New Patients, Autoimmune and Arthritis Treatment, and More
Call Us at (858) 794-9192
Everyone wants to live well – to live fully. At IFSMED our goal is to help you, no matter what your challenge, identify a clear path for achieving optimal health – and to guide you, patiently, in your quest.
If you are considering our practice for the first time – chances are good you have a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve elected to answer some of the ones we are most frequently asked here, as well as share some things we thought you might want to know.
What do I have?
Every journey to wellness starts with that simple question. Our goal at the Institute for Specialized Medicine is to work with you to find the answer. As complex “machines,” our bodies reveal clues in highly individual ways – meaning though your path may be different than anyone elses’, our qualified and professional team will be with you every step along the way. Until we find the answer.
Can I be cured?
Our state-of-the-art institute provides quality care for a wide variety of illnesses, many times providing treatments and therapies that arrest or eradicate a condition. While some conditions cannot be “cured,” they can be managed in highly effective ways that allow you to resume your life normally. At IFSMED, we take advantage of every available innovation to provide the highest level of diagnosis and treatment, and give you the best possible solutions and the most optimal paths to wellness.
Do I need to take medications or I can be treated with herbs, supplements and diet?
Many factors influence your treatment – including a proper diagnosis at the onset. Typically, most of the acute conditions are more efficiently treated with traditional medications and/or with a combination of medication, lifestyle changes and alternate therapies. We complement this, by offering herbs and food supplements for chronic conditions to maintain them in remission and to prevent future flare-ups.
How will my condition affect my longevity/life span?
It depends on the condition you have, organs and systems involved and your compliance with medical recommendations. Most of the chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions can indirectly shorten longevity via problems associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary and cerebral events. However, appropriate diagnosis and therapy can arrest further advancement of a disease and can significantly reduce the rate and incidence of premature mortality.
How long will it take to feel better?
In short, the biggest factors are the acuity (severity) and chronicity (persistent presence) of the underlying illness. Typically, days and weeks when the problem is acute; weeks and months when the disease is chronic and involves many organs and organ systems.
What is the driving force/trigger behind the illness?
This is the most important diagnostic question. IFSMED applies maximum efforts to define specific triggers driving individual health problems. In our experience, the most common triggers of chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases include: specific foods and infection agents. The less common triggers include: heavy metals and pollutants, sunlight, mechanical or structural anatomical programs. It is also very important to understand that similar trigger may produce completely different responses in individuals with different genetic background and different functional reserves (adrenal gland activity, autonomic nervous system activity, coexistent illnesses etc). Therefore, there are no universal recommendations. It is all about a strict individual approach.
What are the best ways to prevent my illness from flaring up?
While there are no one-size-fits-all recommendations for this, the following four items play an integral role:
1. Compliance with medications, supplements and diet
2. Appropriate physical fitness
3. Avoidance of known triggers (infection, sun exposure, specific foods, etc.)
4. Minimizing or avoidance of physical and psychological stress
Why should I choose your practice?
IFSMED is the foremost clinic of its kind in the nation. Our comprehensive understanding of rheumatologically-based diseases and the therapies best designed to arrest them, means you’ll receive the benefits of every available innovation in both the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. Plus, you’ll enjoy the many advantages our multi-disciplinary perspective brings – from a holistic approach to single-source care. We understand how challenging life can be when your health is compromised. We are here to give the best help – and most hope – anyone possibly can.
