How Much Would It Cost to See Dirk De Ridder?

@Mentos, how was your meeting with Dr. Dirk De Ridder?

 

I spoke with him last Monday. He recommended Low-Dose Naltrexone (which I already take), Deanxit plus Clonazepan (I will give it a try), TENS on C2 cervical spine to stimulate neck nerves which reach Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus (kind of what Dr. Shore does).

He also said he expects his current trials with multichannel tDCS in New Zealand to show results within the next 6 months and, if successful, he plans to make it available in Belgium at Brai3n end of this year or early 2022.

 

Good on him for getting solutions out there and giving people hope. That man is a Godsend.

 

Is it helping?

 

I think a little bit yes, but it’s not a big difference, maybe 10% reduction in volume.

 

I think Ridder's advice is too generic. Everyone has specific issues and cause. Has he even bothered to read and study specific research from other professionals? TENS can be helpful for some and dangerous for others - need testing first. Clonazepam is a serious drug and shouldn't be used by everyone.

 

But where do you get the low-dose Naltrexone?

 

I got prescription for 50 mg tablets which I cut at home in eight, giving 6-7 mg a portion.

 

There is a better way to do this. You want to mix it in a solution then use a dropper. It’s the most accurate way to dose LDN and you are not limited to 6-7 mg. You can dose it down to whatever you want.

 

I spoke with Prof. Dirk De Ridder a few weeks back via Zoom. I was a bit disappointed as I expected more.

Basically after all his research, the only treatment he could offer is Deanxit and Clonezapam as a dual treatment, which to anyone is a scary road to go down med wise. As for his brain zapping work, it is largely geared at treating the anxiety and depression and nothing focused on eliminating the noise yet. I acknowledge he is undertaking trials on low dose Ketamine and HD-tDCS. Results should come out by year end. He acknowledges that his theories on tinnitus have been wrong in the past, and based on the track record on being wrong, I feel that his current theories may be misguided too, but hey who am I to argue with a Neurosurgeon.

 

@Mentos, I visited De Ridder (again) yesterday and he advised LDN as well - any updates on your LDN?

 

Can he prescribe these things? My doctors here in Denmark are not really willing to work with me on this.

 

Yes he does, but then I’m afraid they may not respect the prescription in Denmark and you would have to import these drugs from Belgium.

 

This guy seems like such a dude!

Cheers @Markku and @Hazel for talking to him on our behalf.

Also to @Andrea Rings for the transcription (will be needing that), and @Autumnly for the... um... thing you did!!

 

@Mentos, any update on the LDN?

 

Happy for my EU counterparts but sad we have nothing comparable to these treatment options in the US. You are literally left to your own devices to survive and this is not working out very well for me.

 

@Ben Winders, hey, I just started LDN and have other issues I was hoping are impacting my development of tinnitus. Here’s my situation:

• 36/F
• “Normal” audiograms (up to 16 kHz)
• Normal ABR/OAE/Tympanometry/Acoustic Reflex Tests
• Constant central high frequency head tinnitus
• Tinnitus (electrical/hissing similar to crickets/old CRT TV that oscillates with zinging/slicing quality) is reactive with hyperacusis (sound sensitivity, no pain)
• I have been diagnosed with POTS and suspect other autoimmune issues.
• I responded well to high dose 60 mg Prednisone for the first 3 days in which tinnitus & hyperacusis both resolved but returned during taper.
• Currently on 3 mg of LDN and will increase to 4.5 mg of LDN over the next few days.

 

Please keep us posted on the LDN. I started but then had a spike, so I stopped but found out that I had COVID-19 so that may have caused the spike. Considering trying the LDN again.

 

@T Toledo OH, sorry to hear about the spike!

Honestly I know it’s early but I’m already happy with the LDN 4 days in. Might be placebo but I’m waking up less sore. I’m going to continue it regardless because of autoimmune concerns but will keep you posted on any tinnitus effects. So far none I can detect.

 

Are you taking 6-7 mg? That seems like a high dose.

 

I have an appointment with Dirk this coming Wednesday.

What dose is he recommending for LDN? I am considering it for myself, but concerned about all those who have mentioned spikes from it...

 

Hey @DebInAustralia, just checking in to report I've had no spikes since starting LDN 2 weeks ago and I quickly ramped up to 5 mg in days.

Hope that helps, I am staying on this regardless with my autoimmune concerns.

P.S. are you having a virtual consult with Dirk? If this is available, I would love to register for one.

 

Hi Lovely,

Thanks for the update.

Glad to hear the LDN is helping your autoimmune condition. I hope with the increased dose, your tinnitus takes a hike.

Yes, I'll be speaking to Dirk in a couple of days. He is available (don't know his schedule though) for virtual consults.

You could try emailing his assistant. Here is her addie:
Tina.maheux@brai3n.com

 

You are fantastic, thank you @DebInAustralia!

Yes, let’s hope so, good luck at your consult as well

 

Any update on this? If I can get a consult, I’ll obviously inquire.

 

Yes, I was on 6-7 mg.

 

Nothing new so far from Dirk.

 

Are you referring to LDN?