Doctor Buchfuhrer's visit

[Marvene1942]

What a wonderful Doctor he is. He spent almost 2 hours with me. He explained everything and then gave me the decision of what I wanted to do. I wish more Doctors were like him. He told me he has a 98% success. He answers very quick thru the Patient Portal.

[LotteM]

Congratulations. I guess your symptoms are already much improved? Many will envy you! Especially those with badly controlled RLS.

[Hidden]

Lovely news to hear, i know he takes his time with his patients, listens and will help all he can to get his patients to a better place with their RLS.

[martino]

I would very much like to meet him. He has previously given me valuable advice and I wonder how he finds the time for it all

[Joolsg]

I think the man is a saint. He gives so much of his time for free. He has always answered my emails within 4/5 hours. He really is a caring, compassionate, brilliant doctor. It’s been said before, but if only we could clone him! He

[Hidden]

That's brilliant! I'm really glad (and envious) to hear you've had this opportunity.

I am happy to say I know what it's like when someone with expertise and compassion listens to you and discusses things with you. It gives you hope even if nothing else.

I recently got into a bad place with my GP surgery. I found the doctors I was seeing either patronising, superficial or ignorant. I'd got to the point where I felt more or less completely on my own with dealing with my health issues and felt reluctant to even approach a doctor again. Then a few days ago I had a cancer blood test result (I arranged that myself) and needed a referral to a hospital. The surgery wouldn't give me one without me speaking to a doctor, so they arranged for one to phone me.

One did and she did discuss the referral with me and agreed to make it.

I was surprised that she then asked me if there was anything else, so I "risked", (that's how it felt), mentioning my RLS meds. Considering that I'm used to such things as, "I'll have to look that up, I've never heard of augmentation", "RLS isn't a sleep disorder", and "You're wrong", I was amazed at the discussion that followed. When she asked have you had your ferritin checked I was gobsmacked!

She even said, "I've enjoyed talking to you."

Result, RLS meds changed to help me wean off Pramipexole, ferritin level test ordered and spirits much raised. There are good doctors!!!

[restlessstoz in reply to Hidden]

Isn't it wonderful when a doctor actually listens! Even if you know more than they do, some are willing to learn and to try to help. Mine is like that and I'm so thankful! I wouldn't go to any others in that practice though as I don't think I'd get the same result. Good luck weaning off the pramipexole.

[restlessstoz]

I would love a consultation with him but he has already been such a help replying to my emails. I am so grateful that there is someone like him in the world to help us find our way through the maze that is RL.

[CindyPatt]

What did he suggest?

[Marvene1942 in reply to CindyPatt]

I am going to start Methadone and stop Pramipexole. He said it might the Restless Legs may come back but will only last 1 to 3 weeks. Then I will start decreasing the Methadone. Hopefully this will take care of the RSL. He is the best Dr. I have ever been to.

[CindyPatt in reply to Marvene1942]

Hope it helps you!

[Graham3196 in reply to Marvene1942]

What dose of methadone did he start you on? Did he say what quantity of methadone he expected to reduce your dose to for the long term?

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Graham3196]

Dr. B first tried me out with dopamine agonists and alpha 2 ligands for a couple of months. When that proved ineffective, he put me on methadone, 5 mg x twice daily. My entire life immediately changed, as I was finally able to sleep regular hours again. I may have to be on this prescription for the rest of my life, (I'm73), but who cares-- I'm happy again!

[Graham3196 in reply to TheDoDahMan]

Great news for you. Such news make all of us happy.

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Graham3196]

Thanks, Graham. I only wish that all doctors had the knowledge, courage, and compassion of this great doctor.

[Kayakcarole in reply to Marvene1942]

So interested in this since I have not reached out to him. Is the Methadone to help with Pramipexole withdrawal? What advice did he give for once you are off Methadone?

[Marvene1942 in reply to Kayakcarole]

Yes Methadone is to help me withdrawal from Pramipexole, He said my restless legs would be tough for 1-3 weeks but then it should calm down. Then I will start decreasing Paxil which he thinks helped cause RSL. I am at my son's house until Tuesday and then I fly home to Humboldt county ca. I will start everything when I pickup my RX. I can hardly wait. It will b nice to sleep again it has been so long since I slept more than 2 hours at a time.

[Kayakcarole in reply to Marvene1942]

So you should see complete relief from RLS and not need any meds at all? Wow!! How fabulous! Thrilled for you.

[Marvene1942 in reply to Kayakcarole]

Thank you. I sure hope it happens

[Kayakcarole in reply to Marvene1942]

Would you please post his contact information.

[Marvene1942 in reply to Kayakcarole]

11480 Brookshire Ave Suite 108

Downey, Ca. 90241 Phone [phone]

I called and made my appointment. For Restless legs you do not need a referral.

Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer

[Sara_2611]

Oh Brilliant - everyone needs a doctor like like that I think -who explains things fully