Klimas vs Peterson - where would you go?

[dsdmom]

If you had the choice and $ wasn't an issue, where would YOU go? To see Dr. Peterson or Dr. Klimas? Why?

Would your answer change based on the results of an XMRV test?

 

[Andrew]

Both have a lot of experience. But Peterson has access to more technology, and he is closer to whatever Mikovits comes up with.

 

[Alice Band]

Maybe Klimas with her experiences with retroviral drugs if going down the XMRV route?

Seeing either of these fine doctors would be a dream for me.

 

[cfs since 1998]

If $ is no issue then why not see both?

 

[cfsme23]

I have been having this exact debate over the past few weeks - but yesterday took the decision and sent all my documents to Dr P

 

[imready]

Dr. Peterson

Is Dr. Peterson taking new patients at this time? If so how do you contact him to make an appointment? Does he have a website?

 

[cfsme23]

He doesn't have a website I got my forms a while ago so I don't know whether he is still taking new patients, I suspect the XMRV findings may have made him even busier than the 6months - 1year waiting list he had previously.

 

[ldhunter]

I am a patient of Dr. Peterson's and I think he is an incredible physician and person! I'm sure Dr. Klimas is as well. Either way, you will be in good hands.

 

[Doogle]

If money was no object and you are a good candidate for Ampligen treatment, I would go with Peterson as I don't think Klimas has access to it at this point. I improved from housebound to close to normal when I was able to get it for a year. After I came off the drug I declined back to when I started the drug.

My opinion is XMRV+ doesn't matter at this point but if and when AIDS drugs start being utilized, Klimas might have an edge because she treats many AIDs patients. Dr. Peterson might treat more now I don't know. I hope to start seeing him again this year. I haven't seen him since the Ampligen 502 study ended.

 

[Cort]

I think I would hit Peterson too because he's right there in the thick of things. No guarantees anywhere. I know people who haven't gotten well or even near well with both. Other people have. Good luck wherever you go.

 

[cybercat]

I was very discouraged by the people at Peterson's office. They said he picks and chooses who he wants to see and sees only one new patient a week. His waiting list was incredibly long.....the odds were they told me that he would never see me. I have had CFS since 1989. I could have seen him back then -- I certainly wish I had!

 

[dsdmom]

I chose to go to Klimas - I am looking forward very much to seeing Dr. Klimas and think I made the right decision for me...so we'll see how it goes.

 

[Robin]

I chose to go to Klimas - I am looking forward very much to seeing Dr. Klimas and think I made the right decision for me...so we'll see how it goes.

Good luck, dsdmom! I hope she's able to help you! You'll have to let us know how it goes.

I too had cybercat's experience when I called Peterson's office (the receptionist was really nice in my case!) He has a 900 patient waiting list, and as mentioned, sees the patients he wishes to first. A Peterson patient mentioned that he might be involved in the WPI clinic in the future. That's another option too, when they open. Right now I'm (slowly) working on getting some preliminary bloodwork done and hoping it will make me more attractive as a Peterson patient. However that's just a guess. I have no idea what his criteria might be.

Like Cort said, though, seeing these doctors is a stab in the dark. But every few years it's worth it to try something, for me.

 

[dsdmom]

Thanks Robin. I see her in a little over a week and will be sure to report back here!

 

[hvs]

Why not see Susan Levine, Robin?

 

[Robin]

Why not see Susan Levine, Robin?

I did see her about 5 years ago. She's nice, but, I'm not sure what she's doing for treatments lately, but I don't think she's doing the protocol that Peterson is doing which is what I'm interested in. But it's probably moot. If Peterson only takes one new patient and has 900 patients on his list, then he'll probably retire before he gets through all of 'em!

I kind of want to see how the XMRV stuff pans out before seeing anyone, actually. In the best case scenario we could all go to our local ID specialists for antiretrovirals.