Vance Medical

CHRONIC
ILLNESS
“Just because you haven’t found a cure, doesn’t mean there isn’t one!” – Mark Vance, MD

An Alternative Approach to Chronic Illness

Chronic illness can have a number of causes: genetics, dietary habits, allergies, autoimmune disorders, toxins, chronic infections, and sometimes even cancer. Many chronic illnesses have similar symptoms making diagnosis difficult. Here at Vance Medical we look at these illnesses through different lenses to present the patient with multiple alternative treatments for their disease. Because most chronic illnesses have common symptoms such as decreased oxygen, increased acidity, nutrient deficiencies and inflammation, many of our treatments work for a variety of conditions. See some examples below of treatments we have available at our clinic.

IV THERAPY

From time to time, everyone needs more of a boost to bring them back to full health.
These are some of the IVs we offer to help our patients.

IV NUTRIENTS

Why IV nutrient therapy?

Let’s face it: the food we eat today isn’t nearly as nutritious as it used to be. In the quest for bigger, tastier, juicier, crunchier, higher yield, and more colorful food, nutritional value is usually forgotten. Add to that the overworked soils, growth-pushing fertilizers, pesticides and GMO’s and you’re left with more and more toxins and less and less nutrition. Another problem is that many people are unable to properly digest and assimilate enough vitamins to restore their health. In those cases, getting the nutrients intravenously can be a great option!

What Kind of Nutrients?

One of the most important nutrients we put in our IV’s is vitamin C. Because humans don’t have the ability to make their own Vitamin C, they must absorb it through their diet or introduce it to their body intravenously.

​Vitamin C can help with fighting any infection, detoxification, autoimmune processes, healing, growth and many other things. In addition to vitamin C, we often provide various B vitamins and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.

How is it Done?

Typically, we tailor the IV nutrients to the needs of the patient, oftentimes starting at a lower dose and working up on the dose as tolerated.

While it is not uncommon for a patient to feel significantly improved after a single IV, it may take a while for many patients to notice a significant sustained difference. Remember, you didn’t become sick or nutrient depleted overnight, and it may take some time for your body to return to a healthy balance.

MAH/UBI

What is MAH?

Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) is a form of therapy in which blood is drawn from an IV site, oxygenated and ozonated, and then reintroduced back into the body.

How is it Done?

We place an IV in the vein, remove the necessary blood, and place it in a bag of saline along with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. We then introduce a mixture of oxygen and ozone, allowing it to oxygenate the blood. Next, the oxygenated blood is run through ultraviolet light (UBI) and back into the body. (See UBI information below)

What is UBI?

Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) is a form of IV therapy in which blood is drawn out of the body, run through ultraviolet light, then run back into the body again. The therapy was discovered in the 1920’s during the pre-antibiotic era. At that time, it was found to have a remarkable effect in fighting infection, often bringing otherwise incurable patients back to health.

How is it Done?

Most often, Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation is administered at the same time as Major Auto-Hemotherapy (MAH). After the IV is placed, we draw some blood, place it in an IV bag and ozonate it before running it back into the body. On the way back in, it is run through ultra-violet light.

HIGH DOSE OZONE

Ozone, an activated form of oxygen, has been used successfully in treating a number of illnesses including killing bacteria, yeasts, fungi, molds, viruses, etc. High Dose Ozone (HDO) is a form of Major Auto-Hemotherapy (MAH – discussed above) in which we withdraw blood, heavily oxygenate and ozonate it, and return it to the body. The difference between MAH and HDO is the amount of blood treated. In MAH, approximately 60 mL of blood is treated while, with HDO, we typically remove and treat approximately 500 mL (1 unit) of blood, before returning it back to the body.

This process of removing, ozonating and returning the blood is considered “one pass.” We can repeat this up to three more times in one visit to accomplish what we call our “four pass” HDO. That means that, in total, about 2 liters (roughly 40% of your entire blood volume) is removed, oxygenated and ozonated, and returned to the body.

So what does all this additional oxygen and ozone do? We feel that it can provide additional benefit with fighting against infections, removing toxins, treating autoimmune disorders and much more.

IV KETAMINE

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a general anesthetic which has been used for surgeries world-wide for over 50 years. It is remarkably safe and is on the World Health Organization’s list of indispensable medicines that every country should have.

History of Ketamine

Discovered in the 1960’s, ketamine was found to provide extraordinarily safe anesthesia, and was used extensively in the Vietnam War. It has since been used frequently around the world for general anesthesia, especially in developing countries. In the 1980’s it was occasionally used as a recreational drug (related to PCP), and since then has been used less in the United States. Over the last 10-15 years, it has been recognized increasingly to have significant effects on mood. Multiple studies have shown that it has a much faster acting effect than traditional antidepressants or other medicines.

How Does It Work?

Although the entire mechanism of action is unknown, ketamine is known to affect the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain, altering the levels of active glutamate. Questions remain as to whether this is the main cause of benefit with mood disorders, but regardless, it seems to have an extraordinary effect.

Conditions Ketamine Might Help

  • Resistant major depressive disorder
  • Resistant generalized anxiety disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Suicidality
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic pain
  • Neurologic effects of mold toxicity

What Happens During an Infusion?

Before starting IV Ketamine, patients receive a full medical evaluation, with a review of symptoms, history, medications, etc. Additional lab work may be ordered as needed. Typically, six separate ketamine treatments are given within a two-week time period. At the time of therapy, the ketamine is infused at a very specific dose and rate which is closely monitored. Vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, oxygen levels) are also closely monitored. Lights are dimmed and an eye mask is provided while patients listen to relaxing music throughout the infusion. Patients are usually able to respond to questioning during the entire process. Infusions may last from 30-60 minutes, and afterwards patients are observed until they can walk and communicate without difficulty. Patients must provide a designated driver for transportation following the recovery period.

EBOO or RHP

EBOO, also known as RHP (Recirculatory Hemoperfusion), is most likely the highest quality oxygen / ozone treatment currently available on the planet. This therapy was invented by Peter Jovanovic, PhD, and involves drawing blood from a vein, running it through a filter while oxygenating / ozonating it, and reintroduced it back into the body through another vein. The entire process is powered by a pump that moves the blood continuously, in a way very similar to a dialysis unit. With this therapy, we can heavily oxygenate and ozonate large amounts of blood much more quickly than with any other method. Because of the ability to filter the blood, patients typically experience much less of a “die off” or “Herxheimer” reaction than with most other ozone methods.

According to Dr Jovanovic, this therapy can help significantly with cardiac disease and arterial plaque by filtering out the excess cholesterol (the purpose he initially designed it for). In addition, it may improve kidney function by temporarily relieving the kidneys of having to work as hard during the procedure due to the dialysis-like function of the machine. In addition, because of the large amounts of oxygen and ozone, the process works very well for infections, autoimmune diseases, and multiple other acute and chronic medical issues.

Ozone, as an “oxidant,” helps to greatly increase the body’s ability to handle other oxidants (including toxins and infections). The O3 (ozone) is broken down to oxygen and so in addition to receiving the benefits of oxidant therapy you are also increasing oxygen in the body. We at Vance Medical are proud to have this world class therapy available to our patients!

IV CHELATION

We offer heavy metal testing through our office.

The concept behind chelation is that a chelating agent will grab onto a heavy metal and surrounds it so that both the chelating agent and the substance are excreted from the body. Because of the chelating agent, the rest of the body is protected from the heavy metal reacting with it.

Most of us have had some exposure to multiple toxins from the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. Some of those toxins that can cause multiple problems are heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, uranium and others. We can receive exposure to these from gasoline, paints, various chemical compounds, and even dental work or eating seafood. According to the CDC there is no safe limit for exposure to some of these heavy metals, so even small amounts can cause significant damage.

Lead, for instance, can lead to developmental delay, decreased IQ, hypertension, and even heart attacks. Different heavy metals tend to congregate in different parts of the body. For instance, lead is frequently stored in the bones, and may be there for many years. As people age and begin to get osteoporosis some of the lead can leach out. Some theorize that is one of the major causes of hypertension and heart disease in the country.

With IV Chelation, EDTA is used to grab on to several of the heavy metals and allow them to be excreted from the body. This process takes multiple treatments and IVs are administered typically 1-2 times per week. It is recommended to take additional mineral supplementation throughout the duration since the EDTA eliminate the essential minerals as well as harmful ones.

IV Chelation therapy has also been shown to reduce the risk of a second heart attack by up to 40% and has likewise been shown to SIGNIFICANTLY decrease the risk of heart disease in diabetics. It is believed that it may also reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and plaque within the arteries.

A newer and potentially much faster way to remove heavy metals is to alternate 1/2 a dose of chelation with the EBOO therapy. Using this protocol, as much as 50% of many of the heavy metals can be safely removed in as little as 3 weeks.

PEMF (PULSED ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD)

Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency therapy has been shown to boost circulation and oxygenation, effectively reducing pain and inflammation and aiding healing, recovery, and performance enhancement. While many other clinics employ PEMF therapy in their practices, the majority of these are low- intensity. Vance Medical uses higher intensity PEMF which aids the body in fast and more complete recovery on the cellular level.

For each session, we adjust the machine’s setting to the patient’s comfort level. At lower power, the patient may not feel much of a sensation, but at the higher levels they may feel gentle muscle contractions.

When being used before receiving an IV, the patient lays down on top of a mat that contains a set of coils from the PEMF, and has another mat placed over the top of them. Using this method, it creates the electric field necessary to effectively enhance the transportation of nutrients and waste products across the cell membrane, helping cells to detoxify and absorb nutrients more effectively.

LOW DOSE NALTREXONE

Using a very low dose of this “anti-drug” can often boost people’s immune systems,
​fight chronic illness, decrease pain, and much more.

ABOUT LDN

Naltrexone is a medicine that historically has been used for the treatment of addictions. The medication blocks receptors and stops the effects of addictive substances on the body. A researcher, Dr. Bihari, found that using the lowest dose of naltrexone had other benefits such as keeping patients with infectious diseases from getting ill. Today these low doses of naltrexone are used to treat various types of unresolved pain such as fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness, and in essence, operate as an anti-inflammatory agent in the central nervous system.

HOW IT WORKS

At the regular dose, naltrexone blocks the opioid receptors in the body for a full 24 hours. At a very low dose, it blocks them for only 2-4 hours, during which time the body makes more endorphins. When the naltrexone wears off, this new, larger supply of endorphins is available to help cut down on chronic pain. Endorphins also help modulate the immune system, allowing your body to better fight illnesses such as infections or diseases.

SOME CONDITIONS TREATED

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/RSD
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Cancer
  • Migraines
  • Lyme
  • Covid
  • Long Covid
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Inflammation
  • And more

DISPENSING OF MEDICINE

Because LDN is a lower dose of a standard medication, it requires a prescription from your physician and is formulated at a compounding pharmacy. Each patient has their own particular dose that works best for them; the pharmacist and medical provider will work with you to determine your specific needs and dose.

DOSING AND SIDE EFFECTS

LDN is usually taken at night time just before going to bed, however, occasionally patients take it in the morning. Most people tolerate the medication very well with the only common side effects being:

  • Decreased sleep for the first couple of nights. After this, patients often sleep better than they’ve slept in years.
  • Vivid dreams but not nightmares. These may or may not go away after a while, but are typically not a concern to patients.
LOW DOSE ​ALLERGY

With Low Dose Allergy (LDA) therapy we have the ability to
​treat most forms of allergies: foods, inhalants, chemical sensitivities, etc.

ABOUT LDA

Low Dose Allergen Therapy (LDA) is an amazing option for treating many conditions. This includes most forms of inhaled, environmental, and food allergies and even chemical sensitivities.

LDA therapy stems from the research of Dr. Leonard McEwen, a British researcher in the 1960’s who developed Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD). This was used quite successfully here in the U.S. for many years. Starting in 2002, Dr. Butch Shrader continued Dr. McEwen’s research and developed a next-generation form of the same kind of therapy he named LDA.

HOW IT WORKS

With LDA therapy, hundreds of different antigens are premixed and injected into the skin along with an enzyme called “beta glucuronidase.” This enzyme tells your body to quit overreacting to those irritants. It does this by raising the levels of the T-Regulator cells, which calm down the immune response to that particular antigen.

NOT AN "ALLERGY SHOT"

At first glance, LDA appears similar to regular allergy shots. Both involve intermittent injections to treat allergic conditions but that’s where the similarities end.

Differences include:

  • Working by a different mechanism
  • MUCH lower concentrations, making it safer
  • Hundreds of premixed antigens
  • No need for allergy testing
  • Shots given much less often

CONDITIONS TREATED

  • Hay Fever
  • Asthma
  • Eczema
  • Perfumes
  • Pollen
  • Pet Dander
  • Chemical Sensitivities
  • Food Allergies and Sensitivities
  • And More
LOW DOSE IMMUNOTHERAPY

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) aims to treat different
​autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Lyme disease, among others.

ABOUT LDI

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) is a almost identical to the Low Dose Allergy (LDA) therapy. While LDA works very well for many types of allergies, LDI can work for various autoimmune disorders and chronic infections.

After Dr. Shrader developed LDA for multiple types of allergies, he noted that various autoimmune disorders tended to be associated with possible low-lying infections caused by various bacteria. He produced LDA formulations using antigens designed for these infections, and had success treating several autoimmune disorders including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s, and others. Dr. Ty Vincent later extended the idea to treat Lyme Disease and developed several other formulations to treat other diseases and infections.

LDA VS. LDI

Probably the greatest difference between LDA and LDI is who developed the therapy. Dr. Shrader trademarked LDA and later, Dr. Vincent coined LDI. There are also differences in how they are dosed and used. LDA typically has fixed doses while LDI requires individualized doses.Typically with LDI, if you give a dose that’s too high it may make the disease symptoms worse, too low a dose will usually do nothing, and “just right” can potentially work wonders. Because of the possibility of dosing too high, we often start at a dose we suspect will be too low and increase from there until we find the dose that is “just right” for each patient.

​MTHFR

MTHFR is a common genetic deformity that has been found to contribute to illness in many patients.

WHAT IS MTHFR?

MTHFR stands for MethyleneTetraHydroFolate Reductase. This is an enzyme that processes an essential nutrient, folic acid – Vitamin B9, into a form more readily usable by the body. The disruption of these chemical processes may cause a multitude of issues for patients who contain this gene problem.

MTHFR was discovered while working on the Human Genome Project. Defects in the gene producing this enzyme were found to be very common in the population and warranted further research. While there are many possible defects in the gene, the most common ones are C677T and A1298C.

WHAT DOES MTHFR DO?

  • It processes folic acid into a form usable by the human body allowing methylation, an important chemical process, to occur.
  • It is essential in the making of proteins, utilizing antioxidants, and processing fats
  • It helps synthesize neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin which influence your mood, sleep, cognitive function, and memory
  • It is involved in the growth, repair and maintenance of your cells
  • It is needed for the elimination of toxins and heavy metals
  • It helps control inflammation
  • It activates and regulates the immune system

SOME ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Other mental disorders
  • A variety of cancers
  • Stroke
  • Heart problems
  • Congenital defects
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Miscarriages
  • Migraines
  • Chemical sensitivities
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep issues
  • And many more

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis can sometimes be made by looking into family history but often it requires bloodwork. Elevated folate and B12 levels can be suggestive of this disorder. Treatment consists of prescribing pre-methylated vitamins – ones that are already in a form your body can use. Not uncommonly people will do remarkably well with these therapies alone, although some people need additional assistance with their various diagnoses.

WILSON'S SYNDROME

Also known as Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome,
​this is a protocol designed to target symptoms that seem to have no cause.

ABOUT

Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (WTS, also known as Wilson’s Syndrome) is a protocol designed for treating patients with symptoms of low thyroid but who have normal labs. It also tends to work well for many other symptoms not typically associated with thyroid, but which are associated with low temperature.

In the 1990’s, Dr. Denis Wilson noticed that treating people with standard thyroid regimens often required increasing doses of medication and sometimes made their symptoms worse. Because of this, he developed a different way to treat patients using T3 – the active form of thyroid hormone made by the body. This resulted in the Wilson’s Protocol (WT3).

HOW IT WORKS

Most thyroid treatments use either T4 (the less active form of thyroid hormone) or a mixture of T4 and T3 (the active form). T4 can be converted into T3 in the body’s tissues when needed. Unfortunately, that conversion doesn’t always work as well as it needs to, and for many people much of the T4 gets converted to Reverse T3 (RT3, a form that blocks the action of T3). This can lead to symptoms of low thyroid, while tricking your brain into thinking that everything’s just fine. While treating with T4 can often help with symptoms, it does nothing to fix this problem and can actually exacerbate the problem. In the Wilson’s Protocol, we treat patients with just the T3, allowing levels of both the T4 and the Reverse T3 (RT3) to slowly fall. Because of this, it’s not uncommon, with the Wilson’s Protocol for patients to progress to the point where they can taper off the medicine completely and still do very well – something that almost NEVER happens with other thyroid treatments.

  • Low temperatures
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • PMS
  • Irritability
  • Fluid Retention
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Hair loss
  • Depression
  • Decreased memory
  • Decreased concentration
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Unhealthy nails
  • Low motivation
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Dry skin & hair
  • Insomnia
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Muscle aches
  • Itchy skin
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Ulcers
  • Heat & cold intolerance
  • Bipolar
  • Irregular periods
  • Severe menstrual cramps
  • Low blood pressure
  • Frequent colds
  • Frequent UTI’s
  • Light-headed
  • Easy bruising
  • Frequent yeast infections
  • Low Blood sugar

DIAGNOSES AND TREATMENT

In addition to evaluating symptoms and analyzing lab results, patients are asked to monitor a sampling of their temperatures over the course of a few days. If the diagnosis is confirmed, patients begin a specific protocol involving the use of custom formulated T3 (liothyronine) in a way that assists in resetting the thyroid and achieving optimal temperatures. Typically, if a patient’s temperatures are able to be normalized, 80% of their symptoms resolve.

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