Mayo Clinic...Dr Silber appointment...Great experience!

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runkrun
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:54 pm

Mayo Clinic...Dr Silber appointment...Great experience!

Post by runkrun »

Well I just returned from Mayo Clinic and had an appointment with Dr Silber, one of the physicians that wrote the Mayo Clinic Algorhythm for RLS sufferers. I traveled from Michigan, but it was well worth the trip! Dr. Silber spent 1 1/2 hrs with me going over all my past history, wrote out a time line of my medications,(about 12-14 over the years), symptoms, history of alcohol and opiate abuse 17 yrs ago, etc. I guess I'm saying he was very thorough. Since I have no other diseases or ailments, such as diabetes, neuropathy, low ferritin level, sleep apnea,etc., he said my disorder was genetic in nature. I do have family members with mild cases. He assured me that I could look for other reasons, try all the silly suggestions from others(he said it was "all hogwash")from now til the day I die. But, it's genetic, plain and simple! Studies have shown there are 5 genes that have been identified. Also, ongoing studies right now between the relationship between iron stores and absorbtion in the brain. The most helpful part of the appt. was the emotional support and validation of my disorder. I really needed this since I had such a rough year with augmentation. He also said that Lyrica was recently given the approval for RLS. I'm currently on Lyrica 150 mg 3 times a day. I'm sleeping and symptom-free for now. He agreed with my current medications and said my family doc was taking great care of me. If I have problems down the road, my Lyrica can be increased to 600mg/day.
Last edited by runkrun on Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:08 am, edited 2 times in total.

ViewsAskew
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Post by ViewsAskew »

It's very nice to get validation, isn't it? Also nice to hear good things about another RLS doc. We've too few of them and we need more great ones.
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

Neco
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Post by Neco »

Since you're stepping up to Roxicodone, just remember to be vigilant about how it is affecting you and watch out for the familiar pitfalls. Also, see if you can get a generic from the pharmacy (plain old Oxycodone), it will probably be cheaper.

You may want to try cutting the Xanax out since you're getting a significant boost in your opiates strength. Of course whatever is working, shouldn't knock it. But with Oxycodone it has the potential to control RLS on its own depending on how you dose and how often. Always good down to cut down extra drugs if possible.

Glad you had a good appt. I don't think I've ever heard of someone complaining about their Mayo experience.

carolsond
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:06 pm

Post by carolsond »

Hi!

My doctor is Dr. Silber and he is the GREATEST. I have to travel about 165 miles to the Mayo Clinic and stay overnight usually about 2 nights. I do spend additional money, however, it's really very worth it.
I have specialists at Mayo that treat all of my other health problems. I wouldn't go any place else. You know you're in the best of hands and that means everything to me especially when it comes to my healthcare.

Sincerely,

Carol Ann Sondergaard

ViewsAskew
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Post by ViewsAskew »

I don't need exact numbers, but can either of you tell me approximately how much an office visit cost with Dr Silber? I'm particularly interested in the cost if you do not have insurance, as some people's insurance wouldn't cover a visit there.
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

runkrun
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:54 pm

Post by runkrun »

I have no idea how much my appt cost with Dr Silber. However, when I get the insurance forms in the mail that show what was covered, I will let you know.
Last edited by runkrun on Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

ViewsAskew
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Posts: 16571
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2004 6:37 am
Location: Los Angeles

Post by ViewsAskew »

Thank you much!
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

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