I made the trip last Friday to Lansing to see Dr. Crisler in person, and I am glad that I did. The 5 1/2 hour drive was pleasant and uneventful. I blew the horn as I passed by DavidZ's house (ok, not his house, but I did pass nearby Cleveland on the way). I found his office in Lansing without any trouble. Swale's office is much nicer that the average doctor. It reminds me more of a fancy bed and breakfast inn than a doctor's office. When I arrived he was busy, on two different phones, and also coordinating with a pharmaceutical rep on materials for a lecture he is going to give.
After the rep left, we sat and talked for a while. Dr. Crisler is very nice, cordial, and has a good sense of humor. He also knows his stuff. He takes the time and explains things. Most importantly, he cares about how you feel, not just what the numbers say on the lab results. Anyone who has been struggling to make it through each day, and has had labs taken with low-normal levels of testosterone or thyroid, only to have your doctor pronounce you "normal" and show you the door, knows what I mean. We discussed the issues I've been having, and the treatment options, at length. Then he gave me a thorough physical examination. Afterwards, he wrote me my prescriptions, which I got filled at DeWitt pharmacy, about 20 minutes away from his office. It was also good to meet pharmacist Pat Bridson. For those of you who use DeWitt pharmacy, Pat is the guy who puts the candy bars in with your order!
All in all, a very worthwhile trip. I'll probably be making the trip yearly in lieu of getting a physical with a local doctor, and doing the virtual office visits in between. IMO, the hour or so I spent with Dr. Crisler was worth a dozen emails. To anyone who is "on the fence" about whether or not to make a trip to see Swale vs. going with a local doctor for your TRT, my suggestion is to go see Swale. You will be glad that you did.
After the rep left, we sat and talked for a while. Dr. Crisler is very nice, cordial, and has a good sense of humor. He also knows his stuff. He takes the time and explains things. Most importantly, he cares about how you feel, not just what the numbers say on the lab results. Anyone who has been struggling to make it through each day, and has had labs taken with low-normal levels of testosterone or thyroid, only to have your doctor pronounce you "normal" and show you the door, knows what I mean. We discussed the issues I've been having, and the treatment options, at length. Then he gave me a thorough physical examination. Afterwards, he wrote me my prescriptions, which I got filled at DeWitt pharmacy, about 20 minutes away from his office. It was also good to meet pharmacist Pat Bridson. For those of you who use DeWitt pharmacy, Pat is the guy who puts the candy bars in with your order!
All in all, a very worthwhile trip. I'll probably be making the trip yearly in lieu of getting a physical with a local doctor, and doing the virtual office visits in between. IMO, the hour or so I spent with Dr. Crisler was worth a dozen emails. To anyone who is "on the fence" about whether or not to make a trip to see Swale vs. going with a local doctor for your TRT, my suggestion is to go see Swale. You will be glad that you did.
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