success with ART?

[evergreen]

Hi All,

 

Would anyone like to comment on whether or not they have had success with ART? Tried it for my ds 21 last year but he didn't buy into it...did not believe it could possibly be an effective tool. He is very analytical, (an engineering student). I think the practitioner was not a good choice either.

 

He had been on the waiting list for Dr. Marc Schwartz in Glenside PA and after 1 1/2 years is able to schedule an apt. now. He has just started with Dr. T and we are very impressed with him. Pandas is mostly resolved, however the chronic fatigue from Lyme continues and was recently tested for mitochondrial disorder by Dr. J, then referred to Dr. T. He had further genetic testing and Dr. T has some ideas for nutritional supplementation we can try. He doesn't think we need to treat Lyme, but rather if we change the terrain in his body, he should improve. So he won't go to Dr. Schwartz but I am considering going myself. Longtime Lyme, babesia, dysautonomia, and inability to take anything for detox is the summary of my problem. We have both done the 23 and me and tried to treat according to the findings...not much success with that. I struggle with getting through the day and have no energy to put into researching it. My cognitive function is poor. we consulted with a practitioner in the MTHFR network by skype . I can't really say any progress has been made, very dissappointing.

 

Has anyone had success with treating with Dr. Schwartz and/or ART in general? We have spent a fortune so I do like to get some educated advice before I make an investment in our care.

 

 

[smartyjones]

we have had what I consider a great deal of success with an 'ART-like' treatment. we see an integrative MD who treats with homeopathy. he does not do specifically ART, but something similar. we have spent a good deal of money, b/c it is all out of pocket -- but it pales in comparison to what we would have spent for IVIG.

my parents are traditional medical, I have always had alternative leanings. so - I was searching for options for ds quite early. now - I feel I have results that back up what makes sense to me.

good luck.

 

I personally like to make the distinction between naturopathy and homeopathy. obviously, I believe naturopathy with clean healthy living and options such as supplementation, avoiding allergens, etc can very much aid in healing. we have used homeopathic substances as one would use traditional medicines and this is where I think we have seen out most benefits.

Edited January 7, 2014 by smartyjones

[evergreen]

thanks smarty. We have done things naturopathically for a long time, a little homeopathy but not as much. He had IVIG as much as the insurance would cover which wasn't enough. It did cure his movement disorder problem (blinking) very quickly but has not helped mediate the autoimmune component of Lyme, still symptomatic. He also still has a touch of OCD,

 

I would love to find an integrative MD such as you are describing. Is he in the northeast and would you share his name? It is encouraging to hear you have had success with this type of treatment.

[LNN]

We see an awesome integrative LLMD in central CT if you're able to travel that far. He uses abx/conventional treatments, herbs, ART testing, explores all sorts of concurrent issues, understands & treats Pandas/Pans. He does not use homeopathy exclusively to treat lyme but his wife, in the same practice, is a homeopath and he himself uses homeopatic remedies to support the body. He of course has a waiting list, but PM me if you want his info.

[JuliaFaith]

We also have been seeing an ND for 3+ years that uses ART testing every visit (the lead doctor is an MD). Our whole family goes to this office now because, I figure, where else can you get your whole body checked in one visit. We have also seen blood work come back perfectly aligned with the ART testing so that has also verified the ability of the doctor.

 

Insurance pays for about 40% of visits which are not too costly. The supplements are the most expensive part of the treatment but are much less than IVIG.

 

Our doctor is on the West Coast so may not be convenient for you.

[evergreen]

Thanks juliafaith, that is amazing about the blood work aligning with the ART testing. Who would have thought?

 

We have no ins. coverage for ND care unless it is billed under MD. those in our area charge well over $100/visit last I checked. It sounds like you've found a good situation but I couldn't travel to west coast. We've been traveling to CT for 7 years for Dr. J and Dr. B among others, staying in the Ronald McDonald house, which unfortunately is coming to an end since ds is 21. The travel is wearing me down anyway.