Any Testing Centers in Canada?

[Ernie]

Hi,

I have noticed that there is a few Canadians on the forum and I was wondering if any of you know of places to get tested in Canada. Do you have any good specialist to refer to me?

So far, I have to go to Dr Grubb but I pay out of pocket and I can't afford it very often. I would like to find someone who can do a good job.

Thanks

Ernie

[Guest tearose]

Hey Ernie, I started poking round the web for you and found this:

http://sky.prohosting.com/aletteke/diagnos...rom%20Marg%20in

maybe it will lead you somewhere helpful or you can see what other Canadians are doing?

Good luck with the research...it never ends for us does it...keep up your hope!

best regards, tearose

[Laura]

Hi Ernie! I would like to know about this also! I am in Canada too, but I don't know of any testing places to reccomend. I am being seen by an electrophysiology cardiologist and haven't had any specific autonomic testing done, just the usual Echo, bloodwork, 24hr urine specs (to rule out Pheo) and Stress tests before they knew what the problem was. They are not doing any further investigation for me into cause, and for now treatment just involves trying the exercise study. I don't know where the information from this study will go, I will ask when I am seen next!

I notice that in the Dinet under the Physician List there are three doctors listed in Quebec. Have you had any experience with them? I wish I could be more of help. When I was diagnosed, they told me over the phone and did not explain what it was, just directed me to look at this site. I was told this in a two minute phone call, then had to wait to be seen by a cardiologist a month later. Without you guys, I would not have very much information at all!

I sure feel for you Ernie and I hope someone has an answer. You've been through an awful time and need to find someone who knows what they are doing. Laura

[Ernie]

Hi Laura,

Yep, I went to these 3 hospitals/doctors. That was before I saw Dr Grubb and Dr Goldstein. If you are a clear cut and easy case (I mean real real real easy case) you can go to them. Otherwise, you better find someone else who has real expertise!

If not for the Dr Goldstein and Dr Grubb I would still be undiagnosed - or misdiagnosed.

Where about do you live?

I did not get tested in Canada. I wonder if we even have the equipment that Mayo, Cleveland or NIH has?

Which hospital are you going to for your exercise study?

Ernie

[Ernie]

Hi Tearose,

Thanks for the research.

I had 2 doctors send a letter to my government asking them to pay for Dr Grubb but the government answered that we have good doctors here. I asked them to give me the list and they never answered. I am still looking for the "good" doctor.

So far, no Canadian doctor as tried any medication on me. My PCP prescribes what Dr Grubb or Dr Goldstein suggest.

Ernie

[corina]

My new doctor told me there is (was lately?) a Dysautonomia congress in Calgary. There seem to be very good specialists there. I tried a Google search, but couldn't find it. But that doesn't say it isn't there . I couldn't find POTSPlace as well, my husband found it for me , so maybe some else can give it a try. I know it's far from you, but if you can get paid for it it might be worth the trip. Good luck on your search!!!

Corina

[Laura]

Hi girls!

I am in Calgary and go to the Foothills hospital. I am not sure if there is a dysautonomia congress in Calgary, I see Dr Sheldon who is a Cardiologist. Maybe that is what I am going to? Not sure. I basically go for a 10 minute appointment about once a month. I didn't have any testing, (just lay on the bed for pulse and pressure, then standing pulse and pressure) so I am not sure if there is an autonomic lab or testing area. There must be of some sort, but not sure how extensive or if it is just diagnostic or also research. I will try to find out all of this on my next appointment. He has tried me on Florinef , betablocker, and midodrine which for me did not work well. Let me know if I can be of more help. Laura