In addition to the evaluation and treatment of more routine acute medical conditions, I also specialize in the evaluation and integrated medical and natural treatment of more chronic, often hard-to-treat, recurrent conditions that are often frustrating and possess debilitating symptoms that do not have clear diagnoses after appropriate medical evaluation and consultations and may not possess specific treatments.

The conditions noted represent those for which Dr. Garbacz has actual proven experience in improving or resolving in his practice using integrative approaches (the degree of improvement or possibility of cure will obviously depend on the nature and severity of the disease as well as on other factors. Speak to him about your specific condition). The conditions include:

• chronic fatigue states, fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr virus/ mononucleosis syndromes, lyme disease anemia
• chronic recurrent digestive problems such as unexplained or undiagnosed diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, rectal symptoms, refractory constipation, oral ulcers, changes in taste and smell; the integrated treatment of "IBS" (see PUBLICATIONS for article on IBS), crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, acid reflux, ulcers; a comprehensive evaluation for parasites, intestinal yeast, the effects of food allergies and intolerances, natural treatment of acid reflux and hemorrhoids, etc.
• obesity/overweight, persistent weight gain, inability to lose weight, metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance (see PUBLICATIONS for article on insulin resistance), hypoglycemia, the natural treatment of cholesterol problems
• thyroid problems: unrecognized or under-treated thyroid problems, use of T3 therapy and combined T3/T4 (Armour) therapy, patients not responding to thyroid medication or adversely reacting to them, patients with unclear or "borderline" abnormal thyroid tests, autoimmune aspects of thyroid disease (Hashimoto's), enlarged thyroid or nodules, hyperthyroidism/Graves disease
• adrenal problems: fatigue states, biorhythm abnormalities including obesity/insulin resistance, sleep disorders, chronic stress states, seasonal mood problems, possible relationship between undiagnosed symptoms and illnesses and adrenal dysfunction
• respiratory problems/"allergies", chronic sinusitis, asthma, recurrent bronchitis, post-nasal drip, ear infections, food and seasonal allergies, "hay fever", chronic cough; common respiratory conditions failing to respond to escalating medical treatments or causing intolerable side effects
• skin disorders: rashes, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, itching, "hives" (urtricaria); hair loss/thinning, vitiligo, nail disorders
• women's health problems: PMS, severe cramps, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries, fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, vaginitis and vaginal pains syndromes, breast pain, need for and safe use of hormone replacement therapy, use of bioidentical hormones and non-hormonal therapies for menopause and osteoporosis, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, aids to infertility
• selected problems of pregnancy: acupuncture or homeopathic treatment of morning sickness, colds, "flu", back pain, heartburn/reflux, etc. (where medications cannot be used)
• men's health problems: BPH, prostatitis, prostate cancer and the use of natural medicines for it, erectile dysfunction, low desire, STDs, genital and groin pain
• autoimmune diseases: lupus, sjogren's syndrome/dry eyes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, relapsing polychondritis. common variable immune deficiency, celiac disease, vitiligo, etc.
• acute and chronic neuromuscular pain problems: neck and back, disc disease, sciatica, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitits, "shingles"/post herpetic neuralgia, hand, foot and limb pain, shoulder and hip pain, facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia, blepharospasm, post orthopedic surgery pain
• migraines, headaches, head, facial and scalp pain
• neurologic conditions: tinnitus, vertigo, peripheral neuropathy, Bell's palsy, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, tremors, aspects of stroke rehabilitation, memory disturbances, poor concentration
• selected children's problems: recurrent ear infections/otitis, sinusitis, colic, ADHD, hyperactivity, rashes (I ask all parents to have their own pediatrician on hand)
• psychological problems: natural therapy to assist in the treatment of mood disorders, depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, adult ADHD; an exploration for physical conditions that may mimic or cause such diseases or contribute to worsening them
• dietary choices and explorations: assistance in these with an eye on individualization to the person, existing food intolerances and allergies, those with a "sensitive stomach", avoidance of "fad" aspects of popular diets, misinformation about popular diets vs. medical aspects
• supplement choices and safety: assistance in the correct and safe use of commonly used or sought after supplements based on both existing research on effectiveness and safety and the doctor's personal and clinical experience (for example, Co Q 10, DHEA, carnitine, essential fats, herbals, melatonin, hydroxytryptophan, etc.); consideration for the safety and effectiveness and proper monitoring of the use of supplements in combination with conventional medicines.

In developing a management plan for your condition, Dr. Garbacz first reviews your medical history and previous (or currently ongoing) diagnostic efforts and prior or current treatments (doctors' evaluations, opinions and recommendations, lab testing, xrays, specialty consultations, etc.). Additional diagnostic tests that may be indicated are outlined and explained and information is coordinated.

In each case, for each individual person, special attention is given to searching for and addressing, where possible, the specific root causes for a condition. In addition, a careful examination is made for situations, conditions, behaviors, toxicities, etc. that stand in the way of effective treatment ("blocks" to treatment) This is essential to successful treatment especially where either a conventional medical or alternative treatment for the condition may exist but has failed to give the desired relief or cure or is causing undesirable side effects.

A common setting for seeking Dr. Garbacz's help is where a condition is under proper treatment but not responding fully or in a timely fashion; where escalation of treatment is required; where medical treatment is causing other diseases or side effects (for example, exacerbations of asthma/bronchitis/sinusitis; dermatitis/rashes).

Although such treatments as acupuncture, herbals and homeopathy are powerful and effective when correctly applied and matched to a condition's nature, stage of development, etc., it is equally true that many conditions require a multidimensional, multidisciplinary approach using different methods and practitioners just as in the case of any conventionally approached medical problem (for example, a condition requiring several doctors, specialists or consultants). Your management plan will take into careful consideration these factors and any treatments or practitioners you are currently using.