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Post by AustinsMom on Jan 8, 2004 20:41:32 GMT -5
We take our ds8 to Chicago next Friday to the Pfeiffer Treatment Center. I am very excited--to think I can hopefully get specific info on what his issues are. I know they can test for lipid deficiency, histamine, heavy metal toxicity, digestive enzymes and I can't remember what else. I know the supplements are helping, but I feel like I am using the shot gun approach; throw a bunch of stuff into him and try to figure out what is working. And I really feel like absorption is a key issue with him and this whole digestive thing has been too big of a problem for it not to be important to know what is going on.
So I am looking for any words of wisdom, questions we should be sure to ask, things not to forget, or whatever. This feels like a great opportunity and we just want to make the most of it.
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Post by ohmama on Jan 8, 2004 23:53:51 GMT -5
Austins mom, I am very excited for you! This is a very worthy pursuit. Have you read any of the books by the late Carl Pfeiffer? This could give you some insight on what to ask. The website is www.hriptc.org so you can check that out to. It will probably spark some questions. Be sure to tell us all how it goes. Congratulations on this fine decision. |
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Post by catatonic on Jan 9, 2004 11:11:05 GMT -5
Austinsmom, way cool!!! You know we're going to want to hear all about it. Is insurance covering your visit, or are you on your own?
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Post by HooDunnit on Jan 9, 2004 12:30:16 GMT -5
Our member "lisle" has been through the Pfeiffer Center. You might read her previous posts. The e.mail address for her in the membership list may not be current.
Barry
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Post by AustinsMom on Jan 11, 2004 21:47:59 GMT -5
Is insurance covering your visit, or are you on your own? Catatonic--We are on our own with hopes of some partial coverage for some of the tests when we file. So much of this stuff is so pricey; but we look at is as an investment--in him and in a future where he reads, learns, and is able to be successful in school. It would be better if we didn't have one child in college and one who needs reading specialists and private schools. But we are just thankful we have the resources where we can do it. It's not always financially comfortable for us, but at least we can swing it if we feel it's important. I just hope we feel it lives up to our expectations. |
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lisle
Full Member
Posts: 142
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Post by lisle on Jan 15, 2004 0:32:08 GMT -5
Darn, Austin's Mom:
How did I miss your post? I wonder if you have gone to Pfeiffer yet. From the issues you mention, I do think they can be helpful. We weren't willing to take all the dietary restrictions on so it is possible we aren't benefiting totally from Pfeiffer. My son's oppositionality got worse when we were off dairy because he was incensed! We tried for two months without any difference. The other things they do, the RX supplements are quite interesting. Don't worry about having your own q's when you go, as they interview you for a long time and cover all the bases. They are incredibly efficient at doing the blood work and hair sample. Since our initial visit, we have done the followups from home labs and that has been less efficient. The hardest part is waiting for the results, but I understand that their new director is working hard to make the waiting time less. We waited three months and then two more for the vitamins. Let us know how it goes. Who did you see there? We see Dr. Usman and we love Kim, the nurse. She did our initial interview. June and Kathy have been good too! They are great about calling you at home if you run into any prob.
You may be interested to know that Dr. Devito is the consulting psychiatrist for them. He is available on Wed if that is the day you go. We have spoken with him but never seen him as we went on the wrong day. He is so knowledgeable about the vits and the meds together.
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Post by AustinsMom on Jan 15, 2004 0:46:52 GMT -5
lisle, we leave tomorrow after school...or guess it's actually later today. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm glad to hear your good comments on the staff.
I really believe that digestion and absorption is an issue for Austin, but I haven't found anyone to look at that issue. We have tested for heavy metals four different times, and each time it comes back high in different metals. He was deficient in zinc, we supplemented and then he has way too much zinc the next time (and it was a very modest supplementation, not over recommended dosage.) We have tried oral chelation but without alot of effect. On his last one, his copper was off the chart. He also is wayyyyyy deficient in B vitamins in spite of supplements with them. So it seems like he is dumping some things like B's, and retaining metals.
I think if we could figure out this issue all the supplements we are doing will be more effective. And of course the behavioral effects of the heavy metals are horrible. So I have high hopes it will be worth the trip and worth the expense. Our appt. is 2:00 on Friday. I'll fill you in on the details when we return.
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Post by Kimmers on Jan 15, 2004 10:16:03 GMT -5
Sorry to butt in, but how do you know if your child has high amounts of metal in their system? Is their a test that can be done? What are the sysmptoms?
Kimmers
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Post by AustinsMom on Jan 15, 2004 10:33:43 GMT -5
They can do hair analysis, which we have done sometimes, and also a 24 hour urine analysis where you collect urine for a 24 hour period and they analyze that. Austin has been treated since age 3 by an environmental and allergy dr. in KC who does EPD allergy treatment (like Doris Rapp talks about in her book.) It is now called Low Dose Allergen tx, but anyway, it has been very effective with Austin. This dr. is the one who began doing the analysis; there are profiles that are consistent with different dx like ADHD, autism, etc. You can find some research about it at the Pfeiffer website. www.hriptc.org/ |
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