Dr. David .... 2 Thumbs Way Up

We saw Dr. David Berger today. Our original appointment was scheduled for Labor Day and then they decided to close the office for the day so they moved our appointment up to today.

So we drove to Tampa for our 9:30am appointment and wound up meeting with Dr. David a bit after 10am (we were forewarned that his appointments run late so we were not surprised by this or upset in any way). A very friendly nurse took Jake's vitals while we waited and then another staff member took his picture and prior records CD from us. Dr. David came out and said hello and then got right down to Jake's level to introduce himself to him while he was playing in the ship playhouse in the waiting area. He instantly became Jake's friend when he asked about his shirt and who was on it. When Jake answered "Spongebob" and Dr. David said, "Of course. Cool." Jake was willing to follow him anywhere. :)

In his office Dr. David asked about our "story", questions about Jake's diet, behavioral tendencies, sleep patterns, etc. He checked Jake over. We talked for a long time about various things and then we began talking about beginning biomedical treatments that would work in our case for Jacob. We discussed the Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil we had Jake on already and will be switching brands as well as upping the dosage from 1 teaspoon daily to 3 teaspoons daily. We also discussed our less than successful attempts at trying to get Jake to take the orange Super Nu Thera Powder Multivitamin. Dr. David suggested a different Kirkman Super Nu Thera Multivitamin instead. He also suggested that we begin giving Jake Epsom Salt Baths every night for at least 7 days for 15 minutes at a time. The Epsom salt baths are supposed to help provide Magnesium Sulfate to help eliminate toxins and help Jake especially with night sweats and sleeping issues, some bumpy patches on his arms of eczema, as well as aid in some digestive functions.

Dr. David ordered 2 lab tests for Jacob. He suggested beginning with a Urine test for toxins. He also wants to get a stool sample test done to check for yeast. At our next appointment in September we will discuss these results and decide where they will take us from there. Also at this next appointment is where Dr. David will do blood draws for a few more tests.

Unfortunately, these services are quite expensive. The lab kits are almost $400, $360 appointment fee, plus $50 for the multivitamin, $20-something for the Cod Liver Oil..... It was a very expensive day. Granted we can submit a claim to our insurance company to attempt to get some kind of reimbursement but we know the chances of that are HIGHLY unlikely. So now that we are broke for the rest of this month we can begin saving to be broke again next month when we go back. Is it worth it???? That is yet to be determined. But I have a good feeling about the direction we are headed with this, and time will tell.

So, overall Adam and I were very impressed with Dr. David's passion and parent partnership ideals in treating our son. He was very attentive to our concerns and was great with Jacob. He is certainly in a comfort zone dealing with these children which is wonderful and extremely beneficial to us. He made it clear that he is available any time for any reason and that he would be Jake's doctor for as long as we would have him be. It was refreshing and reassuring.

I finally feel like we are headed in the right direction with the right guide for this journey. I'm excited for what is to come and what could come for Jacob.