Re: GreatSmokey vs. DDI???

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 20/02/2003 01:01:47 GMT Standard Time, Momlaw@...

writes:

> I just presented him with copies of the fecal and urine tests that DDI did

> for me last month, but he claims they are not as comprehensive. These

> additional tests cost $500.00!! I left without getting the additional

> ones.

>

Hi

Maybe he's not familair with them - I guess he'd have to look first though!

Good for you not agreeing to spend more $ when you already have the info.

Like Valentina said, I be inclined to buy the DMSA and see what the blood

tests show. You can get it from www.vrp.com without prescription.

HTH

Mandi in UK

[Guest guest]

> These additional tests cost $500.00!! I left without getting the additional

ones.

>

> Does anyone know that the Great Smokies tests reveal anything more than the

DDI?

I don't know the answer to your question, but was just thinking that you might

as well buy the DMSA Costs less.

Well, that's what I would do anyway...

Valentina

[Guest guest]

>

> Does anyone know that the Great Smokies tests reveal anything more

than the DDI? I cannot even get a prescription for the DMSA until he

has the blood tests back (several weeks), and possibly, if he

insists, these additional tests.

>

I don't know exactly what GSDL comprehensive digestive stool analysis

shows, since much of it is illegal in NYS, so we got an abbreviated

version. We did do the DDI one awhile ago (before this ridiculous

law). Neither was particularly helpful in our case. The idea is to

show the gut bugs are under control, and whether the good bugs are

there in sufficient number.

Sorry can't help with the urine metabolic tests.

My personal opinion is that every Dr. gets used to a certain format

of test/certain lab, and likes to stick with that one because then

when they " compare " across patients, it is easier.

My advice is either

1.refuse (politely), and request strongly that you get the DMSA scrip

based on tests you've already done - be persuasive not mean,

2. suck it up and get on with it (if your insurance will help pay, or

if you can afford it) - this may make points with the DR. for later

care (which I know many on this list don't care about, but some do)

3. get your DMSA from a non-prescription source, recognizing that you

may have trouble getting cooperation from that Dr. for future help

See Files for how to get DMSA without prescription.

-- Sue

[Guest guest]

If you go to Great Smokies web site, www.gsdl.com, it gives a

description and sample of the tests they run. Hope this helps.

Peggy

> Just came back from my first appointment with a DAN dr--hoped to

leave with DMSA script in hand, but no. He wants to run blood tests

first (that's okay with me)but also wants to run Great Smokies stool

analysis & their urine matabolic tests. I just presented him with

copies of the fecal and urine tests that DDI did for me last month,

but he claims they are not as comprehensive. These additional tests

cost $500.00!! I left without getting the additional ones.

>

> Does anyone know that the Great Smokies tests reveal anything more

than the DDI? I cannot even get a prescription for the DMSA until he

has the blood tests back (several weeks), and possibly, if he

insists, these additional tests.

>

> Very frusterated.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Does anyone know that the Great Smokies tests reveal anything more

than the DDI? I cannot even get a prescription for the DMSA until he

has the blood tests back (several weeks), and possibly, if he insists,

these additional tests.

>

> Very frusterated.

>

>

I hear your frustration, .

I also think you were wise to take your time in considering these

additional tests.

I think someone already posted the Great Smokies url. Hopefully it

has a sample report for you. If you can't find one please let me

know. I have comprehensive digestive stool analysis on my kids and I

could list for you what is on it. We also have a more recent DDI

stool " microbiology profile " . The GSDL report does appear to have

more things on it, but maybe I am comparing apples to oranges here.

One thing you might consider (especially if you could get ahold of

sample print outs and if your DAN doctor does not charge you some

outrageous sum per minute of face time) is to ask what he needs that

is on the GSDL test and what that measurement indicates (i.e. what

would he do about it?).

It has been my experience that many of these docs just feel the need

to run a bunch tests to see what sticks to the wall (so to speak). I

also think many of them get some type of " kick-back " or premium to run

tests with a particular lab. Our initial DAN doc insisted on GSDL

hair test (and he didn't even really want to do a hair test) when I

had BEGGED for DDI. He then could not make sense of it...and I am now

stuck with GSDL hair tests that even Andy could not fully interpret.

I am considering doing them again thru DDI, but my kids are on lots of

supplements (been chelating almost a year) and I'm not sure that they

would tell me much.

Our stool analyses have never found yeast (although I know when my

daughter has it and needs GSE). There have been minor elevations of

other dysbiotic flora---the only recommendation was for probiotics.

You can try out A LOT of probiotics for $500.

My rules: NEVER shell out money for a test or supplement unless the

doctor can fully explain what it is supposed to tell or do. Do not

let ANYONE give you the " hard sell " for tests/supplements(always has

to be the brand they sell(yeah,right)) at an appointment when you are

trying to juggle lots of information and kid(s) with autism. (This is

the mark of a huckster, IMO). Tell them that you will think about it,

accept any literature they have and then do your research (this list

is tops for that! ;-)

Oh, and I get our DMSA at vrp.com-----winds up being cheaper than our

insurance Rx plan anyway.

--Lissy

[Guest guest]

> > Just came back from my first appointment with a DAN dr--hoped to

> leave with DMSA script in hand, but no. He wants to run blood tests

> first (that's okay with me)but also wants to run Great Smokies stool

> analysis & their urine matabolic tests. I just presented him with

> copies of the fecal and urine tests that DDI did for me last month,

> but he claims they are not as comprehensive. These additional tests

> cost $500.00!! I left without getting the additional ones.

> >

> > Does anyone know that the Great Smokies tests reveal anything more

> than the DDI?

They do not.

This doctor isn't competent to practice medicine - the tests are

essentially the same, determine the same values, cover the same

elements (DDI does a couple GSDL doesn't but everything GSDL does is

on a DDI test). They use similar and well determined normal ranges.

They present their reports in reasonably similar ways. There is no

reason if he had a modicum of competence he couldn't easily read the

DDI report and decide based on it.

>I cannot even get a prescription for the DMSA until he

> has the blood tests back (several weeks), and possibly, if he

> insists, these additional tests.

> >

> > Very frusterated.

Don't be. Just buy DMSA from www.vrp.com and don't go back to this

doctor. Find one who understands he is in a service business and

sending you away without what you want is not acceptable service.

> >