Functional/Integrative Medical Doctor

[POISed2cure]

Hi,

Long-time POIS sufferer. 3 days of symptoms (extreme anxiety, mood swings, unable to Focus, fatigue). Basically I am totally out of action for 2-3 days. It's not easy to live.

I was considering seeing an integrative functional medical doctor but it is really expensive. Nearly $600 for the first appointment. They are focused on the gut-brain connection and do comprehensive tests (costing extra) which your standard doctor won't do.

Is it worth it, or would you first see an Endocrinologist, or Neurologist?

I find the most difficult part about dealing with POIS is not knowing where to start, as specialists are so expensive.

I have tried many of the suggestions on this forum without lasting success so far. Some have worked for a short period of time which were promising, but none have lasted.

Cut out most processed foods, sugar, no caffeine, no meat, almost no dairy - for the past 6 months, but it has made no difference. Mainly whole food diet now.

Any ideas... This is a silent killer.
NEs are a literal nightmare. How's that for irony.

Thanks.

[Quantum]

Hi, POISed2cure, and welcome to poiscenter.

In case you did not see it yet, you can take a look at this chart for descriptions of the many relief methods found so far by members:  https://poiscenter.com/forums/index.php?topic=2338.msg19448#msg19448

About consultation with a physician or specialist about POIS, see at https://poiscenter.com/forums/index.php?topic=2392.msg20182#msg20182 ( in particular, the comment at the bottom, after the red title, about what to expect from an appointment).

Also, there is a thread with suggestions about how to avoid NEs, here:  https://poiscenter.com/forums/index.php?topic=2151.msg17197#msg17197 .   You may find some useful tips in it.

[BoneBroth]

Hi POISed2cure!

I'm into the thought that POIS is a combination of intestinal inbalances (might be caused by stress) and  frequent orgasm. Could you please describe any signs of stommach/intestinal issues that you might have/had: bloating, coated tounge, bad breath, diarreah/constipation, gas, smelly gas, how often do you have stools? Stool colour, skin issues, stommach pain etcetera..

[POISed2cure]

Quantum: Thanks for the guidance - I've read through those links and much of the info on this forum.
You mentioned what not to waste time telling a doctor, but is there a thread on how to actually present POIS to a doctor in a way that will guide them and prevent them from thinking we're totally nuts? 🙂

Bonebroth: The first 10 or so years in POIS there were no stomach/intestinal/gas issues. Funny you mention it, today I visited an ENT specialist due to feeling like there has been something stuck in the throat the past few months. He checked and found a build up of mucus, but he wasn't sure of the cause. Everything looked normal in the throat.
I've learned (conversations with Dr Mark Hyman) that it's possible to have bacteria in your gut for decades without noticing symptoms.
One thing I can say is, I have been on an extremely healthy diet for 6+ months and it has not helped POIS one bit. Functional medicine doctors do a special stool test to test for old bacteria, so if I go ahead with my appointment I will have that done (another $500).
I agree that POIS is stress-related. During times of anxiety, my POIS is increased significantly, and during times of balance, POIS is reduced significantly.

The doctor I have an appt with is Dr. Rob King. (DrRobKing.com.au in case anyone's interested). He's a regular doctor, but 'specialises' in men's sexual health and gut-related issues. Functional/integrative medicine approach. 1 hour appointment.

Best to you all.

[demografx]

…how to actually present POIS to a doctor in a way that will guide them and prevent them from thinking we're totally nuts? ?

Not a thread, but maybe some useful info?

Good article for those of you whose physicians tell you, "POIS is all in your head," :

https://psychcentral.com/blog/its-all-in-your-head-living-with-chronic-illness#1

[Quantum]

Quantum: Thanks for the guidance - I've read through those links and much of the info on this forum.
You mentioned what not to waste time telling a doctor, but is there a thread on how to actually present POIS to a doctor in a way that will guide them and prevent them from thinking we're totally nuts? ?

Yes, the answer is at the beginning of the same comment you have read, at https://poiscenter.com/forums/index.php?topic=2392.msg20182#msg20182.  Simply put, send him the link to this review article about POIS:  http://tau.amegroups.com/article/view/11107/11778.  It will help more than anything you could tell him directly.

[POISed2cure]

Thank you Quantum & Demo.

[demografx]

Thank you Quantum & Demo.

Most welcome.