Forums:
Hi!
I have been reading many of the forum topics and after reading not only patient posts, but also Dr. Brizman's dissertation.... I decided to make an appointment and become a patient.
I am flying from Cleveland, Ohio to Los Angeles and made an appointment for the first week in August...
So, my question is... What should I expect during our initial consultation?
Is there anything helpful to bring with me?
Thank you!
Katie
New Patient- WELCOME
Katie-
There are a TON of older postings that will give you great tips/advice. Just go into the search function (on the top right hand of this site) and type in NEW PATIENT, a bunch of threads will come up that will give you an idea of what to expect. (One that I just came across in particular:
You are in good hands!
MM
MM, Thank you so much for the
MM,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome!
I will definitely check out those post. One of the main reasons I decided to become a patient is because of her patient responses to her. I am looking forward to my appointment--- and healing of course:)
Katie
Hi Katie, I just met with
Hi Katie, I just met with Matia a month ago. She asks you a ton of questions. So try and have an exhaustive list from your childhood on all off your illnesses, operations, accidents, etc. that you have had. Have a complete list of all meds you take or supplements and a list of everything you eat. You will love her....she is wonderful and she totally understands this illness and what it does to us. There is a really great grocery store in LA called Whole Foods....best store I've ever been in in my life. All organic and natural foods. So if you need a meal and you can't prepare it yourself they have precooked chickens with nothing on them and they also have a hot bar where you can get steamed vegetables and rice or potatoes. We ate many meals there.....even breakfeast. If your not staying close to Dr. Brizman's office give yourself lots of time to get there. The traffic in LA is horrible. If you need any more advice please let me know. Welcome!
Kim
Products you use
Hi Katie,
Like everyone else, i can't tell you how sweet and caring Matia is. She has become a life mentor for me. Even when i have different health issues, i can talk to her, and she is so knowledgable and gives you great answers. I am very happy for you that you are doing this, and honestly i don't know how some of her patients who had IC for long before seeing her dealt with it. She gives you hope and that's so important in dealing with IC.
My advice would be to write down all your questions for her so you won't forget them, and maybe a list of things that concern you, your medical history, list of products you use, for instance i found out that the body shampoo I used had soy in it that was a no no, and i was using herbs that had mushroom in it that were probably really bad for me. All the best!