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Financial strain of having multiple autoimmune diseases
I have just been diagnosed with my 6th autoimmune disease. I am in a panic state. MS, Celiac,hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and lupus. I want to get in with a functional doctor, but all of the ones that I have talked to cost between $10,000-15,000 upfront. I don’t know where to turn.
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Hello @mary1121 -- I see that you are new to Connect and I would like to Welcome you. I know it can be distressing not knowing all the answers and what to do. I can tell you that you are not alone. It's good that you are looking for information and asking questions. That means you have a strong desire to learn more about your health and will help you be a better advocate for yourself.
I thought you might find the following TED Talk helpful.
What happens when you have a disease doctors can't diagnose TED talk by TED Fellow Jennifer Brea who became progressively ill with myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
-- https://www.ted.com/talks/jen_brea_what_happens_when_you_have_a_disease_doctors_can_t_diagnose
I’m not sure if it is an option for you but if it is, the Mayo Clinic is very good at diagnosing health issues that are difficult to diagnose. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, you can contact one of their appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here:
Mayo Clinic Contact Information: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
John
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3 ReactionsWhy so much up front
That’s how much they charge for the 20 week program, they just require it upfront.
I do not remember if I have asked this question before but: Does the Mayo Clinic have opthamalogists who work ???with problems like going blind?
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1 ReactionHi Peach @peach414144 -- Mayo Clinic does have an opthamology department.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/ophthalmology/overview
John
John, thanks for the ophthalmology input. I posted asking about VKH disease some time ago but no one else seemed to have it. Will look into AZ Mayo.
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1 ReactionSome doctors who practice function medicine are covered by insurance. Do a search at this site for doctors in your area, and then call and ask about insurance. I found one who works within the Allina network and my insurance covers visits with him. https://www.ifm.org/
I think you're right to look into Functional Medicine, but something seems very wrong with a place that would charge so much money. There are some out there who are only looking for profit.
Is there a specific area to call? I have Hashimoto's Disease, idiopathic membranous glumerlonephritis, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and gastroparesis.
Hello @suemer, I think when you call the Mayo Clinic location that you want to go for an appointment, they will help you determine which area the initial appointment is with. Then all of the areas work together to diagnose your health issues and come up with a treatment plan. More information can be found on their frequently asked questions for appointments page on the website:
Appointments at Mayo Clinic -- Frequently Asked Questions
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments/faq
John