I still have it though! LOL

>

> That's awesome!! How did you go about finding this doctor?

>

[Guest guest]

I certainly will Phil.

Wish I would have thought of that today when we were finished.

Some here already know who he is though as I posted his name on another thread.

I hope things go like I am feeling right now,......the next few weeks will tell

the full story of course.

>

> Marc,

>

> Finely a good Dr. I can tell he is good just by what you posted. Next time

you see him ask if you can put his name and number in our Database section for

Dr's.

> Co-Moderator

> Phil

>

[Guest guest]

>> Once again I am sorry for the novel, but I feel like I have

> finally reached the right doctor and this nightmare just

> might end soon. <<

---------------------------

VERY EXCITING news, Marc, I can just imagine how great you must be feeling

about having found a doctor who knows what they're doing. I'm very happy for

you!

Marita in Heron, MT

[Guest guest]

>> Wish I would have thought of that today when we were finished.

Some here already know who he is though as I posted his name on another

thread. <<

--------------------------

You could always call his office and have his receptionist ask him when she

sees him, then get back to you. That way you don't have to wait for your

next appointment. I'm sure they won't mind the positive advertisement.

Marita in western MT

[Guest guest]

Marc, please continue to share your novels about this doc. Half of what I've

learned is from real life case studies like yours. If you don't mind, when you

get your results back and consult with him, I'd love to know what he diagnoses

and prescribes. What you share may help many here.

Barb

> >

> > Wow Marc, I'm so excited for you! This guy sounds like he knows what he's

talking about. Does insurance cover him, or do you have to pay out of pocket?

If a doc knows what rT3 is, you've got a winner!

> >

> > Barb

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Phil,

I guess he wouldn't mind being listed here, as he shows up under a practitioner

search on a functional medicine website.

His name is Hall, MD

Number is 352-629-7955

1317 SE 25th Loop

Ocala, FL 34471

He is in a medical park named Oakhurst Professional Park

I am fairly certain that he does NOT do what Crisler does though, in terms of

having folks fly in and then not having to see him again after an initial

consultation. Anybody out of town would have to call and ask about that, or if

he consults with another persons doctor. Like I said,.......my 'impression' is

he does not.

I presume you will add him to the list if you want to for folks in the Central

Florida area..

>

> Marc,

>

> Finely a good Dr. I can tell he is good just by what you posted. Next time

you see him ask if you can put his name and number in our Database section for

Dr's.

> Co-Moderator

> Phil

[Guest guest]

Sure will Barb. I imagine it's going to take me a couple weeks or so to get all

of this stuff done. Blood work is the easy part.

Like my urologist mentioned,....the guy likes T needless to say. Said he keeps

his own around the 1K level. He said he would like to get mine to that level

also, but it was up to me and also how I felt at certain levels. He wants me

between 600 and 700 minimum though.

I get the feeling he is into a lot of the compounded stuff. When I filled out

the paperwork, I had to list my preferred pharmacy, and it also asked for

'compounding' pharmacy. I don't have one, as I have never used any compounded

drug. He does all forms though, as in shots, gels, etc.

Wonder if Arimidex can be compounded into T cream? Guess that wouldn't make much

sense though, as your dose could change quickly.

If someone sees this that has done the 4X/day saliva test,.....how do you put

the cotton 'tube' under your tongue? Parallel or perpendicular to the length of

the tongue? LOL

Can't remember now who commented about my SHBG level being low even though it is

in range, being a sign of becoming pre-diabetic. One of the blood tests is

something called PreDX, and is fasting,.....it seems that is what it is checking

for.

Last chapter of this novel for today,......for any that might be in the area,

and don't have insurance, or lets say your company won't cover any of this. The

lengthy initial consult, and all of the testing adds up to about $790.00 if one

had to pay out of pocket. This does not include my thyroid blood work which will

be done at Quest and covered 100% for me anyway.

>

> Marc, please continue to share your novels about this doc. Half of what I've

learned is from real life case studies like yours. If you don't mind, when you

get your results back and consult with him, I'd love to know what he diagnoses

and prescribes. What you share may help many here.

>

> Barb

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Marc it's done if you get an Email or Fax # let me know.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Re: Think I Finally Found the Right Doctor!!

>

> Date: Friday, October 22, 2010, 11:25 AM

>

>

> Phil,

> I guess he wouldn't mind being listed here, as he shows up

> under a practitioner search on a functional medicine

> website.

>

> His name is Hall, MD

> Number is 352-629-7955

> 1317 SE 25th Loop

> Ocala, FL  34471

>

> He is in a medical park named Oakhurst Professional Park

>

> I am fairly certain that he does NOT do what Crisler does

> though, in terms of having folks fly in and then not having

> to see him again after an initial consultation. Anybody out

> of town would have to call and ask about that, or if he

> consults with another persons doctor. Like I said,.......my

> 'impression' is he does not.

> I presume you will add him to the list if you want to for

> folks in the Central Florida area..

>

>

> >

> > Marc,

> >

> > Finely a good Dr. I can tell he is good just by what

> you posted.  Next time you see him ask if you can put

> his name and number in our Database section for Dr's.

> > Co-Moderator

> > Phil

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Brett, this one is going to some outside lab. I have 4 vials labelled

morning,....etc.

Paperwork says Adrenal Stress Index Panel: TAP (Cortisol x4), DHEA, MB2-S, FI-4,

ISN x2 & P17-OH. I have no freaking clue what most of that means beyond Cortisol

and DHEA. )

>

> Marc,

> The saliva test is easy enough. I don't think it matters which way you

> put it in. It will suck all the saliva out real quick.

> Quest messed mine up they didn't put the times from the samples on the

> test reports. They just gave us 4 reports with nothing noted as to which

> was witch. So I would recommend you send them a special note when you send

> them in that they MUST NOTE the TIME FROM EVERY SAMPLE ON THE TEST REPORT.

> Maybe then they will get it.

> Glad your getting somewhere with this new doctor. Brett

[Guest guest]

" marc200134470 " <cfs38@...> wrote:

> He wants me between 600 and 700 minimum though.

This is in line with Dr. no's recommendation of T around 650.

> If someone sees this that has done the 4X/day saliva test,.....how do you put

the cotton 'tube' under your tongue? Parallel or perpendicular to the length of

the tongue? LOL

IDK, I just put the tube against my pursed lips and let the drool flow out LOL!

> Can't remember now who commented about my SHBG level being low even though it

is in range, being a sign of becoming pre-diabetic. One of the blood tests is

something called PreDX, and is fasting,.....it seems that is what it is checking

for.

Sound like me quoting Dr. no again. If he works off the same principles

you're in good hands.

> Last chapter of this novel for today,......for any that might be in the area,

and don't have insurance, or lets say your company won't cover any of this. The

lengthy initial consult, and all of the testing adds up to about $790.00 if one

had to pay out of pocket. This does not include my thyroid blood work which will

be done at Quest and covered 100% for me anyway.

Ouch, but sounds like you got a true consult, as opposed to the 5 minutes,

glance at your chart, and " you're fine " we expect.

Can't wait to see your results too!

Barb

[Guest guest]

Barb,.....I was there for over an hour. First they took my vitals and all that

stuff. He then read my 'self-made' chart, and then we talked side by side in

front of his computer set-up for at least 45 minutes.

That was a new patient visit and cost about 160 bucks.

My insurance will cover it, they just couldn't get in touch with them in time to

get my benefits and confirmation that I am on 100% coverage at this point. I

will get that back.

I was simply letting anyone in the area know what everything would come to if

they had no insurance including the testing, but minus the thyroid panel. I am

doing a LOT of tests here, so I am not shocked in the least. They told me that

the vast majority would be covered by insurance.

If I remember correctly, Crisler charges about 500 bucks for his initial

consult, and that does not include any testing. Maybe I am wrong, but that is

what I seem to remember. I am not insulting Dr. at all,.....just saying

that I feel my new docs fees are quite reasonable. He is aware of Dr. Crisler

BTW.

Heck,.....the worthless endo billed my insurance company over 200 bucks for my

initial visit, and I saw her for about 10 minutes. You also saw where that got

me!

> > Last chapter of this novel for today,......for any that might be in the

area, and don't have insurance, or lets say your company won't cover any of

this. The lengthy initial consult, and all of the testing adds up to about

$790.00 if one had to pay out of pocket. This does not include my thyroid blood

work which will be done at Quest and covered 100% for me anyway.

>

> Ouch, but sounds like you got a true consult, as opposed to the 5 minutes,

glance at your chart, and " you're fine " we expect.

>

> Can't wait to see your results too!

>

> Barb

>