Getting the most from your appointments

Evangeline Lindorf

I know you are sick and tired; of feeling sick and tired. From the other side of the exam table, I’d like to give you a provider’s perspective so you can best advocate for yourself.

The current model of mainstream western medicine is simply to see as many patients as possible in a single day. This leaves both providers and patients frustrated and dissatisfied; and, ultimately, leads to burn out for both. This system is destined fail. Patients should feel like a person, not a number. 


So, as a patient, how can you make the most of your time with your provider? Showing up 15 minutes early to check in and fill out paperwork helps tremendously with flow and efficiency. There is always paperwork to be done during a first visit. You’ll fill out forms quickly and easily if you bring the following information:


 A list of current, accurate medication, that includes the name, dosage, and frequency of each medication, as well as the reason you are taking it. This can be written down on a piece of paper; or tracked via an app on your phone. Heck, I don’t even care if you bring a plastic bag of all of your prescriptions and supplements in it! It’s so important to avoid medication errors and unwanted interactions, and this is the best way to ensure that. Rather than needing to go track down that information later, providing a complete, accurate list will not only prevent delays in your care, but it also allows your provider to make the best treatment decisions for you. Good information leads to good treatment plans!


A list of medications you have tried in the past (especially if it is relevant for the condition in which you are currently seeking treatment), and why you stopped it (if you had side effects or an allergic reaction for example), it is very helpful to know. That allows us to jump through some of the insurance hoops faster and get you to the best medication or treatment possible, as soon as possible.


A list of your top 2-3 most pressing questions that I can help answer. 


The number one most concerning symptom that you want addressed during our visit. We all deal with multiple symptoms and concerns, but your specialist is most valuable to you when they can hone in on their area of expertise. Knowing what is most important to your quality of life right now will help your provider get to the root cause of that symptom fastest: they can order the most relevant lab work or ask questions about your medical history that haven’t been explored during more general visits. (A urologist, for example, won’t have much insight on your thyroid medication.)


A list of any allergies to medications or foods, as well as a list of any surgeries you have had along with the year (approximately) you had the surgery. 


Radiology reports, recent lab work, or any other relevant testing done. Please note that none of our computers have CD readers on them, so the radiology report itself is the fastest way to make an assessment. (And we’ll cross our fingers that one day radiology converts to using thumb drives!)


A brief list of any chronic conditions you have been treated for. A short, one-page health history can be extremely helpful and save a lot of time. 


A family member or friend who knows you well and can help corroborate the health history, drive you home after the appointment if needed, and offer an outside viewpoint. 


Having a book, magazine, or noise-blocking headphones on hand can be helpful. Use the time you may be waiting to be seen to relax, breathe, and enjoy a moment of downtime. Enjoy the breather. what prompted you to seek the specific specialty’s services in the first place, or why your primary care doctor referred you here. 


A sure hope and solid belief in your body’s ability to heal itself given the right tools. 


PLEASE DO NOT BRING:


Lengthy articles printed off and written by Dr. Google or WebMD. They do not replace years of experience, education, and training, although they can be helpful tools when utilized properly. The majority of the time though, Dr. Google has induced a lot of unnecessary anxiety and angst sadly. 


MOST IMPORTANTLY:


The last things to bring with you—hope and patience. Exercise patience in the process; medicine is often a matter of trial and error—that’s why we call it practice—and sometimes it takes a few tries to find what works for you. Despite what you may have experienced in the past, the majority of those in the healthcare profession have a goal to get you better, improve your quality of life, and restore your health. I am overjoyed when my patients come back and tell me they are feeling better. Don’t lose hope. Keep advocating for yourself. Get a second opinion, or a third opinion if needed. You may feel like you are climbing Mt. Everest to get your health back, but I will be your guide, and will help you get the right team and equipment so you succeed in your climb. 

Mold Allergy Versus Mold Illness

By eklindorf • April 11, 2025
Mold Illness vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference? When people think of mold, they often assume it just causes seasonal allergies—sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. But mold illness goes far beyond typical allergic reactions, affecting multiple systems in the body and often mimicking chronic or autoimmune conditions. Mold Allergies: The Basics Mold allergies are an immune response to mold spores. Symptoms may include: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy, watery eyes Cough or post-nasal drip Mild fatigue These symptoms usually flare up in humid environments, basements, or during seasonal changes. They’re often treated with antihistamines or allergy shots. Mold Illness: A Deeper Toxic Load Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) , is triggered not by an allergic reaction, but by a toxic overload from mycotoxins —dangerous chemicals produced by certain molds . These toxins can accumulate in your body, especially if your detox pathways are compromised. Symptoms may include: Brain fog Chronic fatigue Digestive issues Hormonal imbalances Neurological symptoms like anxiety or depression Joint and muscle pain Key Differences Mold Allergy Mold Illness (CIRS) Involves histamine reaction Involves chronic inflammation Symptoms are seasonal or triggered by exposure Symptoms persist and worsen over time Usually treatable with OTC meds Requires detox, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment What If You Have Both? Some people suffer from both mold allergies and mold illness, making symptoms even more complex. If you’ve been treating allergies with little to no relief, it may be time to explore the possibility of deeper toxicity. If you have both mold allergies and mold illness, you will have to treat both. Remediate all mold out of your environment. Test for the presence of mold in your home and office environments. Remove high mold foods from your diet. What to Do Next If your symptoms go beyond allergy season and don’t improve with standard treatments, it’s time to consider mold testing and a functional approach to healing. At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold illness holistically. Detoxification strategies (sauna therapy, sweating, supplements, and binders), as well as dietary and environmental changes can help. Testing for the presence of specific mycotoxins is important to do as well and can be done through a simple urine test. Ready to feel better? Book a consultation today and let’s find out what’s really behind your symptoms.

Is Mold Making You Sick?

By eklindorf • March 28, 2025
Is Mold Making Me Sick? Common Symptoms & What to Watch For Mold exposure is more than just an allergy trigger—it can be a root cause of chronic illness that is often overlooked. If you’ve been experiencing persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis, mold might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Let’s explore the most common signs of mold illness and how to determine if your environment is making you sick. Common Symptoms of Mold Illness Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), can affect multiple systems in the body. Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms: 1. Respiratory Issues– Chronic sinus congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, or a persistent cough can indicate mold exposure. 2. Brain Fog & Cognitive Issues – Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion are common in mold toxicity. 3. Fatigue & Weakness – If you feel exhausted despite adequate rest, mold-related inflammation may be depleting your energy. 4. Skin Reactions – Unexplained rashes, itching, or increased sensitivity to chemicals could be linked to mold exposure. 5. Digestive Problems – Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be triggered by mold. 6. Muscle & Joint Pain – Widespread body aches, stiffness, and inflammation may indicate mold-induced toxicity. 7. Mood Changes – Anxiety, depression, or increased irritability can result from mold-related neuroinflammation. 8. Increased Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smells – Mold can affect the nervous system, making you more sensitive to stimuli. How to Determine If Mold is Making You Sick - Evaluate Your Environment – Have you noticed symptoms worsen at home, work, or school? Musty odors, water damage, or visible mold growth are red flags. - Track Your Symptoms – If symptoms improve when you leave a certain space for an extended period, mold may be a contributing factor. - Consider Testing – Mold illness isn’t always obvious on standard medical tests. Specialized urine mycotoxin tests and inflammatory marker panels can help confirm exposure. Next Steps: What You Can Do If you suspect mold is impacting your health, here’s what you can do: - Schedule a consultation for mold illness testing and a personalized treatment plan. - Take steps to assess and remediate mold in your environment. - Begin supporting your body’s detox pathways with proper nutrition, binders, and lifestyle changes. Ready to Get Answers? At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold-related illnesses. If you suspect mold exposure is affecting your health, contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your healing journey.
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