Doctor who treats overall inflammation? Does such a thing exist?

Nope, doesn't work that way....different inflammation means different "specialist", even though many of the different inflammation issues can stem from one thing, like IBD for example, but you still have to see different specialists for treatment; GI for inflammation of the intestines, dermi for inflammation of your skin, etc.

Ugh! How can that be??? Barely any of my docs seems to be able to look outside of tunnel vision and see how this is all connected. The few doctors that understand there's a connection between it all just tell me to "get the inflammation under control." Well, no crap sherlock, but HOW?!? I don't even know why there's inflammation in the first place. I am so beyond frustrated right now. All of these doctors prescribe meds that cause one or another side effect and somehow, my symptoms for these various issues are not getting better! ARGH!

I would try a LYME'S DOCTOR. Someone suggested YEARS ago and I blew it off, saying I don't have lyme's never saw a tick, never had a bullseyes rash, well it came back positive through a very reputable company Igenix and I got on antibiotics right away for two years. I didn't improve my UC

but my panic attacks went away, my nervousness went away, my tiredness went mostly away, I think everyone should be checked for it. I live in Michigan, not in Connecticut where it orginated, ticks are everywhere! I started out having panic attacks, stiff neck, tired all the time, mood swings you name it, colds all the time, blisters on my lips, achy flu like symptoms all the time too. Just a thought!

The few things that helped me was L glutamin and saccharomyces boulardi probiotics like Florastor but now I'm trying Flora Balance to get rid of yeast

Thanks for your input everyone. I'm happy for the feedback and suggestions.

To the folks who brought up lyme disease...can't I go to any general doctor and request a blood test (assuming that's how it's tested - no clue really) for this? Does it really need to be a specialist?

miracles - I haven't tried L glutamine, but I've tried Florastor to no avail. Also tried Mutaflor and Culturelle and didn't notice any difference.

aqua - you can consider yourself VERY lucky to have forward thinking, broader picture docs. I see an ob/gyn along with the derm for my acne issues - they both have different ideas as to what will work, so far nothing. I've also started physical therapy with an orthoped to treat pain in my hip due to inflammation in my hip joint. It's crazy - I really feel like I'm falling apart and things keep popping up one after the other. And yup, just on the ASAs which aren't doing much, though in all fairness I've gotten better. 1-2 toilet trips a day with no blood or mucous, but too soft and separated. Used to pass some beauties, but that hasn't happened since early November. The docs seem to think that I can flip a switch and the inflammation will go away.

stereo and fruitgal - I will look into these. Haven't gone this route before - can't hurt to try.

Deltaforce - I'm in Vienna and just found this place online: http://www.ayurkayaglobal.com/general/contactus.php. No idea if they're any good or not. Just sent them an email asking for recommendations of local practitioners. I haven't tried Ayurveda before - I don't know squat about it. How do I know if someone's any good/"properly" educated or not?

babe - good article. this sounds EXACTLY like what i'm looking for...

cherchezlafemme said...
Ugh! How can that be??? Barely any of my docs seems to be able to look outside of tunnel vision and see how this is all connected. The few doctors that understand there's a connection between it all just tell me to "get the inflammation under control." Well, no crap sherlock, but HOW?!? I don't even know why there's inflammation in the first place. I am so beyond frustrated right now. All of these doctors prescribe meds that cause one or another side effect and somehow, my symptoms for these various issues are not getting better! ARGH!

Yep, unfortunately thats how typical westernized docs are trained to treat us. Check out this website and maybe do a search for a Naturopathic Doctor in your area. Like I said, I feel like I couldn't have gotten through this without my ND. One tip is that they (ND's) should NEVER EVER be pushing products on you, yes everything is a little pricy but thats because quality counts and some things will sound absolutely ridiculous, but going back to the basics is what is necessary to treat most issues. If you find a doctor thats suddenly encouraging you to spend loads and loads of money or whatever, you may have accidentally stumbled upon an alternative doc (chiropractor or acupuncturist). Do a little bit of research because, there are people out there who want to help you in the way you've expressed.

I will say from personal experience that you have to go in with an open mind with treatment options. When you go to naturopathic doctor they are going to spend a little more time with you, asking you what your diet is like, what you do on the daily, past history and symptoms, they might even want to do a few specific tests or blood work. However, going this route can be a longer process, than most conventional ways, because the body takes a tremendous amount of time for healing to happen through natural means rather than medicinal means, but you'll feel at ease knowing you are actually getting to the root of your problems. They will be able to prescribe prescription medication just like any doctors and would only do so if absolutely necessary. My ND actually encouraged me to get on asacol when I first saw her, she said there is "always a time and place to use conventional medicine", to get things under control.

Post Edited (stereofidelic89) : 3/27/2012 8:04:05 PM (GMT-6)

I saw an immunologist and he didn't offer any options at all. He pretty much told me there was nothing he could do. I am interested in seeing a rheumotologist but I've had no time lately. I wouldn't see an ND unless I could get it covered by insurance. I am too poor to pay out of pocket for anything. Currently I have no insurance. I walk around hoping nothing happens. A flare up would be devestating.

I have always been interested in seeing an endocronologist as well. I have suffered from acne since I was young. I know it's hormonal.

cherchezlafemme said...
Deltaforce - I'm in Vienna and just found this place online: http://www.ayurkayaglobal.com/general/contactus.php. No idea if they're any good or not. Just sent them an email asking for recommendations of local practitioners. I haven't tried Ayurveda before - I don't know squat about it. How do I know if someone's any good/"properly" educated or not?

Frankly, you won't. Nowadays, its becoming same money making business as regular medicine. Being Indian, I failed to find one and finally gave up. Plus the time it takes to see any results and the restrictions they put on you is something difficult for me to do at this moment. All I can say is, if its cost effective, give a try for a year or so and if you do any results continue, else discontinue.

@Babe,
A part of the article you linked to is really good but when he goes in a treatment, he failed to impress me. DS has diagnosis of Autism and I read more stuff for him than myself. The 'therapy' that he followed is pretty much what is followed by DAN! (Defeat Autism Now! practitioners) and I have poked tons of holes in their theory, not to seek their services for my son, when you will find loads of parents swear by the treatment. I came across this little girl's video somewhere else as well but I would like to disregard her case as an isolated case (not that I want a clinical trial but it can not become a rule of thumb for treating all autoimmune disorders).

There is also integrative medicine ie Dr. Weil integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/

As others have mentioned, these types of programs seem to be very expensive and questionably so.

Going to Mayo or another medical center like it might be less expensive and more likely to be insurance covered. You won't see one guy but group of specialists working together.

There really needs to be a new specialty that deals with inflammation/ auto immune and more research.

I went to GI that was into becoming a whole person Guru for IBD, Celiac and Crohns. He was quite simply deluded($$$$$) or a crook.

You MUST look outside of the mess which is called our "healthcare" system to get true healing! Each "specialist" just prescribes meds and looks to hide the symptoms and not get to the root cause. Such practitioners DO exist and if they don't bring you back to the foods that nourish or don't nourish our bodies, then they are not getting to the root cause!

cherchezlafemme, I can personally recommend Dr. Cowan. He is in CA but works with patients by phone (I am in MD so I work with him by phone also). I have been working with him for over a year and he is guiding me to my healing of inflammation. First and foremost is returning to a traditional way of eating and REAL foods. That is the first step in healing the body from inflammation. That's also the only way for our bodies to respond to natural therapeutics/herbs etc. They must have the support from real foods. Feel free to email if you'd like more info!