Guest guest Posted July 27, 2005 Report Share Posted July 27, 2005 Group Thought folks might be interested. Apparently they have several centers around the US. This may be worth keeping our eyes on for results. As I run the Washington Lyme Group, I focused my report more on Lyme Disease issues and potential therapies. However, the FFC is designed for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Patient (some of who also have Lyme Disease) Repost from CFS Seattle & WA-Lyme Report on Last Nights CFS Seattle Support Group Meeting. Speaker: Dr. Laurie Marti, MD Topic: Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc. Location: 3006 Northup Way, Suite 102, Bellevue, WA Phone: 425-889-0676 or toll free 866-443-4276 Web: www.fibroandfatigue.com I got to the meeting a little late, so I may have missed a few details. [and didn't take notes ... so this is from memory] lol My overall impression is that the FFC Center sounds promising, for FM, CFS and Lyme Disease. About Dr. Marti She comes from a Family Practice background, and by her own admission she did not have much experience with CFS/FM and Lyme Disease while in Family Practice. She joined this Center a few weeks ago, and is eager and willing to get on board with CFS/FM and Lyme Disease. She is very approachable, compassionate, gentle and sincere. The Center follows a model which has been developed over the past 5 years, and appears to be comprehensive integrative approach. Even though she has not had much past experience with these conditions, she is a quick study, and has has access to a pool of other FFC physicians, and their Protocols. I was excited by the fact that she is actively reaching out to other established local Clinics, such as Tahoma Clinic, and is eager to learn from others practioners, who have specialities in MCS, Hormone Replacement Therapy, etc. She readily acknowledges " the Patient " as being one of her best sources for information and edcuation. I came away with the impression she practices from a place of respect and collaboration with her patients, rather than an " I know it all " ego place. Which is very refreshing. PRESENTATION: The presentation focused on providing a general overview of the treatment model. The Center appears to use a 6 Phase Treatment Model. [Extract from www.fibroandfatigue.com] STABLIZE the patient by addressing pain and sleep disturbances PROMOTE ENERGY by enhancing the powerhouse of each cell, the mitochondria BALANCE HORMONES by evaluating hypothalamus and pituitary function ENHANCE IMMUNITY and treat underlying viral infections ADDRESS UNIQUE ETIOLOGIES such as neurotoxins and coagulation defects provide each patient with an individual maintenance program with the minimumally necessary medications and supplements to assure absence of symptoms. [Extract from www.fibroandfatigue.com] New Standard for the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are complex diseases that involve multisystem disturbances and abnormalities. Because of this complexity, these conditions have been poorly treated by the current medical system in this country. These conditions do not lend themselves to be successfully treated with the eight to fifteen minute visits that address only a portion of the wide spectrum of underlying dysfunctions. Through a more detailed evaluation, all identifiable etiologies contributing to the symptomology may be appropriately addressed, and when multifaceted treatment is instituted that addresses the entire spectrum of these diseases, truly remarkable success and total cures can be obtained. In general, successful treatment can be viewed in components. Treatment needs to be individualized, components may occur in different order and multiple components are often addressed simultaneously, but these can be broken down as follows. Component One: Stabilize the patient This is a component in which pain and sleep disturbances are addressed. This may include the use of, sleep medications, pain medications and antidepressants. This is in general a temporary " stop gap " phase because as the treatment progresses and the underlying problems are addressed, the medications that " mask the symptoms " are no longer needed. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of patients are never brought past this stage by their doctors. This is because this component is the limit of training for most doctors, but it really should only be the first step. Component Two: Mitochondrial enhancement This component is actually integrated throughout the treatment program and tapered as the patient returns to normal functioning. The mitochondria are the energy producers of the cells and are critical for normal functioning. But they are shown to be poisoned in these conditions, leaving the cells starving for energy. Many things can poison the mitochondria including hormonal deficiencies, toxins and infections. Mitochondria dysfunction may be the common denominator and underlying mechanism that explains the symptoms of CFIDS/FM. In addition to the treatments above to rid the body of the offending agents, specific nutrients can be given to jump start the mitochondria and get the body functioning again. These can also be administered orally or via an intravenous route. Component Three: Balance the hormones There are a number of hormonal deficiencies with these conditions that must be addressed to assure successful treatment. Unfortunately, these hormonal deficiencies are often missed or poorly treated because doctors have come to rely on standard blood tests that require an intact pituitary and hypothalamus for diagnosis and dosing of hormone levels. There is, however, severe hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction with these conditions, making the standard blood tests inadequate. Some typical hormones functions, not just levels, that need to be evaluated include thyroid function, growth hormone, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone, estradiol, progesterone, among others. When they are properly treated and balanced, tremendous results can be achieved. Component Four: Treat the infectious components There are multiple infections that either may be the cause of CFIDS/FM or contribute to the dysfunction. Because of the immune dysfunctions, there is often more than one infection that must be addressed. Potential pathogens include a variety of viruses such as Epstein Barr (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6), Enteroviruses, such as sackie, Echo, and Stealth virus. Bacterial infections include intracellular organisms such as Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumonia, Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) and Ehrlichia. A number of yeasts such as Candida and parasites must also be evaluated. Infections with many of the above organisms will also further suppress the immunity, often resulting in further infections with other organisms. Thus, many organisms must be evaluated and treated along with an assessment and treatment of the immune system. If a poor immune system is not addressed, successful eradication of the organisms is not likely, even with the most potent treatments. Treatment may be administered with oral medications or via an intravenous route. A combination of IV and oral medication in conjunction with immune modulation is extremely powerful. Component Five: Address Unique Etiologies There are a number of problems that must be addressed in select patients. For instance, some individuals have a coagulation defect that is set off by a chronic infection. This results in the laying down of a fibrin coating on the lumen of the vessel causing impaired oxygen and nutrient transfer. This can result in fatigue, muscle aches and " brain fog " . If suspected, diagnosis requires specialized testing. If not treated, not only are the cells starved for oxygen and nutrients, but it is very difficult to eradicate any infection because they will " hide " in the fibrin coating. Also, if the organism is one that produces neurotoxins, this must also be addressed. These substances can remain in the body and continue to cause symptoms long after the organism that produced them are gone. Special testing and protocols must be done to rid the body of these tiny toxins. Component Six: Maintenance Here is where the patient is weaned to just a few core medications and supplements to remain symptom free and maintain their health. Significant recovery or complete resolution of symptoms is the rule rather than the exception when a multifaceted treatment plan is instituted. SPECIFIC TOPICS Q & A included: Testing: Each patient begins with a thorough blood-test work up, where they take 26+ vials of blood to get a complete overview of the patient. Quest Diagnosistic Labs is on-site and draws the blood. She did not go into all the tests, and which Labs they use, but I will try to find out more info on this. (Dr. Marti agreed to me with me in September to go over details of their Lyme Disease Protocol, and Testing). However, she confirmed they use IgeneX for Lyme/Co-infections, and Hemex for the Coag tests. During the presentation, she touched on Thyroid Issues, Digestive/Gut Issues, Neurotoxins, Hypercoagulability, Underlying Infections, Heavy Metal Chealtion, etc. I think what I liked most about this, is it follows a step by step integrative model, where they quantitatively track progress. Cost: I believe it was $350 first and second visit (phase 1 & 2), then $175 for remaining phases. [but don't quote me … doing this from memory] They do not take any insurance for the office visits. (So this would be out-of-pocket) Some of the Tests/Labs, IV's and Rx's may be covered by Medicare. However, they are currently in the process of doing all the Medicare Paperwork and it will be a few months before that is in place. IV Therapy: She mentioned Nutrional IV's, Anti-viral IV's and Antibiotic IV's. She did stress that for Lyme Disease it could be a long therapy time frame for the IV Antibiotic Therapies. Again … when I meet with her I will try to detailed info on this, as they apparently have a specific protocol for Lyme Disease. So maybe … we have a another viable source for treatment. Will keep you posted as I find out more. Sincerely, is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2005 Report Share Posted July 27, 2005 Thanks is, the FFC Centers were a thread on this list a couple of months back. They are expensive, but may be worth the money for some. Mike C > Group > > Thought folks might be interested. Apparently they have several > centers around the US. This may be worth keeping our eyes on for > results. > > As I run the Washington Lyme Group, I focused my report more on Lyme > Disease issues and potential therapies. However, the FFC is designed > for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Patient (some of who also have > Lyme Disease) > > Repost from CFS Seattle & WA-Lyme > > Report on Last Nights CFS Seattle Support Group Meeting. > > Speaker: Dr. Laurie Marti, MD > Topic: Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc. > Location: 3006 Northup Way, Suite 102, Bellevue, WA > Phone: 425-889-0676 or toll free 866-443-4276 > Web: www.fibroandfatigue.com > > I got to the meeting a little late, so I may have missed a few > details. [and didn't take notes ... so this is from memory] lol > > My overall impression is that the FFC Center sounds promising, for > FM, CFS and Lyme Disease. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 I was at the same meeting w/is and must say I was very impressed with the presentation from the F & F doctor, Laurie Marti M.D. Yes, it is pricey, and I can't afford it now, but if (and hopefully when) I could or can, I would not hesitate to go to their clinic. Very, very impressed. Dan > > Group > > > > Thought folks might be interested. Apparently they have several > > centers around the US. This may be worth keeping our eyes on for > > results. > > > > As I run the Washington Lyme Group, I focused my report more on > Lyme > > Disease issues and potential therapies. However, the FFC is > designed > > for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Patient (some of who also > have > > Lyme Disease) > > > > Repost from CFS Seattle & WA-Lyme > > > > Report on Last Nights CFS Seattle Support Group Meeting. > > > > Speaker: Dr. Laurie Marti, MD > > Topic: Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc. > > Location: 3006 Northup Way, Suite 102, Bellevue, WA > > Phone: 425-889-0676 or toll free 866-443-4276 > > Web: www.fibroandfatigue.com > > > > I got to the meeting a little late, so I may have missed a few > > details. [and didn't take notes ... so this is from memory] lol > > > > My overall impression is that the FFC Center sounds promising, for > > FM, CFS and Lyme Disease. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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