Monday, March 1, 2010
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Holy Grail of Psychiatry
What you are about to read will change your life, or the life of somebody you know. I don’t mean to sound like one of those televised sales pests, but I’m very serious. My visit to the psychiatrist, yesterday, was the most exciting one I’ve ever had. Before I tell you why, let me back up a bit…
Most of you know that my oldest son is medicated for bi-polar disorder. We have been on a long road with him, in hopes of finding answers. I used to blog about our struggles with him in a separate blog, just because it is such a major part of our lives. He was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, but it became quite obvious that he has more than just hyperactivity issues. After a serious plummet in his mental health, we had him assessed at Loma Linda Behavioral Center. It was the turning point we needed, but also a nightmare to live through. That was last July. Since then, we have been to many therapy appointments and gone through several different medications, just trying to find something that works for him. Watching your child go through mental torture is heart wrenching, to say the least. The process has escalated my own anxiety disorder, because I could not handle the stress of not being able to take his anguish away. Unless you have gone through this with your own kids, you have absolutely no idea how very hellish it is.
Yesterday, Dr. Multani (our psychiatrist,) gave me some news that I never expected to get. He and a few of his colleagues have discovered a test called rEEG (referenced EEG.) The test is like an EKG for the brain. What it does, to put it very simplistically, is tells the doctors exactly what medication/vitamins/ minerals each patient needs to treat their disorder. This covers a wide array of conditions: Depression, anxiety, Bipolar, ADD, Bulimia, OCD, Addiction, Anger and many more. In some cases, the test findings were so shocking, that Dr. Multani was very nervous to tell the patient the news. How could it be that a girl who suffers from Anorexia, could need a medication called Ritalin? Ritalin is a stimulant and quite often, squashes the appetite. Never the less, it is what the test results pointed to. One month later, the girl returned after taking Ritalin, having gained five pounds and happy to report no more food issues.
In most medical studies, the success rate is under 90%. The success rate in this study was predicted to be between 70 and 80 percent. After the case studies were completed….they found a 100% success rate. In plain English….IT WORKS ON EVERYONE. I was in awe as I sat and listened to Dr. Multani tell me about the test. Can you imagine the money and time (not to mention stress) that this is going to save millions of people? MILLIONS of people, BILLIONS of dollars. This test trumps every other brain scan used to find answers to mood disorders. In three years or so, it will be covered by insurance. I’m not even waiting. I want to know for sure what my son has and how to treat it. We are scheduling his appointment ASAP.
If you battle any of these aforementioned conditions or know somebody who does, please feel free to call Dr. Multani and speak with him about this test directly. You really have nothing to lose, but your whole life to gain. I have been given permission to give you Dr. Multani’s number, if you have questions or are ready to take control of your condition. I am rejoicing in the knowledge that my son will have the answers and ability to be on the right medicine or vitamins and move on with his life. I want all of you who love somebody who suffers, to have that same feeling of relief and joy.
Gurmeet Multani, M.D. 909)800-9389
CNS Response: www.cnsresponse.com
Most of you know that my oldest son is medicated for bi-polar disorder. We have been on a long road with him, in hopes of finding answers. I used to blog about our struggles with him in a separate blog, just because it is such a major part of our lives. He was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, but it became quite obvious that he has more than just hyperactivity issues. After a serious plummet in his mental health, we had him assessed at Loma Linda Behavioral Center. It was the turning point we needed, but also a nightmare to live through. That was last July. Since then, we have been to many therapy appointments and gone through several different medications, just trying to find something that works for him. Watching your child go through mental torture is heart wrenching, to say the least. The process has escalated my own anxiety disorder, because I could not handle the stress of not being able to take his anguish away. Unless you have gone through this with your own kids, you have absolutely no idea how very hellish it is.
Yesterday, Dr. Multani (our psychiatrist,) gave me some news that I never expected to get. He and a few of his colleagues have discovered a test called rEEG (referenced EEG.) The test is like an EKG for the brain. What it does, to put it very simplistically, is tells the doctors exactly what medication/vitamins/ minerals each patient needs to treat their disorder. This covers a wide array of conditions: Depression, anxiety, Bipolar, ADD, Bulimia, OCD, Addiction, Anger and many more. In some cases, the test findings were so shocking, that Dr. Multani was very nervous to tell the patient the news. How could it be that a girl who suffers from Anorexia, could need a medication called Ritalin? Ritalin is a stimulant and quite often, squashes the appetite. Never the less, it is what the test results pointed to. One month later, the girl returned after taking Ritalin, having gained five pounds and happy to report no more food issues.
In most medical studies, the success rate is under 90%. The success rate in this study was predicted to be between 70 and 80 percent. After the case studies were completed….they found a 100% success rate. In plain English….IT WORKS ON EVERYONE. I was in awe as I sat and listened to Dr. Multani tell me about the test. Can you imagine the money and time (not to mention stress) that this is going to save millions of people? MILLIONS of people, BILLIONS of dollars. This test trumps every other brain scan used to find answers to mood disorders. In three years or so, it will be covered by insurance. I’m not even waiting. I want to know for sure what my son has and how to treat it. We are scheduling his appointment ASAP.
If you battle any of these aforementioned conditions or know somebody who does, please feel free to call Dr. Multani and speak with him about this test directly. You really have nothing to lose, but your whole life to gain. I have been given permission to give you Dr. Multani’s number, if you have questions or are ready to take control of your condition. I am rejoicing in the knowledge that my son will have the answers and ability to be on the right medicine or vitamins and move on with his life. I want all of you who love somebody who suffers, to have that same feeling of relief and joy.
Gurmeet Multani, M.D. 909)800-9389
CNS Response: www.cnsresponse.com
Friday, June 27, 2008
Focus On Positivity
My newest endeavor has been to find a pediatrician who works on a holistic level. Thanks to iluveeyore, a very helpful reader, I found one who practices at Loma Linda Hosptial. That is only an hour away from where we are. I'm not sure if our insurance would cover an office visit, but I will gladly pay the regular fee for a visit, just to have the chance to get the opinion of a different kind of doctor. I will be calling them today.
Daniel has not had any other withdrawal signs. He has stopped getting dizzy and seems to be a lot more at ease, knowing that what he was experiencing was a normal reaction to the adjustment of the lack of medication. Being on our new diet has helped us focus on making good choices. We talk more often about how the choices we make, effect so many things that we do not realize. We talk about behavior and how controlling our anger can make the outcome of a situation more pleasant and not end in a punishment. We talk about the choice to put only good food into our bodies and how it effects how well our bodies work. I tell them about my grandpa. He was a diabetic for almost sixty years. He never lost a limb and lived to the ripe old age of 80, because he ate well, took vitamins and exercised regularly. He was a shining example of making healthy choices for a long life.
I am reading a book called "The Gift Of ADHD Activity Book," (Lara Honos-Webb, PH.D.) It gives over 100 different activities to do with an ADHD child and reasons why it helps them on a behavioral level. Daniel enjoys doing these activities and the best part is, they can be done with all of the kids. They are designed to help with increased concentration, relaxation, imagery, self control and frontal lobe activity. Today, we are going to do an activity called "Joy, joy and more joy." It teaches the child to create a sense of greater joy by focusing on the things that he/she loves. We are going to do activities that Daniel loves, read about his favorite things and let him pick out what we make for dinner (he loves to cook!) We are going to focus on the positive aspects of ADHD and use them to build more self esteem in Daniel.
Photobucket src="http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff270/kadiprescott/thfleur-1.jpg" border=0>
Daniel has not had any other withdrawal signs. He has stopped getting dizzy and seems to be a lot more at ease, knowing that what he was experiencing was a normal reaction to the adjustment of the lack of medication. Being on our new diet has helped us focus on making good choices. We talk more often about how the choices we make, effect so many things that we do not realize. We talk about behavior and how controlling our anger can make the outcome of a situation more pleasant and not end in a punishment. We talk about the choice to put only good food into our bodies and how it effects how well our bodies work. I tell them about my grandpa. He was a diabetic for almost sixty years. He never lost a limb and lived to the ripe old age of 80, because he ate well, took vitamins and exercised regularly. He was a shining example of making healthy choices for a long life.
I am reading a book called "The Gift Of ADHD Activity Book," (Lara Honos-Webb, PH.D.) It gives over 100 different activities to do with an ADHD child and reasons why it helps them on a behavioral level. Daniel enjoys doing these activities and the best part is, they can be done with all of the kids. They are designed to help with increased concentration, relaxation, imagery, self control and frontal lobe activity. Today, we are going to do an activity called "Joy, joy and more joy." It teaches the child to create a sense of greater joy by focusing on the things that he/she loves. We are going to do activities that Daniel loves, read about his favorite things and let him pick out what we make for dinner (he loves to cook!) We are going to focus on the positive aspects of ADHD and use them to build more self esteem in Daniel.
Photobucket src="http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff270/kadiprescott/thfleur-1.jpg" border=0>
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Road Blocks
Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures. ~Joseph Addison
I am feeling slightly disappointed today...okay, a lot disappinted. Dr. Phan is no longer in practice at the same location and his co-workers are not divulging his whereabouts. I know it sounds odd. I find that strange, but what am I to do?
Well, I'm not giving up. I know that he bought the special glasses from some company. Hopefully, through the help of the internet, I can locate the origin of such glasses. I'll do a little research and see what I come up with.
The dietary changes are going well. I made cookies last night and allowed the kids to add some chocolate chips. They actually considered the cookies a treat, which is not something I've witnessed in a long time. They got so used to having sugar based products, that it was commonplace and expected. They got to the point of complaining about the kind of candy I would buy for them. Yes, it was a real eye opener for me. When treats are no longer appreciated, you know it is time to cut them out for awhile.
Daniel will be going in for his allergy test, next week. In the meantime, I'm searching for a new pediatrician, much to the disagreement of my husband. He thinks that the solution to our lack of trust in our doctor should be to address it with him, instead of replacing him. After all, he does know our family and has treated them since birth. I don't know if a discussion will help. He does what he is trained to do, write prescriptions. I'd rather seek out a doctor of alternative medicine and homeopathic remedies. Or at least one who is willing to say, "I don't know the answer to that."
I am feeling slightly disappointed today...okay, a lot disappinted. Dr. Phan is no longer in practice at the same location and his co-workers are not divulging his whereabouts. I know it sounds odd. I find that strange, but what am I to do?
Well, I'm not giving up. I know that he bought the special glasses from some company. Hopefully, through the help of the internet, I can locate the origin of such glasses. I'll do a little research and see what I come up with.
The dietary changes are going well. I made cookies last night and allowed the kids to add some chocolate chips. They actually considered the cookies a treat, which is not something I've witnessed in a long time. They got so used to having sugar based products, that it was commonplace and expected. They got to the point of complaining about the kind of candy I would buy for them. Yes, it was a real eye opener for me. When treats are no longer appreciated, you know it is time to cut them out for awhile.
Daniel will be going in for his allergy test, next week. In the meantime, I'm searching for a new pediatrician, much to the disagreement of my husband. He thinks that the solution to our lack of trust in our doctor should be to address it with him, instead of replacing him. After all, he does know our family and has treated them since birth. I don't know if a discussion will help. He does what he is trained to do, write prescriptions. I'd rather seek out a doctor of alternative medicine and homeopathic remedies. Or at least one who is willing to say, "I don't know the answer to that."
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Dr. Phan-tastic
Everything that is new or uncommon raises a pleasure in the imagination, because it fills the soul with an agreeable surprise, gratifies its curiosity, and gives it an idea of which it was not before possessed. ~Joseph Addison
There is a doctor of chiropractics that is known for his ability to correct ADD/ADHD symptoms by balancing out the brain with specific exercises, music and glasses. I know it sounds very unconventional, but I've heard that it works. My cousin has a son who was on ADD medication. She, like me, decided that medication was not the way she wanted to go. So she took her son to see Dr. Phan. He has not been on medication since, his grades have vastly improved and he is a different kid. I am going to set up an appointment with him on Thursday. I'll keep you updated on that aspect of treatment.
As far as nutrition, I need to order a crystalloid form mineral supplement. The crystalloid form is best absorbed by the body on a cellular level and has maximum benefits. I have added Psyllium Husk and Soy Protein Powder to our daily smoothie, in addition to the Yakult. The Psyllium Husk aids is cleansing the digestive tract and the Protein Powder adds a substantial amount of protein to the diet, which we need. I made sure to buy a brand that is organic and meets the strict standards of the Certified Identity Preservation Program. It is important to know that the vitamins and health products purchased are the purest available. There are a lot of companies out there that profit from marketing sub-standard products and rely on the consumer's ignorance. I trust the "Full Circle" brand of food and supplements. It is all organic and of course, more expensive, but worth it.
Daniel's behavior has improved. Not perfect, of course, but better. However, summer time is not as structured and demanding as school. The real test will come in August when he is forced to sit in a classroom and focus for six hours. I am trying to prepare him, as much as possible, for that event.
There is a doctor of chiropractics that is known for his ability to correct ADD/ADHD symptoms by balancing out the brain with specific exercises, music and glasses. I know it sounds very unconventional, but I've heard that it works. My cousin has a son who was on ADD medication. She, like me, decided that medication was not the way she wanted to go. So she took her son to see Dr. Phan. He has not been on medication since, his grades have vastly improved and he is a different kid. I am going to set up an appointment with him on Thursday. I'll keep you updated on that aspect of treatment.
As far as nutrition, I need to order a crystalloid form mineral supplement. The crystalloid form is best absorbed by the body on a cellular level and has maximum benefits. I have added Psyllium Husk and Soy Protein Powder to our daily smoothie, in addition to the Yakult. The Psyllium Husk aids is cleansing the digestive tract and the Protein Powder adds a substantial amount of protein to the diet, which we need. I made sure to buy a brand that is organic and meets the strict standards of the Certified Identity Preservation Program. It is important to know that the vitamins and health products purchased are the purest available. There are a lot of companies out there that profit from marketing sub-standard products and rely on the consumer's ignorance. I trust the "Full Circle" brand of food and supplements. It is all organic and of course, more expensive, but worth it.
Daniel's behavior has improved. Not perfect, of course, but better. However, summer time is not as structured and demanding as school. The real test will come in August when he is forced to sit in a classroom and focus for six hours. I am trying to prepare him, as much as possible, for that event.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Dinner Menu
Tonight is grocery shopping night. This is a much bigger task, now that we eat differently. The high desert is not exactly the best at providing health food stores. I do my best with what is availbale and pray that such a store opens soon. Here is our dinner menu for the work week:
Monday: Homemade oven roasted chicken, corn on the cob, summer spinach salad.
Tuesday: Fish tacos with fresh pico de gallo, queso fresco, cabbage and yogurt lime sauce.
Wednesday: Chicken tortilla soup with black beans, corn, veggies, sour cream, cheese and enchilada sauce.
Thursday: Lettuce wraps with thai peanut chicken, brown rice.
Friday: Roast beef, cous cous, steamed veggies, gravy.
Dessert will be fresh fruit or homemade juice pops. For now, we are not eliminating dairy. When we find out what Daniel is allergic to (if anything,) we will alter our menus. Until then, we are just focusing on eliminating anything processed, food dye, bleached flour, refined sugars and corn syrup.
Monday: Homemade oven roasted chicken, corn on the cob, summer spinach salad.
Tuesday: Fish tacos with fresh pico de gallo, queso fresco, cabbage and yogurt lime sauce.
Wednesday: Chicken tortilla soup with black beans, corn, veggies, sour cream, cheese and enchilada sauce.
Thursday: Lettuce wraps with thai peanut chicken, brown rice.
Friday: Roast beef, cous cous, steamed veggies, gravy.
Dessert will be fresh fruit or homemade juice pops. For now, we are not eliminating dairy. When we find out what Daniel is allergic to (if anything,) we will alter our menus. Until then, we are just focusing on eliminating anything processed, food dye, bleached flour, refined sugars and corn syrup.
Ditching The Doctor
Deciding whether to trust or credit a person is always an uncertain task. ~Aldrich Ames
I have decided that it is time to choose a new pediatrician. Sometimes, in life, you have to sever ties with people whom you lose trust in. I trusted our pediatrician with the well being of my children for almost ten years. I know that it is ultimately my job to make sure that my children are in good hands, but I honestly trusted his hands. After our visit to his office last week, then talking to other health care professionals, I am very disappointed in the lack of guidance he provided.
We should have been referred to a pediatric neurologist, allergist and ENT, long before my son was put on medication. I will claim ignorance. I was only trying to make the best of a rapidly worsening home life and failed to do enough research to know that he needed to rule out other medical possibilities, before diagnosing him. Now I know. Now I'm speaking up and he is not liking it. He has shot down my request to see the ENT. He shot down my request to see an allergist and gave me an order to do blood work. How can I possibly find the answers I seek if the doctor who is supposed to aid me in my quest, is creating road blocks?
I am sad to have to say goodbye, but it is necessary to find a doctor who will listen to my concerns, keep all options open and communicated and work with us, not against us.
I have decided that it is time to choose a new pediatrician. Sometimes, in life, you have to sever ties with people whom you lose trust in. I trusted our pediatrician with the well being of my children for almost ten years. I know that it is ultimately my job to make sure that my children are in good hands, but I honestly trusted his hands. After our visit to his office last week, then talking to other health care professionals, I am very disappointed in the lack of guidance he provided.
We should have been referred to a pediatric neurologist, allergist and ENT, long before my son was put on medication. I will claim ignorance. I was only trying to make the best of a rapidly worsening home life and failed to do enough research to know that he needed to rule out other medical possibilities, before diagnosing him. Now I know. Now I'm speaking up and he is not liking it. He has shot down my request to see the ENT. He shot down my request to see an allergist and gave me an order to do blood work. How can I possibly find the answers I seek if the doctor who is supposed to aid me in my quest, is creating road blocks?
I am sad to have to say goodbye, but it is necessary to find a doctor who will listen to my concerns, keep all options open and communicated and work with us, not against us.
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