Natural Medicine, Alternative Medicine

[Remali]

I'd like to hear people's experiences with this. I am getting totally fed up with the usual way of treating chronic illnesses. I have a gastrointestinal disorder (colitis), and I have found that nothing helps and nothing works, at least nothing that the traditional doctors prescribe (I've had this since I was a teenager, and several family members also have it, my nephew had to have his entire colon removed when he developed ulcerative colitis when he was only in his early 20's). Over the past year my illness/condition has worsened, I've always believed that certain foods and supplements are important and are, perhaps, the key. I'm thinking of going to see a doctor who practices immuno-therapy/natural medicine. Opinions of these doctors?

[oursarge]

I've already told you about my experience and my friend's but I'll say it again in case anyone is interested. The problem comes in because so many times if diet is what is causing the problem you crave what you are allergic to [In my case it's sugar] and the cycle never stops but people don't want to stop eating the things that they shouldn't have. If you like food [I don't that's why I find my diet so restricting plus I don't want to gain the weight I lost] my yeast free diet isn't that hard. My friend is on it and he is never hungry, he never craved sugar so he doesn't miss it but he does miss pizza. He uses Stevia which is an herbal sugar to sweeten lemonade made from real lemons, I need to taste that, so far everything he has made is good. He calls me with recipes he's tried and they are good. His problem is that he doesn't need to loose weight but is loosing it so he needs to add some more calories to his diet. His face has been broken out since he was 14 or so. It started to get really bad though and nothing any of the skin drs gave him helped. His mother talked to our healer and she said she was guessing he had a yeast problem, she couldn't see him right away but put him on the diet and gave him probiotics and his skin is now clear after about 2 months. She has since seen him and it is yeast. Another thing that is a biggie and can cause your problem is a Gluten Allergy, that can be really bad, my friend and my cousin both have that. That calls for a different diet and suppliments.

I've been going to a natural healer for 3 yrs now. I had IBS so bad I couldn't leave the house, I will have an occasional issue now if I get nervous or eat the wrong thing but it's way better than taking 5 Imodiums and 4 anti-spasmodics every single day. I also found out I had a Thyroid issue, I knew I did but after 4 tests from a regular Dr and lab they never diagnosed me, same thing with my friend, told us we were "normal". We both got put on suppliments and the thyroid issues went away. For my diet which might not help you but there is no sugar involved, you drink water, no soda, coffee, tea, nothing but water. You can eat any fruit or vegetable but beans. Any meat but pork or lunch meat. Can't eat mushrooms either or anything that might have mold which means no tea or peanuts. No dairy products either [I use a special type of margarine that tastes really good], no bread [Unless it's a yeast free bread which you can make yourself or there is a website that sells it already made] lots of things you can have, lots you can't have. The no sugar was the hardest for me. I lost 68 lbs though. I also take a probiotic for my intestines [NutriWest Total Probiotics] and a yeast killer called Sporex by NutriWest. I can't say if you have a yeast problem or not but if your problems are caused by yeast the diet and the suppliments can help. I had many kinds of yeast in my intestines and if I get stressed it'll come back.

My Natural Healer is great, she's so nice and she was the first one who ever took me seriously with my IBS, I got so tired of Drs patting me on my head telling me to calm my nerves, I was 50 when I went to see her and I've had the IBS problem since I was 17 so for all those yrs I've felt like I was crazy. When she told me I had a reason for the issues I sat there and cried, finally someone who believed me. I had to work hard, it was VERY HARD, I don't eat out because I don't trust that what I eat was not marinated in the wrong stuff which can make me really sick. When we go anywhere I bring my own food. It's not a picnic doing this but if I had a choice of being sick like I was and overweight like I was or doing what I do now I'll pick what I do now. My friend is the same way. She still has alot of issues but she's 80% better since seeing "Voodoo Woman" as we call her. Everyone in our area goes to her. One guy we know had Exema [sp] all over his arms and legs, it was awful for him. He went to Dr after Dr and never got relief. He went to her, she put him on a diet and as long as he stays on his diet he is fine. I went in with a huge bruise, she put one of her potions on it and the bruise and pain were gone the next day.

I wish you were closer so you could go to her [It's a 3 month wait to get in! She works 6 days a week, 12 hrs a day and still can't keep up, some days she works on her day off] I am so sure she could help you. Some of these people are quacks so you have to be careful and she does not claim to cure anything, if she thinks she can't help you she will tell you to see your family Dr and have regular tests. She came with a great reputation from so many people we knew. This is getting real personal but I was so sick I thought I was crazy since all the Drs led me to believe that my IBS was caused by nerves, I knew I was nervous but not THAT nervous. I started going to my "hippie dippie shrink" a very new age guy, I love him and wish I didn't have to stop going to him but I had to because we couldn't afford him and the horses. He diagnosed me with OCD but said he didn't think I needed him he thought I needed this woman who he sees when he's sick, he thought all my problems were from my diet. I was so down and depressed I didn't want one more person telling me it was my nerves so I said no. I finally got so bad I asked him for her #, he had that # slapped in my hand so fast it was like lightning and he also called her and got me in right away so I didn't have to wait for 3 months. It was the best thing I could have done. The main thing though is to check with other people to see if there is someone who does this that can be trusted because I know there are some whackjobs around here who claim they can do what she does but they can't. Good luck and I hope you feel better, I can really sympathize what you are going through, it's no fun being a prisoner in your own home because of intestinal issues. Sorry about the "book" but it's hard to say all of this in just a few sentences.

[lisakaye]

I don'tknow of anyone who has tried natural healing but I am looking for an acupunctureist for my anxiety and IBS. I am having some really bad problems since the issue with my son. Hope someone here has some suggestions. For the colitis my friend is using something called Probiotics. She swears by it. I don't know what it is but I will call and ask her tonight. I know that is is presribed by her GI specialist.

[TheRedHayflinger]

if you can find someone that you trust and is reliable and all that....it's a wonderful wonderful thing.

[mare]

Please check the credentials of whomever you use. Some people present as very confident, and are, but really don't know their treatments.

I can't share details, but I have seen a few people have long term difficulties from inappropriate herbal treatments. Personally, I would do acupuncture before herbs. I don't think enough is known about them and their interactions.

Otherwise, I see no problem in using a variety of approaches.

[Remali]

Good advice everyone, I agree to check the credentials, I am leery of taking anything that I haven't really researched and even discussed with my regular doctor. I am hoping I may be able to incorporate the two. Well, that is if I go to see this other doctor.

Thanks oursarge, I know we've talked about this before. I was curious about how people went about finding their alternative medicine doctors. That's awful that the traditional doctors told your your IBS was from "nerves", gosh it is a well-known fact that it is NOT caused by nerves at all, it has to do with the intestines themselves and how food goes thru your system, etc. The doctor that told you that should have their licensed revoked, that was awful of them to say that to you.


For me it isn't so much of what I eat (altho I do have to avoid dairy), but I am careful and I do watch what I eat. I've been interested in trying probiotics.....many years ago I had actually used acidolphilus, so I'm thinking of giving it another try.

I am sort of wondering how you know if the alternative medicine doctor you find is a reputable one....
wish there was some kind of licensing board, or maybe there is?!

[oursarge]

With our lady it's been all word of mouth, she doesn't even advertise and has all the people she can handle. She's helped so many people and then they tell people and they tell people, I carry her cards in my pocket! I guess you just have to ask around maybe even at your local health food store. Those people usually know people. When you get probiotics check the ingredients and from what I understand the ones that you keep in the fridge are better than the others. Mine have all different types of things in them. You can find them on line and they probably give a list of ingredients but they don't have yeast or gluten or any of those bad things in them. They aren't cheap though. Good luck, I really hope you can find something to make you feel better because what you are dealing with is no fun at all.

I had no less than 5 regular drs tell me the IBS was because of my nerves, it's just the standard thing to say when they don't know the answer. I do have flare ups when I get nervous, that's true but the way I was before was not normal. It was a lucky day when I found her.

[Gypsy Rose]

The better probiotics also have at least 4 different strains. They seem to work a lot better at keeping intestinal issues under control.

Hope you can find a way to feel better soon, Renee! I'd say definitely do your homework and see if you can find a natural healer with a good reputation. The problem with most M.D.'s is that they aren't open to things they aren't taught in school, lol!

[mare]

Some osteopaths (D.O.) offer alternative medicine treatment and they are licensed.

[oursarge]

Please check the credentials of whomever you use. Some people present as very confident, and are, but really don't know their treatments.

I can't share details, but I have seen a few people have long term difficulties from inappropriate herbal treatments. Personally, I would do acupuncture before herbs. I don't think enough is known about them and their interactions.

Otherwise, I see no problem in using a variety of approaches.

It's true about the herbs etc. Some people think because they are herbs they can't hurt you but I can't take normal medication in alot of cases and can't take herbs either. I think I told you about the echinachea, my friend can take it, chances are I'd end up in the ER with an antiphilactic shock because I'm so allergic to what's in it. I think that's a big problem with me why I can't take alot of herbs because I'm allergic to so many things especially plants. I can't even take most vitamins because they bother my stomach. Some herbs have worse side effects than regular medication. I don't think you can go wrong with the Probiotics though as long as they are the right kind.

I wanted to try acupuncture for a few issues I have but we don't have anyone here who does that and then I worry about if they'd be any good. With her I knew of her reputation before I ever knew her and I guess that's what you need is alot of people liking and trusting someone because anyone can say they can treat you but whether they know what they are doing is a whole other thing. It is scary. I hope you'll find someone.

[Vibe]

Well since I was diagnosed with Crones disease, I have layed off fiber as much as possible. And I only drink water now. It has helped allot. So I guess I would say, food has been a big factor on weather I flare up or not. I am sorry you are going through this pain and I know how you feel.

[TLC97]

I go to an accupunt and hebalist for a few different things and have really good luck. I also use a D.O. and like that much better as they treat you as a person and are not afraid to refer.

[westmanfarrier]

My ex wife had Crohns. I am very familiar. What I will say is follow the directions of the medications they prescribe EXACTLY. Especially if it is Prednisone. That stuff can be nasty, especially if you do not follow the directions and taper yourself off of it properly.

You have to experiment with what makes you feel better and keeps you healthy at the same time. The doctors told her no milk, but it seemed to make her feel better. During a severe flare up we went out the tavern for a big greasy, cheesy burger and she would feel great. Wierd.

Acupunctre treatments and a good massage really helped her as well.

[Remali]

Oh gosh, Crohn's is a bad one too. My doctor wants me to have another colonoscopy to rule out anything else (it has been about 4 years since my last one). For me fiber helps, well, fiber in the form of Citrucel or Metamucil....but then everyone is different. At times tho, nothing helps when I get a bad flare-up. I just wish employers would be more educated and a little more understanding about these disorders.

A D.O. is a very good idea Tanya!

[Buckpoco]

A year after our son was born, I got really sick. It lasted for three years and I went to every doctor imaginable and emptied our savings account, all with no luck. Finally I started working with Dr.D'Adamo (the blood type doctor, eat right for your type) and my life was revolutionized. Right now I haven't been watching my diet and some of the IBS syptoms have returned. When I'm good about supplements and diet, I feel wonderful. I too discovered a thyroid problem through the holistic doctor...not the regular MD. I think it's a great way to go. Best of luck in your journey.

[offgridgirl]

Yes I also have IBS and have been to see A naturalpath. for tests and advise. I have a meal replacement powder that I take every other day or when I have had a stressful day. It helps as well as totally modifying my diet. No egg, wheat,dairy or peanut. I use rice/soy milk and goat cheese for dairy and rice flour products. I also have hemp and seaweed in my protein powder. I have less joint pain and less tummy upsets. We are lucky enought to have a actuputcurist/chinese herbalist on island. I haven't seen him but others here have and it has changed their lives. ( I don't like needles):)

[oursarge]

I'm allergic to Prednisone too! Lucky me, the older I get the more allergins I get to add to my list! I had a really bad allergy attack in Dec.. I ended up in the ER and the dr there tried to give it to me even though it was written on my chart I can't take it. I had to argue with the man that if he gave it to me he could kill me! I ended up with just a Benadryl, the scary thing is that I don't know what caused the attack, I have to drag everything I ate and used into "Voodoo Woman" so she can test me. I did go off my diet and we're thinking it was that but who knows, I never had a reaction like that before.

What is weird is that I know alot of males who have taken Prednisone with no side effects, even my male dogs have had it and except for weight gain they were fine but every female I know who has taken it has had bad side effects including my female dog when she had to have it yrs ago. I am sure females take it with no issues but all I know have had bad side effects, one is a diabetic now when she wasn't before taking it. It messed me up so bad it has taken 5 years to get almost unmessed up from it then that idiot tried giving it to me again. I don't know where the hospital has gotten these ER drs from but they are awful. My dr is on the hospital board and I plan on having a talk with him about them next time I see him which will be soon since I need my headache prescriptions refilled. My friend had a really bad experience with them after I did. It's scary since they are the ones in the hospital if there is something really bad happening to a person. I don't trust them.

[offgridgirl]

Oursarge- what a scary experience and to have an idiot for Dr on top of it would really have made my day!! Glad you stuck to your guns and gave him both barrels!!:cowboy: I haven't had an experience like that yet, but there is no hospital here on island. I would have to DRIVE myself(if hubby wasn't here) to the firehall/amulance station (about 5min)and then go on a ferry(15min) then drive again to the hosipital (30mins) If I haven't died by then, they would probably see me!!:huh:
There is an air lift but it's only for gushing blood patients!!(chainsaw accidents mostly) We do have a very good dr here on Island and I could call her at home and she would come over and she has some drugs available to her.

[westmanfarrier]

Prednisone's side effects, other than the weight gain, can sneak up on you. Insomnia, eating habits, easier to anger are a few. My ex was a 'self prescriber' and didn't follow the directions. She got very irritable and couldn't sleep. I did some research and found out about these effects.

Do NOT eat head lettuce you guys with IBS, Colitis, Crohns. One of the worst causes of irritation for you.

[Remali]

True, prednisone has a list of nasty side effects. I've found that methylprednisolone works just as well tho, and it doesn't have all of the side effects.

Yeah, lettuce is bad, in fact some raw fruits and veggies can trigger a bad flare-up too.

[oursarge]

I can't eat lettuce, fresh fruit, vegetables or fruit juice.

I'm also allergic to methylprednisolone, my Dr tried that and I never got past the first few pills when I got so sick. I told him never ever mention it to me again then that idiot in the ER is arguing with me about giving it to me.

With Drs like the ones in our ER it might be better to have none! I don't know I am really going to have a chat with my regular Dr about it since he's the one who told me to go to the ER. My Dr is on the hospital board and the ER is a seperate thing from our hospital if that makes any sense. They sent me a thing to fill out about my ER experience. I told them, they probably didn't like what they heard. After waiting there almost 2hrs for the stupid Dr to see me I could have been dead anyway, I think I'm going to tell him to give me an epi pen, and hope for the best! My friend went in with strepp throat and the Dr got mad because her husband asked what was taking so long since they were the only ones in the ER and the Dr came in and pretty much yelled at her for bothering him and didn't give her anything, told her there was nothing wrong with her. This is why we go to the natural medicine, at least our healer is compassionate. If the ER drs have done this to us what at they doing to others?

I've had issues with them for yrs. If I didn't argue with one when my husband got hurt he'd have had surgery since that's what the ER dr was leaning towards. I looked on the on call list and saw a dr I know is the best [She has since left because of the high cost of malpractice insurance in this state, all the good Drs are leaving] and told that guy to call her, she'll fix him and she did and was beyond nice about it and told me to call her at home if anything was needed. She was one of the best we had in this area it was a sad day when she left.

[Remali]

I sure can relate to problems with doctors, seems the good ones are far and few between. I could write a book about my experience I had 10 years ago when my heart arrhythmia got real bad. I ended up in the ER about three times, and went to at least four different cardiologists in town here....it was a nightmare. Finally, I called a large well-known clinic an hour away, and got in there to see one of their cardiologists and it was such a huge relief because he knew exactly what was going on with me, and what to do about it (I eventually had an out-patient surgical procedure to "fix" the arrhythmia). But before that it was horrible what the previous doctors put me thru here and how totally wrong a few of them were, it was scary. It was so bad at one hospital here, in the ER, that I wrote to the hospital Administrator about their doctor (at the recommendation of the head nurse in the ER after she overheard how he talked to me and how he treated me). Doctors need to be held more accountable.