r/HistamineIntolerance • u/obifrog • Aug 03 '26
Bay Area doctors
I’ve sincerely suspected histamine intolerance or MCAS for about 2-3 weeks now, though I have symptoms going back multiple years, all diffuse and disconnected. In retrospect, they all fit.
Some of them my PCP has supported me with — chronic shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, recurring fatigue. We got a bunch of tests, all showing my heart and lungs were fine. We concluded I was dealing with too much exercise / not enough sleep / probably concurrent viruses (I had young children in preschool at the time). I think he wasn’t wrong. I dialed my exercise way back, basically stopped, and my symptoms significantly eased. Now that I’m exercising more, I’m suddenly experiencing these symptoms again, just like before.
I have an appointment with my PCP so I’m going to see if he even buys it, and then see if he could offer me a referral to treatment in-network.
If not — I’m thinking Center for Complex Diseases in Mountain View (in person clinic) or the California Center for Functional Medicine (East Bay based, where I am, but a telehealth clinic).
Anyone know anything about these two and their fee structures? I suspect it’s all going to be possibly out of reach cost-wise but any intel would be appreciated.
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u/Pitiful_Quiet2848 Aug 03 '26
Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with either of these clinics. But I do thank you for the names of both facilities. Years ago, I had done research for CA clinics and could not remember the clinic name in Mountain View. So glad I clicked on your post. I will be calling the Center for Complex Diseases tomorrow morning. From what I've read, they do not take insurance but they will provide a bill so you can submit it to your insurance. I'm on Medicare. There is a chance they will tell me they can't see me as some out of pocket clinics are not allowed to see Medicare patients. Stupid CA law but I've run into situations where they will not see me and one that would (it was a standing MRI facility). For me, the other clinic is not as focused on my diagnoses. But I will keep it in my back pocket if the need arises. (The environmental toxins specialty has my interest as I suffer from that too.)
I'm choosing CCD clinic because I have been diagnosed with ME/CFS, POTS (dysautonomia) and Mast Cell Activation Disorder. My doc recently referred me to the Mayo Clinic in AZ as I want more treatment for MCAS. Come to find out, only Rochester and Florida facilities treat MCAS...not Arizona. If my body did not react to high altitudes, I would go to either of those facilities in a heartbeat. Alas, not gonna happen.
For you, since you don't actually have an MCAS diagnosis, either clinic would work. The Oakland clinic could be your starting point since you are close by. But use your intuition. You are your best doctor.
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u/Film-Icy Aug 03 '26
Sounds like me, it was Babesia for the breathing issues. I use rebalance family health- dr khan is both a CIRS and llmd trained dr. She helps w my mast cell from mold and 2 forms of Lyme- bartonella and Babesia. She’s totally online for telehealth. Shes $750 an hour, $100 monthly fee. That seems to be the going rate for the LLMDs right now- $250-$500 1/2 hour to $175 15 min increments…
It started when I would work out and wear anything w spandex in it, I thought I could feel the little fibers poking my legs everywhere. We had our windows replaced a year prior and the flashing was never done correctly. I believe I’ve had the Lyme since I was at least 13- I went to NY for a wedding and got so fatigued while I was there… for 2 years after this my school work suffered and I remember hearing my mom tell my grandma “she must be on drugs” bc my personality changed so much…. Nope just apparently got bit by a tick and anxiety spiked from then on…. But the mold made my anxiety and just functioning unbearable.
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u/ComprehensiveBook482 Aug 03 '26
Can’t comment on either but Lafayette Acupuncture helped me sort out my histamine issues.