Saw Dr.Afrin on the 5th.  Travelled all the way from Vancouver Island Canada to S.C. and it was worth every minute of travel struggle and fatigue.  He is such a compassionate doctor and dedicated to helping those with MCAS.

 I stayed at the Hampton in the Historic District.  Great area and so convenient for those from out of town.  There are 3 free Trolley's right in front of the hotel..They will take you just about anywhere you would want to go including Hollings..You can get on and off all day if you want.  I found the heat and humidity a problem so didn't go around to much except for the Market and Aquarium.

The folks at Hollings were great.  Apparently, in the next while Dr.A is moving to a different section a few blocks away and he won't be taking Holly his nurse.  He is quite upset re this.(I recall this being said before)  A word of advice....I sent him lots of consults and a typed history via email before he agreed to see me.  He read them all when he replied.  I also took a typed journal summary to the appointment.  Apparently, he doesn't keep any of the files you send him due to amount he receives and he didn't want to read the summary I brought either..Wanted it verbally from the beginning! I hadn't brought lists of my physicians thinking he had all the info...So, just know if it's a first time visit...be prepared to remember your life history and Doctors.  i was pretty foggy and it took along time.  I know I forgot many things.

I packed a foldable cooler for the 24hr urine. (thanks for the heads up) and got it there so fast by Trolley it was still full of ice!  There were a total of 23 tests done.  I have 15 back so far.  For those who have to self pay...the deposit was $50.00.  The estimate for the total bill is around $4500..If I get a diagnosis and treatment plan it's well worth every penny. He is also doing a research project to try and identify a diagnostic marker for MCAS and will ask for an extra 2 tubes of blood.  

After the difficulty I've had with Doctors here and their lack of empathy and desire to look out of the box it was amazing to be seen by him.  I felt much better knowing I had taken back the control of my health.

I just wanted to add re:above stated cost....

I just called MUSC to see when the bill would be out..Full price is $4409.00 but as a "self pay" it's 50% off so $2204.50 and the consult is $332.00..

Thanks for posting Islander!! so glad it was a success.

Hope you feel better soon futurehope