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What Can I expect at my first appointment

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Posted 6/20/2019 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
I’m seeing Dr j in dc in less than 2 weeks. I’m meeting with a pa named rm.

A few people have chimed in and I think I’m going the right direction. However my anxiety is at an all time high.

What kind of tests do they run, is it beyond the standard cbc, I’ve had several done in the past few months and I’m otherwise healthy. Will they test hormones cortisol levels thyroid stuff. I feel like that’s a big contributor.

Will there be a physical examination besides just looking at me and telling me I look pretty healthy.

If you can’t tell ive gotten the run around from doctors for the past few months and it’s really taken a toll on my mental health. Along with both species of bartonella.

The stabilization process seems like a lot of people don’t benefit or even want to try it. Is the office aware that maybe it’s not the right approach for everybody. I’m frankly pretty scared of trying any kind of ssri or antidepressant.

Anyone have any positive expierenced they want to share about Dr j.

I’ll be making a couple posts here with some of my other questions
Posted 6/20/2019 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
There will be a lot of lab tests to do
- yes beyond the CBC.

Some I recall:
Vitamin d, Ferritin, TSH, FT3, FT4,RT3, magnesium, testosterone, ammonia, folate, manganese, B1,B6, L-Carnitine (free and total),


My physical exam included:
Height and weight
blood pressure and pulse - sitting and standing
Check eye tracking
Arm and leg reflexes and strength
Will check your liver and spleen for swelling
Balance
Will also ask you to rate yourself on a list of things - like how well you feel your brain is functioning ...
My husband was also asked at the same time.


That’s all I remember at the moment.

I don’t know if they will push the antidepressant if you’re against it.
Are you depressed?

They will want to correct your sleep issues - if you have that ..or try to.

The reason is that Dr J says these affect our immune system and we need to get our immune system back in track

I tried the Gabapentin and it didn’t help - but wasn’t willing to go very high in dose. I did tell them and they didn’t push it. I thought about just saying I was taking it but changed my mind.
A few appts later - Dr J brought it up and asked if I’d be willing to try a compounded topical pain relief- since I didn’t want to take the oral one - which I agreed to.


Overall, Dr J and the NP’s will try to work with you - find an alternative if you’re not wanting to take something they suggest.
Posted 6/20/2019 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
I'm just curious here, so feel free to ignore my query, but what do you mean by the stabilization process? Is it standard at that office to put everyone on an SSRI?
Posted 6/20/2019 1:41 AM (GMT 0)

saraeli said...
I'm just curious here, so feel free to ignore my query, but what do you mean by the stabilization process? Is it standard at that office to put everyone on an SSRI?

No - I’m pretty sure it’s not standard to prescribe an antidepressant unless the patient reports they are struggling with depression.
I wasn’t offered one - but I have never been depressed.
I do get sad and cry when my symptoms flare but I’m not what anyone would consider depressed.
I’m very happy when my symptoms aren’t bad.

Stabilization means taking care of issues like sleep, pain, mood, hormone imbalances, vitamin/mineral deficiencies ..etc
Things that DrJ feels inhibits healing..contributes to immune system suppression
Posted 6/20/2019 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn’t have described myself as depressed before I got really sick in March. Since I have had a ton of anxiety and a lot of suicidal thoughts. I’m not sure about anti depressant use at jemsek I was just throwing it out there as a fear.

When I’m not having a bad week and the antibiotics are doing what they are supposed to do I would say I have 80% increase in my mental health. Still no energy and twitching and some pain. But definete decrease in my anxiety and depression.

The full moon screws with me bigtime. Or maybe it’s just a 28 day cycle. Who knows. I’m not big into anything that can be described as woo but I can’t ignore the fact I flare with the moon.
Posted 6/20/2019 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I think Docs push the antidepressants too much...but on the other hand if someone is truly depressed and suicidal - it could be a life-saver.
Posted 6/20/2019 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
It’s really only bad a few days a month. I think it’s as much a symptom as brain fog or facial paralysis.

I’m torn between advocating for myself or just surrendering to dr j and his staff and doing whatever they want and not looking back.

I wish I was older and had more health expierence and just life expierence to draw on. I don’t know what any of the right answers are and I think that’s the part that freaks me out the most. I just wanna be an inspiring success story

What do I need to do to prepare for this appointment to get the most out of my three hours. I haven’t had very many tests done. Just an echo of my heart but it can’t back totally normal. A bunch bloodwork and some ekgs.

Do I need to contact my doctors and have them fax everything to the clinic?

Is there anything I’m forgetting??

Is this anxiety normal or am I over reacting. All great questions for the doctor I’m sure but I’ll be ask you guys as well
Posted 6/20/2019 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
There are forms to fill out - have you started those?

No you don’t need your Drs to fax everything to the J clinic.

Try not to worry about it.. they will ask the questions to get the info they need.

If they need more tests or imaging they will let you know.
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