Sharon Turner wrote: Thank you, Dr. Balbino. I don’t think I’ve ever met or worked with such an amazing doctor! My appointments with you are more like talking with a good friend, a very smart friend lol, who really cares, listens and respects my thoughts and feelings, and we work on the problem together. I love that we can freely talk about the Lord, and that you bring Him into the treatment plan, encouraging and gently reminding me to keep trusting and not to fear…always shining the love and light of Christ! I feel extremely blessed that God put you where he did at just the right time. So, to me, you are a wonderful doctor, friend, and brother in Christ. You and your family are in my prayers. The Lord bless you and keep you.
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Maria Mooney wrote: I’ve been with Mandarin Wellness Center treating a nearly fatal case of Late-Stage Neurological Lyme Disease + co-infections (EBV, Babesia and bartonella) for almost 10 years now—originally misdiagnosed for over a decade as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD / CRPS).
I experienced a lot of medical trauma over the span of the 10-year misdiagnosis. I was given inpatient IV high-dose ketamine infusions, as well as Vicodin and fentanyl patches to try to control the pain for years.
Nothing worked. I was unable to stand up for more than a minute at a time, in unrelenting pain.
I had a constant nagging intuition that I had Lyme after growing up in New Jersey, where almost all of my friends had acute Lyme infections as children growing up.
Despite that, I was dismissed by most physicians who turned to the Western Blot and ELISA for testing and did not listen to my symptoms or the wisdom that I had from my own body and experiences.
I decided to try to find a Lyme specialist to confirm my decade-long suspicions as a last resort, and was given a reference for Mandarin Wellness Center and Dr. Hartman by a friend whose family member was treating Lyme.
This was before the recent media coverage about Lyme—I did not know LLMD’s existed at the time. The information was not readily available.
Since then, I have gone from literally terminally ill, house-bound and mostly bed-bound to healing and beginning to thrive. The process has been long and difficult, as I expected—but it works. Without a doubt, it works.
Both Dr. Hartman and Dr. Balbino (and staff) have worked with me, guided me, listened to me and restored my faith in doctors and the medical system—and my hope for complete healing each time we met / meet.
I have made so much progress—I have a very demanding job in the entertainment industry and am able to work outside of the home several days a week, travel when necessary and am no longer confined to my home and bed 24/7.
Without the Mandarin Wellness Center, I am certain that I would not be here to tell this story. I am a work in progress based on where I started, but I am so grateful to be alive, healing and able to engage in relationships and work—and to watch my baby niece grow up.
I quite literally owe my life to Mandarin Wellness Center and would recommend their care to anyone who asks.
When you are very sick with Lyme + co’s, patience is key, as well as a great team of doctors and nurses to walk you through it.
I will not sugar coat it—the treatment can be just as difficult as the disease, if not more at times. But have faith that you are with the best professionals you can find and will begin to heal with their support.
Thank you, Dr. Balbino, Dr. Hartman and Mandarin Wellness Center! You are saving lives every single day.
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Leanne King wrote: Major surgery left me with extensive post op pain and constipation. While I was able to manage the pain however the constipation became a major medical concern. As I searched for answers, a visit to Dr. Balbino was suggested. The visit proved to be the answer to my questions and concerns as he listened carefully to my post-surgery challenges. He suggested the use of a FREQUENCY SPECIFIC MICROCURRENT machine which provides neuropathic Pain Relief with Frequency Specific Microcurrents into targeted areas. The use of this healing devise quickly put me on a rapid path of healing and pain relief. I cannot say enough good things about this tiny machine. Within Three days my pain had decreased significantly, and body functions were on their way to normal. I highly recommend the use of the FSM treatment based on the results I received. My deepest thanks to Dr. Balbino for his healing direction and ongoing support.
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Natalie wrote: What an honor and privilege to be this far in my healthcare career and to be able to recognize a Great Doctor when I see one. His patience and thirst for knowledge is refreshing. He continually does research, thinks outside the box and shares his findings to benefit his patients and community (even on his day off!). It’s a joy to know we are helping so many people that traditional medicine has failed. Especially those with chronic diseases. It gives us and them HOPE for a better quality of life!
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Travis Bennett wrote: You can’t fake authenticity, and Dr. Balbino cares deeply about his patients. He cares about the health and wellness of every person who comes into his office. He cares about their physical lives and their eternal souls. He wants to help people thrive here on this earth while also sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. He defines a true Doctor.
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Alecia Powell wrote: Dr. Balbino is a rare find! Very attentive, compassionate, and dedicated to truly helping you heal! He's very knowledgeable about nutrition, alternative medicine and traditional therapies, and takes a holistic approach to treatment.
I know a lot of people I talk to complain about the price of seeing a functional MD, but it's worth every penny for the knowledge, care, and help you actually receive. There's no comparison.
And the office staff are outstanding as well!
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Lisa Angel wrote: I've been looking for a long time for a doctor like Dr. Balbino one who is well-versed in both sides of the isles of medicine. It's hard to find any practitioner physician that has such a calming, peaceful, kind, demeanor, and the space is the same very calming.
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Susan Groah wrote: Dr. Balbino is one of the most helpful, kind and present doctors I've ever had. He is knowledgeable both traditionally and holistically which is the best kind of medical care to get. He listens well and with empathy. I am certain that I am in very good hands.
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Angela Knight wrote: I want to thank you for all the time you spent researching for me. I know you work hard for me quite often. After DECADES of fighting with doctors, it's a great relief to have someone in my corner who believes me!
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A.L. wrote: As a law student, I understand the importance of trust, diligence, and professionalism. These are qualities I have been fortunate to experience firsthand during my Lyme disease treatment under the care of Dr. Balbino. Though my treatment is ongoing, I am pleased to say that I am feeling exceptionally well and am making significant strides toward recovery. The improvement in my symptoms has been profound, and I am confident that I am on the right path.
Dr. Balbino’s practice exemplifies the highest standard of care. His approach is not only medically sound but also compassionate. He exercises patience in thoroughly explaining every aspect of my treatment and ensures that I am an active participant in my recovery process. His dedication to my well-being goes beyond the clinical aspect, reflecting his genuine concern for my overall health and recovery.
In legal practice, we are taught the importance of client-centered advocacy. Similarly, Dr. Balbino's patient-centered approach makes all the difference. His professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail offer reassurance and confidence, qualities that are indispensable to someone navigating a serious illness.
What truly sets Dr. Balbino apart is his compassionate and patient approach. He also has vast knowledge in treating Lyme disease. He takes the time to listen to my concerns and makes sure I fully understand each step of the treatment process. His genuine care for my well-being is evident in every appointment, and it’s clear that he is fully invested in my healing journey. His kindness and dedication have made this experience so much easier and have given me confidence in my recovery.
How can I describe him in a few words? A Godsend!
For anyone seeking expert medical care, I highly recommend Dr. Balbino. His commitment to his patients is unparalleled, and I am grateful for the positive impact he’s had on my health and life.
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Amy Higgins wrote:
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I was diagnosed with Lyme arthritis in my right knee and my orthopedic immediately referred me to a Lyme specialist. I have been Dr. Balbino's patient ever since he arrived at Mandarin Wellness Center. My knee continues to improve, with many of his treatment options such as antibiotics, IVs, and herbals. He also referred me to Edsel Bittencourt, PT, DPT, MTC who has been using WinBack therapy on my knee, etc. With these treatments my knee is finally healing. My orthopedic has been super impressed! We have also been working on my interstitial cystitis. I have seen many urologists over the years, and they have claimed all I have is autoimmune disease inflammation. Dr. Balbino uses advanced state of the art DNA testing for infections and so far, three types of bacteria have shown. For all of these years, I have had an embedded infection and now I am finally healing! He is amazing!!! In addition, he also told me that those with interstitial cystitis can also have genetic blood clotting disorders. I came back positive for many genetic blood clotting disorders, so now he has me on medication to thin out my blood and to inhibit fibrin production. Also, he explained that those who have this genetic disorder make a lot of fibrin protein and in turn people who do this have a huge issue with biofilm. He now has me on medication to break up the biofilm which has been housing my chronic infection for many years!!!! Antibiotics cannot break through biofilm. Also, bacteria in biofilm will not show on regular urine samples or cultures. He has me on medication to break down biofilm, then we DNA test, then DNA testing comes back with results and shows antibiotics that will treat infection. Then he prescribes antibiotics. I am now on the path to healing!!!!! I wish I could have found Dr. Balbino years ago!!! He has been treating my Lyme, interstitial cystitis, insomnia, fatigue, and I am just feeling better every day. I now see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! He is truly the best physician I have ever worked with!!!! He truly cares!!!
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Alice Hollander wrote:
I am so thankful for Mandarin Wellness Center! Dr. Balbino is a life saver. I recently had a heart attack and after coming home I reached out to Dr. Balbino with so many concerns and questions through the portal. He went right to work answering all my questions. He has been so caring and kind. He researched supplements for me to incorporate into my medical plan and he answered every one of my questions. It’s so reassuring to know I will always get a response from him-- even on weekends! He responds with compassion and care. I have been working with Dr Balbino for a long time, and I can truly say that he never gives up on me! He has also helped me to sort out my thyroid issues. I am hypersensitive to medications, and he has never made me feel like an outcast. I could go on and on about Dr. Balbino. I would highly recommend Mandarin Wellness to anyone looking to improve their health. Dr. Balbino will meet you where you’re at and he will dig in deep. God bless you Dr. Balbino!
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Do you have a testimonial to share with the world about how the Mandarin Wellness Center has touched your life?
If so, please email it to office@mwcjax.com and the staff will be happy to get you the appropriate consent forms to post it here.
This will help us spread the word on hope and healing for others who need it.