Mark A. Scheperle, MD

Today, Dr. M Scheperle my (Internal Medicine) doctor, sent out a weekly email about exercise. I would love to write a testimonial about what I learned about exercise. I suffer from several chronic autoimmune illnesses, and yes they are painful. Currently, I am having some different medical issues making it very difficult for me to even exercise at all; however, prior to this experience I exercised routinely. Not only routinely, but also, the recommended amount of exercise. I learned from, Dr. Scheperle, that exercise not only helps chronic illnesses but also chronic pain. I know, trust me, it’s difficult to exercise with chronic pain. Pain is very tiring and causes other reasons to resist exercising, or to get things done in general. When I could exercise regularly I would run, yes with all of my chronic pain, and it actually helped the pain most of the time. I did not notice it instantly, however, the more I ran and the stronger I became my pain began to lessen somewhat. At least to the point that I also did not feel as fatigued by the pain also. I can’t run anymore due to different symptoms and possible illness. However, there are other exercises, like water aerobics, that help with pain as well. Water aerobics also help the cardiovascular system, and help to build muscles. There is also water walking, and water running, which both help build muscle, and they help others areas in which exercise helps our bodies overall. These days, I try to do water aerobics and walking. I walk slowly though. The article also talked about strength training which is also very good for a person’s core muscles. And strong core muscles help in muscle building, exercise, endurance, and burning calories. I would do that at the gym when I could run. It is possible to get strength training in the pool as well. Water is better over all on the body and especially a person’s joints. Yes water aerobics was kind of awkward for me in the beginning; however, we have to keep moving our bodies to allow blood and oxygen to flow through our bodies ( including muscles) to aid, as the article said, in walking as we get older in life. So, if you are struggling, give water aerobics, water walking, water running, swimming, or whatever you can do to help get some exercise. The YMCA has a lot of water based classes. I would not have known this had Dr. Scheperle not told me at an office visit. Water exercises are also less painful than land exercises, in general.

Just having the reassuring knowledge that I have Dr. Mark Sheperle as my doctor is healing. I try hard not to ever abuse that sacred blessing but there are times I've needed him and he is always a text message away. There are so many of these moments - where he has responded to my medical needs - I could write stories that would fill a universe of space. For example, once, after hours, I was in terrible pain and needed a "go ahead" on a procedure that would give me relief. I was in a room full of other patients when I was told, loudly, that I needed authorization from my doctor. I said, "I'll text him" - and everyone laughed, implying, "Dream on, there is no way you'll get a reply!". "Ping" in a heartbeat there was a confirmation for me to get the treatment. Everyone in the room was stunned in disbelief. What a comfort.

When I first met Dr Scheperle, I remember him greeting me with a smile. From then on, I knew I would be in the presence of a compassionate human being, who goes the extra mile for his patients, associates and friends. I have known Dr Scheperle for more than 20 years. He has been my personal physician. As our physician, Dr Scheperle played an important role in extending the life of my husband for 20 years and gave him the time to enjoy our children and grandchildren. Dr Scheperle stills cares for me and my family and he’s always responsive whenever we need him. We trust him as both a physician and a friend. If there were ever a role model for medical students, it would be Dr Mark Alan Scheperle. I will be forever grateful to him.

Dr. Scheperle, thanks so much for about three decades of being a kind and caring doctor. And thank you for listening. I’m so glad you became an MDVIP doctor. It has definitely made you less stressed and a happier doctor by doing what you do best, being an Internal Medicine Doctor while wanting to help others before illness, and also educating patients about illness. I have learned a lot from your education and wisdom. Thank you for the reasons you chose to be an MDVIP doctor because it’s very helpful to have testing and more time with you as a patient. Before, you became an MDVIP doctor you listened and improved my life quality. After being an MDVIP doctor you have had time to work with me and saved my life, once before and then after you became an MDVP doctor. Thank you so much for taking the time to not only give me good healthcare, but also getting me good healthcare. And thank you so much for personally taking the time to talk to a doctor and getting me accepted, after they initially denied me, at very good medical hospital. You are a very kind, caring doctor and person. You listen to your patients. I have enjoyed being your patient over the last three decades that I believe started when I found you and I had really bad Mono. Thanks for your trusting me when other doctors did not. Thanks for helping me trust in you wholeheartedly. Thanks for not judging me, as other doctors have judged me for various reasons. You have believed in me always. Thanks for fighting for me at the hospitals. I appreciate you very much, and I’m sure your other patients do as well. It hasn’t always been straightforward illness with me, mostly rare illnesses, but you have taken the time to help and work hard on diagnosing without giving up on me! I hope to be your patient for many more years. You are truly a great doctor!