Mark J. Buchfuhrer

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:59 pm

Several years ago I was able to find a GP who would work with my RLS. However after the first two years he began to head the local hospice and our communication became strained. He was not attentive to details of my case & honestly could not tell one if you asked the purpose of the medications I was taking. I believe he thought of fibromyalgia and rls as one and the same.

I've been through all the parkinson's medications, etc with serious side affects and augmentation.

This past year I kept asking my doctor to look more closely into Dr. Buchfuhrer's treatment information, taking him print outs of information from the rls help website. I've thought for sometime of seeking another GP, being the person I am I didn't put my needs first. He finally left his practice in December, notifying me by a letter two weeks before he left. I did manage to get in for an appt and get a months worth of my rls scripts.

Now I am having a difficult time finding another GP and figure that when my medications run out (I am on hydrocodone) I'll just have to go to the emergency room if the symptoms become untolerable.

After talking with my husband I called and made an appoint with Dr. Buchfuhrer in March. Hopefully I will find a local doctor who is willing to work with Dr. Buchfuhrer in overseeing my rls treatment.

I am curious if anyone has seen Dr. Buchfuhrer & would be willing to share their experience. Thanks Daisy

Post by **Polar Bear** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:15 pm

I know that a couple of our members have attended with Dr B and no doubt you will hear from them soon.

In the meantime I hope you find a local GP who will prescribe for you until you see Dr B.

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 4:18 am

Thank you. On the RLS site I found the contact for a support group in my state & received info on 2 doctors. I got a call today that one who practices family medicine will be able to see me on the 14th (Happy Valentine's Day) Oddly the other dr's office an internist always had a recording stating hours etc. Both these doctor's are not local. I am taking the two books Dr B co authored and additional information to my appt, in case I find the physician unfamiliar with him, and if he is not receptive to consulting with Dr B I probably will not continue with him.

I was surprised at how difficult it is to find a new GP locally. All seem to have waiting lists for accepting new patients, earliest was last of March possibly April. I have another call to make tomorrow to one more local doctor.

My husband had serious health issues during the past 4 years which thankfully have been resolved. I just returned from taking my mother to participate in a research study at the Mayo Clinic for Mineres *sp* inner it seems this area has a higher than usual incidence.

Was surprised and thankful that Dr B's office could get me in so soon. I could have gone next week, but my husband has a drs appt so the next available appt was in March.

They just told me to bring photo id, insurance information, and current medications. I asked if it was necessary to bring my drs records explaining he has left his practice and they said it was not necessary. I just thought that was odd.

Just excited and determined, as this is something I have wanted to do for a very long time. To be able to see a doctor who really knows and understands RLS.

Post by **ViewsAskew** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 5:49 am

Daisy, I have seen him, as had another moderator, Susan.

Both of our experience have been extremely positive. He totally gets how difficult many doctors make it for us, so he isn't a stickler for the info from them. He seems to believe his patients and know that we're not drug seeking - we just need help!

He was wonderful working with my GP - she just couldn't handle the opioids, so she fired me. Like you, I've found it terribly hard to find a new one, both from the length of time to see me the first time to them being terrified of having a patient who used opioids.

I just found a local specialist who "seems" to truly get RLS and says she's not afraid of using opioids. I see her on Monday and am hoping for the best, but have learned not to be too hopeful, as things often have not worked out well in the past.

I hope you manage with drugs until your appointment. I ran out yesterday and am waiting until Monday. I hadn't seen Dr B in over a year, so didn't want to put him on the spot asking him to write anything and I just can't afford to fly there right now. Tonight I started using hydromorphone, which causes nasty side effects - but hopefully I'll not have RLS! And, only 6 nights to go before I hopefully have a script that does work.

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 3:13 pm

Thank you Ann for your input. I've been fairly depressed over these concerns. Especially encouraging is that Dr. B is receptive to understanding RLS patients, what a blessing.

It is the travel expense that has kept me from going to see him a long time, yet my current frustration made me realize that I have to make some sacrifices and fortunately I have found relative inexpensive air fares & just received a coupon from the airline for an extra $25 off so round trip is $200 was surprised that I could get the same rate for a three day turn around as using the low rate days which would make my stay longer. A motel relatively inexpensive within 2 miles of his office. The photos of the motel seem to be a fairly nice place American Inn 12644 Lakewood Blvd Downey, CA 90242 for 52.00 a night. Now to check car rental fares.

My husband finally returned to work after being off for four years. That helps a lot.

I'm calling 2 more local doctors today, to see if they are accepting new patients to see if I can get in before the trip. I'd feel better if I knew I had a physician who was willing to work with me before I made the trip.

courage, and determination, really focusing on that and trying to not be so depressed. Given that I can get into see Dr B on March 4th helps, as I won't have the luxary to wallow in self pity too long. :wink:

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 3:53 pm

Dear Ann,

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, knowing what a battle it can be to suffer with RLS. Especially when we know there is no reason for one to suffer so. Blessings and faith that you will obtain the help you need. Daisy

Post by **Polar Bear** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 4:16 pm

What a blessing to be even on the same continent as Dr B.

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:14 am

Agreed. And what a blessing to have a specialist who is willing to work with patients. That is truly amazing.

My husband just recd info that he may be working on the new solar collection plant in CA... a five year project. So I might have the opportunity to be in California for a few years...

Post by **badnights** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:58 am

oh lucky you! I wish I had a doctor like Dr. B. Even the RLS specialist I saw was a one-shot deal, he recommended something that didn't work then closed the book. That's the same thing the neurologist did. Wait a second guys! Don't you even want to know if this works before you tell me I don't need to see you again?! But don't mean to rant. Thank God for people like Mark Buchfuhrer.

SquirmingSusan · Post by **SquirmingSusan** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:17 pm

Daisy, I've been to see Dr. B three times. He diagnosed me with narcolepsy and is treating me for that. I get my methadone prescribed locally at a pain clinic, but I could have Dr. B prescribe that as well if I needed him to. He is really easy to work with and great about responding quickly to emails and returning phone calls. I've even had him pick up the phone when his staff can't answer my questions.

I haven't tried to get my family doctor to consult with Dr. B and take over prescribing my narcolepsy meds. I know that I'll need to eventually find a local doctor to continue to treat me because Dr. B is in his late 50s and will want to retire someday. In the meantime, I like going to California a couple times a year.

fraujoolie · Post by **fraujoolie** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:04 pm

Hi Daisy,

I am sure you will have a positive visit with Dr. Buchfuhrer. He's a great doctor. I'm the self-appointed local ambassador, so I will send you a message off-list... but for anyone coming into town, I'm happy to help make your trip to Los Angeles pleasant!

best,
Julie

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 6:28 am

You are all so wonderful! Thank you so very much for your comments. I've been so consumed with family health problems, that I feel ashamed that I have not been pro active on this wonderful forum.

I have always believed that us RLS brothers and sisters have been truly blessed to have Dr B. He is truly a role model for all doctors to aspire to his ethics & dedication.

Initially my GP worked with Dr B, but that is long gone as he has not truly been involved with his medical practice for sometime. He is to be commended on his hospice involvement, yet I know my health care has suffered and I am sure others has too.

Looking forward to meeting Dr B & so encouraged by your support.

Many thanks and blessings to each of you.

RLSDaisy · Post by **RLSDaisy** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 6:37 am

Beth, I can so empathize with you, as I went through many drs before I was able to find one who was willing to help me. Just so saddened that his commitments were else where, as I do not look forward to the dr shuffle.

SS lol I am so like your avatar! lol And how wonderful to have a local ambassador, RLS welcoming committee person!

Well, of course another *crisis* erupted today, so I have been focused on a lot of paperwork. Just glad it isn't something serious & just time consuming. Then again as my piano teacher used to say, just about the time you think you hit smooth sailing, the wind comes up and stirs up the waters...

You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Daisy