Quote:
Originally Posted by Drevy
Gerry,
How much are you spending on Dr. Hinz protocol. And is there a special diet. I'm trying to set up an appt to see a doctor that does this protocol. Was any of it covered by insurance? Is it worth it. How long have u had PD? What symptoms has this protocol relieved. Sorry for so many questions.
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To answer your questions in order:
I spend about $300 a month. The tests are about $100 each but after 8 tests they are free. This is probably more than most people but I require high doses.
There is no special diet and you can eat with the mucuna if you want. I mix mine up in a smoothie.
I haven't submitted anything to my insurance so I don't know about that. I don't think they pay for amino acids.
The purported advantages of this protocol is that by balancing the neurotransmitters you can take as much L-dopa as needed to stop the symptoms without experiencing side effects. They also say it stops or drastically slows the progression. I don't know if that is true but so far so good. I was diagnosed in June 2011 after the usual long series of doctor visits. My regular doctor treated me for a long time as having adrenal insufficiency.
After the diagnosis I tried many healing modalities such as frequency specific microcurrents, cranial-sacral therapy, LDN, acupuncture, and many others. I didn't notice much improvement. My symptoms initially were gait disturbance such as shuffling, festinations, poor balance, no arm swing, and inability to get out of a chair. Plus I had dystonias, micrographia and a discomfort being in my body. Later, tremors started. After the Hinz protocol I have none of those except still a slight quiver in my thumb once in awhile for a couple of minutes. I am functioning normally.
I could have gone the prescription route but as a pharmacist I know what that leads to so yes, I consider it worth it. It is expensive and inconvenient to mix all the time. I take powders and suspending agents to mix and shake in a small jar when I go out past my dosing time. It would be more convenient to take a pill but if Hinz is right I will never have to change my dose. It seems a small price to pay to get my life back.
I don't know if it works as well for everyone but this has been my experience. As time has gone on I notice improvements, not progression. Good luck whatever you choose to do.