We at Windom Allergy understand that having chronic, unexplained symptoms and not feeling as though you are getting answers about your health can be frustrating and debilitating. However, mislabeling patients with incorrect diagnoses just to provide answers can be ineffective and in some cases dangerous if other more serious conditions are missed.
The goal of the Mast Cell Center of Florida is NOT to diagnose you with a mast cell condition initially. Rather, it is to attempt to prove that you do NOT have one. Only when all other more common (and sometimes more serious) conditions that MCAS/Systemic Mastocytosis can mimic are ruled out, you significantly respond to therapy, and no other explanation for your symptoms can be reasonably found, will a clinical diagnosis of MCAS be considered.
Also, if you are diagnosed with a mast cell condition at our office, we will never doubt the symptoms you are experiencing. However, in order to be the best physicians possible, we will constantly question whether or not the current symptoms you are experiencing are solely due to MCAS. Just because you have a diagnosis of MCAS does not mean you cannot later develop a thyroid condition, diabetes, asthma, cancer, etc.
The reasoning for this is multifaceted: a diagnosis of MCAS can lead to “tunnel vision,” where any and all symptoms you experience are attributed to your MCAS by non-Allergists (or even other Allergists). If you feel as though other doctors are attributing new symptoms to your MCAS and not fully working up your issues, please encourage them to call our office to speak with one of our physicians.
An inappropriate diagnosis of MCAS can lead to difficulty obtaining life insurance (as can several other pre-existing conditions). Thus, this diagnosis should not be applied lightly.
Other physicians (surgeons, ER doctors, etc.) are often afraid to do surgery or give pain medications to patients with an MCAS/Systemic Mastocytosis diagnosis. We are always happy to discuss these concerns with your doctors and provide them with resources on how to best treat you. This scenario highlights how an inappropriate mast cell related diagnosis can lead to delayed or subpar health care.
Ultimately, your health and safety are our main goal. Please keep that in mind during your patient-physician interactions. We will do the utmost to help you and we appreciate your patience.