AboutMichael L. Johnson, DC Expertise Please ask me any question about Natural Health. I am up-to-date on the latest research and can give you innovative responses that your local doctors may not be aware of.
Experience I've been in clinical practice for 7 years specializing in the care and treatment of chronic illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Marie-Charcot-Toothe Disease, Hypercortisolemia. I have pioneered a 12-week Health Recovery Program that will be release nationally in 6-8 months. I have successfully resolved over 300 cases of severe Fibromyalgia and CFS through my program.
Organizations International Council of Integrative Medicine, American Public Health Association, National Council on Aging, Chiropractic Association of Iowa, American Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition
Publications Editor-in-Chief for www.fibroconnect.com, www.chronicallywell.com
Education/Credentials BA, University of Northern Iowa in Biology
Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University
Question I have a list of things for which I have been diagnosed: allergies, asthma, rosacea, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and some mental health issues, as well. My doctor did some lab tests to rule some things out. Most of the results were normal, or close to normal, but some of them weren't. He said that all the results were within the normal range, but the paper my lab sent with my results indicated otherwise. I'm just wondering if any of these abnormal results indicate any underlying cause of my symptoms, or if the symptoms stand on their own. I know that sometimes results just outside the normal range can be insignificant, but I don't have the knowledge to judge this. Here are my abnormal lab results: My CBC platelet count was 415 with a normal range of 140-400 K/ul. The urinalysis showed an RBC of 4 with a normal range of 0-2/LPF; it also showed moderate hemoglobin,UR,QL but said the average result is negative.Blood tests also measured C-REACTIVE PROTEIN,SER,QL at 0.8, the normal range being <0.5- mg/dL. My vitamin D was also tested and it was an 11, normal being 30-100 ng/mL. He did prescribe a vitamin D supplement for that. I've tried to ask him about why my test results might be abnormal, but he doesn't ever tell me why, he just says they're fine. I don't mind knowing that they're fine, I'd just like to know why they are fine when the results are abnormal. He doesn't have the best communication skills and definitely needs to work on his bedside manner, but he seems to know medicine. I just can't seem to have my questions answered or his actions on behalf of my medical treatment explained. Can you help me decipher these test results and tell me if, according to these tests, there is anything else I should have further evaluated? If the results are all fine, could you explain to me why they might be outside the norm? Also, I'd appreciate any tips you might have for me to have a more open communication with my doctor, to get him to listen and better explain things.
Thank you for your time!
Hilary Garvin
Answer Hilary,
Thank you for being so open and honest in your questions. Sometimes it's hard to find a good fit for a doctor/patient relationship. There's a few things I'd recommend to optimize your time with the doctor.
1. Write down questions beforehand so that you are getting your most important questions answered for sure.
2. Doctors are people just like everyone else. Some communicate better than others. As long as you feel that he has your best interests at heart I'd stick with him.
3. He may have limited time, there's two ways to work around this: A) You can demand more time, and that he fully explain what is going on. B) Be more concise with your questions. Try to structure your conversation into a stripped out exchange of information. Get to your point sooner so you can access his knowledge sooner. By altering your communication style a little you can help facilitate better communication.
4. If you try these things and it doesn't work. Consider finding a new doctor, it may be not a good fit.
