I am scheduled to see a naturopathic professional in two weeks, but I am having second thoughts about this. He is not an MD but I have heard good things about him. I have two - hour long consultations for $150 and bloodwork which my insurance should pick up. I guess my concern is taking supplements with an autoimmune system that is already in over drive. I am not sure how much doctors like this knows about autoimmune diseases. My rheummy doctors opinions on taking anything other than plaquenil is the less you take, the better off you are. I want no changes in my current medications, just another opinion and then I can run various supplement suggestions by my rheummy doctor. What do you think?
Winnie
With no disrespect meant to the practice of naturopathy (I see a wonderful NP myself) I find they fall into two camps...those who work with your body and your established treatments to improve your health and wellbeing, and those who seem to have their own line of "alternative health products" and suggest that those are the only way to improve your health.
My NP is well versed in both standard and alternative treatments, and (best of all) how to use them together to compliment each other. Her goal is
balance so she has never used the terms boost or strengthen when discussing my immune system, only optimize, and has always advised me to discuss any changes she suggested with my GP and/or specialists. She offers nothing for direct sale, but will make suggestions for products I can look for at retailers, so I know she has no financial interest in those products.
QuoteI want no changes in my current medications, just another opinion and then I can run various supplement suggestions by my rheummy doctor. What do you think?
I think you are on the right track, and definitely within your rights as a patient and consumer, to ask for only the second opinion.
I have had a very good experience with my Naturopath. Like anyone you see ask for referrals from friends and co-workers who have seen them to get a wide variety of opinions.Most have affliating bodies and here in Canada have a minimum 7 years University science degree.
I have found that she( my own Naturopath) is more in line with my own thinking- that getting to the root cause of the immune system dysfunction instead of impeding and dampening it will in the long run do less harm over all to my health. I suppose working as a nurse myself I have seen how often " medications" cause very serious consequences to health- and often then need a whole new group of meds to deal with these side effects.
The allopathic( our current mainstream medicine) community was always been very hesitant to make room for care practitioners; but as younger generations of clients come forward armed with more information, willing and able to be their own best advocate things are starting to shift. I am so very pleased to be able to openly discuss with my family doctor and rheumatologist what I am integrating through lifestyle, diet and supplements that I choose to take on the recommendation of my Naturopath. They claim they are learning along with me and the results have been substantial. Everyone benefits from this kind of open collaboration - most importantly me!
I would be more likely to look for another family doctor or rheumaologist if they would not respect that I am in control of my care. I am willing to research any suggestions from any of my care providers to but ultimately I make the call.
Good luck with your appointment! I hope you find some good concrete suggestions on changes you can make towards being the best you can be.
Winnie, I have been abused and had severe side effects from MTX and Plaq. I use supplements to treat Sjogren's. My PCP refuses to educate himself about the alternatives that I have taken for years. He prefers to Rx the latest drugs from Big Pharmco. You can copy the supplements out of my signature, research them yourself and talk about them to your naturopath. Some of the supplements I am taking are for RA, Fibro, and Diabetes.
My Fabulous Five for AI disease are: R Lipoic Acid, Acetyl L Carnitine, Biotin, Co-Q10, PQQ.
I like Inositol, C, D3, Omega-3, Magnesium, and carrot juice also.
There is no real regulation of who can call her/himself a "naturopath, except in some states. They prescribe a lot of diet changes, and I doubt very much if there is any actual valid science behind them. There is a placebo effect that applies equally to diet as medications. Personally, I'm not interested in giving any of them my money. Do some research on what "education" is required and if licensing is involved in your state. Buyer beware!
Sharon
My doctor who practices natural, holistic ways (and traditional too) is a D.O.
I felt the most comfortable with someone who sees & understands both views. She doesn't have a problem with me being on plaquenil (I was surprised by that) but also supports my health through supplements and other alternative medicine.
I guess it is what you feel comfortable with.
Good Luck, Carie