I would like to get opinions about your experience with a naturopath. I have scheduled to see one after several years of being sick. I have been on treatment for a while now with no success. I just want to get another opinion....do you recommended naturopathic doctors? Did they help you? Please share your thoughts. Thanks
Posted by Nicole_Denise (Member # 20620) on :
I LOVE naturopaths. However, I feel antibiotics are the way to go for Lyme personally (I know other people don't, and find other ways that work for them). But NDs are allowed to use antibiotics in many areas, and are really good at not overdoing the antibiotics and using herbals where they can.
Also, if you have been on antibiotics and they haven't worked, then trying something different and getting another opinion would be good.
Anyway, overall I think NDs are more likely to be good than MDs. They are trained to listen and look at you as a whole.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I think you need both!! An MD to take care of the Lyme and a naturopath for nutritional support.
Posted by Dogsandcats (Member # 28544) on :
I agree with TuTu! Although the cost adds up...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Be aware that support methods are NEVER enough.
Even if in addition to a LLMD, it's very important for a ND to also be lyme literate (LL).
Lyme & other tick-borne infections change so much about how the body works AND they must know all about lyme and how to directly target it.
Some NDs also use antibiotics if their states license that. Support methods are NEVER enough. More detail below.
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures;
Knowing that support supplements are important, but NEVER enough alone. And knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches.
BASIC HERBAL EDUCATIONAL links, and
BODY WORK links with safety tailored to lyme patients,
RIFE links,
BIONIC 880 (& PE-1) links, and
LOW HEAT INFRARED SAUNA detail. -
Posted by Summer3 (Member # 35286) on :
I like ND's also. I didn't have any experience with them until I went to one to get things rolling before my official LLMD appointment. I was a little hesitant/skeptical to see one at first.
The one I went to did listen much more intently than any other MD I had been to. I actually got a diagnosis first from an ND even though the one I went to was not officially lyme literate. It ended up being decided that I needed to meet with the LLMD and do antibiotics at least at first. I was surprised that the ND could prescribe medications if needed. I also liked that medications were avoided if possible.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Like all medical care practitioners, there are good and not so good Naturopathic physicians.
I've seen a lot of different Naturopaths with varying results, but I am very happy with my current Naturopath because he figured out I had Lyme (after over 100 doctors & naturopaths missed it) and is willing to treat me for it with both herbal and antibiotics (even was ok with ordering IV abx) and be my primary care doctor too!
So I think it is a good idea to shop around for a good Naturopath (some offer free 15-30 minute "meet & greet" appointments), and maybe even ask your LLMD if s/he knows of a good Naturopath (if he asks why, say you want to consider additional supportive treatments - which is a good thing).
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Razzle's idea of a "meet & greet" informational sort of appointment, not a medical appointment, is a splendid idea.
This would not be about any specifics of your treatment so be sure to keep a (cordial) journalist's frame of mind at first.
Most will understand that you just need a little more information in order to find the right fit for your medical situation.
I've often been able to tell a lot by a ten minute phone chat. Let THEM talk. Ask them their thoughts about lyme & about their range of experience & "tool kit".
Let them do most of the talking. Listen to their answers as if your life depends on their current capacities.
Some informational phone calls are complementary and some do have a fee. -