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12/18/2012
RESPONSES / COMMENTS - (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A
RE: Efficacy of "Pain" Creams (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Gerald I. Falke, DPM
Through the years, I have had similar skepticism of topical 'pain' medications, finding that their efficacy, if any, was short-lived. Recently, however, my wife had a reaction to a fluoroquinolone dispensed for a URI, developing a rapid-onset, crippling, bilateral acute Achilles tendonitis. Those of you who have had experience with this malady recognize that there is no predictable nor particularly effective treatment. The lucky ones get better, many do not.
In desperation, in an online search for DMSO, I found an interesting product - Soothanol X2 - a topically-applied liquid using DMSO as its vehicle base with some 11-12 other ingredients, including emu oil, limonene oil, olive oil, cayenne, menthol, St. John's wort, MSM, and arnica. Application of only 2 drops rubbed into the Achilles tendons produced dramatic, almost instant relief of her tendon pain. It is marketed by NorthStar Nutritionals primarily for arthropathy and neuropathy. A small bottle costs around $50 and can only be purchased online (Google Soothanol X2 for more info).
I wish I would have known of this product while I was still in practice. Many of my patients may have benefited. For my wife, it was a game-changer. I recognize that this is a purely anecdotal experience, but I would be interested to hear of others' experiences with similar DMSO products.
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the company.
Gerald I. Falke, DPM, retired, Hagerstown, MD, falkeg@hotmail.com
Other messages in this thread:
06/26/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS - (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A
RE: The Bell Tolls for Us (Mark S. Davids, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM
Like Dr. Davids, I am from the early '80s graduating classes of podiatrists, which means we have seen quite a few changes over thirty years. I also have the same sense of frustration he expressed; however, I am acutely aware that the doctors and philosophies of practice preached in the '80s will not survive in this current environment. Today’s graduates have an innate ability to use a computer, smart-phone, and a myriad of other modern technologies that more than perplex my generation. The early adapters of technology seem to be faring much better in today’s world than those who scoffed and waited.
When I started practice is when doctors were beginning to use diagnosis codes rather than simply scribbling a diagnosis at the bottom of a super-bill that the patient would then submit to the insurance company for reimbursement. I remember looking at the “old-timers” gathered at state meetings discussing the right numbers to use.
Today, I am that “old timer” of thirty years ago. My generation sees doom and gloom, but the new graduates see opportunity. My generation is faced with the same daunting choice as those who have preceded us: adapt quickly or get out of the way.
Richard A. Simmons, DPM Rockledge, FL RASDPM32955@gmail.com
06/17/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS - (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A
RE: Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) (Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM
For far too long, the U.S. has allowed in far too many FMGs. Where do you think they are coming from? From countries that are having their brightest doctors, engineers, programmers, etc., "stolen". Is it any wonder so many countries cannot improve the conditions in their countries?
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, doc@footsportsdoc.com
06/06/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS - (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A
RE: Podiatric Residency Crisis - Where Are We? (Robert Kornfeld, DPM)
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM
I have always been willing to do my part. I will immediately open my NYC practice for one year to one of the unplaced DPMs. Grow, learn, and practice - we commit to preparing you for a residency next year.
In addition, I am available to work with any DPM nationwide willing to do the same. Let’s show these young men and women that we are on their side.
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY, drsha@foothelpers.com
05/27/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS - (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A
RE: Staff Makes it Difficult to Get Appointments (Name Withheld)
From: Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM
When I have encountered this problem in the past, I have established a bonus payment system for "filling the appointment book." Establish what constitutes a full schedule i.e., 90% of all available appointments full, establish a bonus such as $50 per filled day. Be sure to establish the fact that the patients must also SHOW UP for the appointments! Have a staff meeting dedicated towards brainstorming for filling the appointment book.
Ideas such as trying to fill the least desirable appointments first, moving patients forward from later dates to earlier ones if they are open, reviewing old files (by hand or EHR) to find overdue patients and calling them to come in, reminding patients of their upcoming appointments, making sure that all patients have their next appointment scheduled before leaving, etc. This had been most effective for me with one person in charge of filling the schedule, but it can probably be used for the entire team also.
Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM, South Bend, IN, vetpod@aol.com
12/17/2012
RESPONSES / COMMENTS - (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A
RE: Efficacy of "Pain" Creams (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Allen Jacobs, DPM
I have utilized compounded medications increasingly over the past 3-4 years, including those from Total Pain Solutions, Trilogy, and Bellevue Pharmacy - for whom I am a consultant and do clinical research.
Compounding offers many advantages to patient care. In the case of topical pain management, I am able to prescribe anti-inflammatories for the patient in whom the use of an anti-inflammatories might otherwise be either contra-indicated or of concern, such as the patient with CHF, hypertension, renal dysfuction, or GI concerns, since these medications are typically associated with plasma levels 1% or less of the same medications administered orally. This is particularly helpful for the patient requiring...
Editor's note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter can be read here.
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