Post by Karen on Jun 12, 2010 8:19:07 GMT -5
********PLEASE NOTE: If you are unsure if you have endo, please get a lap and diagnosis first. Symptoms of endo can mimic symptoms of many others things, so it's important to know what you're up against before you decide on any sort of treatment. Some members have found out the hard way, please don't be one of them!********
For those of you that know me well, you know that I'm all about more natural approaches to endometriosis and other ailments. It's not that I'm against traditional medicinal approaches - I know some of you have had much success with it - but in my experience so far, that approach has failed me. Through several referrals from friends and trial and error, I have stumbled upon some more naturopathic approaches that have suited me very, very well. In just over a year, I feel like my life has done a complete 180 for the better.
I realize, though, that it's quite overwhelming to not only find a good naturopath that understands your concerns and has training to address them, but to afford one (and all the treatments that go along with it) as well. In my experience, even though most insurance companies won't cover most visits, the cost of a naturopath approach is, in fact, much less in the long run. Their office visits are often much less than a traditional doc, their supplements are often reasonably priced in comparison to copays for prescription drugs, and in the end, quality of life is so much better and symptoms are managed sooner.
In addition, we're so trained to think that traditional medicine will get us the answers we need. It's often difficult to comprehend what a naturopath will actually do. After all, some of the more natural treatments many of us are going through can sound quite silly compared to the traditional approach! I mean, when someone first suggested diet changes to me, I thought they were crazy! Ha, I've come a long way since then!
In my research, I've stumbled across some information that may help better explain the differences between the more traditional approach and the more naturopath approach. Hopefully, it might give a few of you some direction when looking for answers that your traditional doc just can't seem to find. Let's use this thread as a spot to share resources and experiences about finding a good alternative health care providers! And remember - there are a lot of alternative providers out there that DO have a medical degree! You never know, it might help demystify the process for someone else and open up their treatment options!
For those of you that know me well, you know that I'm all about more natural approaches to endometriosis and other ailments. It's not that I'm against traditional medicinal approaches - I know some of you have had much success with it - but in my experience so far, that approach has failed me. Through several referrals from friends and trial and error, I have stumbled upon some more naturopathic approaches that have suited me very, very well. In just over a year, I feel like my life has done a complete 180 for the better.
I realize, though, that it's quite overwhelming to not only find a good naturopath that understands your concerns and has training to address them, but to afford one (and all the treatments that go along with it) as well. In my experience, even though most insurance companies won't cover most visits, the cost of a naturopath approach is, in fact, much less in the long run. Their office visits are often much less than a traditional doc, their supplements are often reasonably priced in comparison to copays for prescription drugs, and in the end, quality of life is so much better and symptoms are managed sooner.
In addition, we're so trained to think that traditional medicine will get us the answers we need. It's often difficult to comprehend what a naturopath will actually do. After all, some of the more natural treatments many of us are going through can sound quite silly compared to the traditional approach! I mean, when someone first suggested diet changes to me, I thought they were crazy! Ha, I've come a long way since then!
In my research, I've stumbled across some information that may help better explain the differences between the more traditional approach and the more naturopath approach. Hopefully, it might give a few of you some direction when looking for answers that your traditional doc just can't seem to find. Let's use this thread as a spot to share resources and experiences about finding a good alternative health care providers! And remember - there are a lot of alternative providers out there that DO have a medical degree! You never know, it might help demystify the process for someone else and open up their treatment options!