Naturopath Worth The Money?

[superfob]

Hi,

I'm thinking about seeing a naturopath next week. She has good reviews and is a graduate of Bastyr University, but is quite expensive at $275 for the initial visit (1 hour long). I don't think my insurance plan covers naturopathic medicine (I have a student Blue Cross insurance plan). I have other concerns besides gluten for my symptoms that I want to talk to her about. I understand With no insurance coverage for this, all the testing and appointments are going to be expensive, I'm wondering if it will be worth it - especially since I've already spent so much money on traditional medical testing. I'm really hoping she has a lot of knowledge, beyond stuff that I can find from researching on the internet. Should I see her?

Thanks

[SarahJimMarcy]

I've got an appointment for one in July. I think you've done your homework, she's got good reviews and she could have some good advice that an internist/gi wouldn't have. Share what you find out with us!

[Glutinator Girl]

I use a natropath and she has been a godsend, but expensive! I still use my regular dr but found that they don't go through all the nutritional side of things and definately know nothing about herbs! It does get cheaper as you go along.

[Juliebove]

I've seen three so far. The first one did diagnose our IgG food allergies but then he didn't give us very good advice. Such as... Give daughter cashews instead of peanuts for her peanut allergy. Which I did. Planter's roasted cashews. Roasted in *peanut oil*! He also told me to give her spelt for her wheat allergy. Which I did and immediately knew I shouldn't have because it gave her stomach pains. He also was super expensive. I didn't pay for the visit. My mom did. I think it was over a thousand dollars. And he was a big supplement pusher. Told us to buy the supplements from him! The entire family tried to talk my mom out of seeing him which eventually she did.

The next one was a woman who graduated from Bastyr. She struck me as scatterbrained and very forgetful. But... She was also diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is no longer with us. I did not see her prior to the brain tumor so I can't comment on that but my mom did like her. She also sold supplements. She tried to tell I needed something that according to my Endo. I should not take! I can't remember now what that was though.

The one I currently see owns a health food store. She doesn't necessarily push supplements but if she thinks you need something, she will tell you. She will show you where it is in the store and explain it to you but does not strong arm you into buying it from her. She does not believe in IgG food allergies. And I do question some of what she says. For instance she keeps trying to tell me that my daughter can eat wheat if it is sprouted because then it becomes a live food. Yeah, so? It's still wheat! And she herself is a celiac.

[sandsurfgirl]

Just like with any doctor, they can be good or they can be terrible, but with them the insurance doesn't cover so you're out so much money if they are a bad one.

I'm not sure what you're looking for from the naturopath. If you want info about celiac, read every forum on here and you will get lots of information.

I see an acupuncturist for lingering symptoms and it is helping me so much. It's expensive as heck but it's really powerful stuff. I take his herb formulations too. But I went to a couple before him that were total quacks and I wasted my time and money. So do your research and make sure you're getting a good one.

Good luck!

[ravenwoodglass]

Some are good and some are bad. The one I saw was reputed to be the best in our state. He glutened me with every very, very expensive med he gave me. He had an onsite 'pharmacy' where they made much of what they prescribed. I went in and everything was in clear glass jars in this bright and sunny room. The woman who ran the place was real proud that almost everything there was grown in her back yard. Even I know those herbs should have been in dark glass jars but I guess she thought they would be more impressive in clear glass. On my second visit to pick up another $300 worth of his 'remedies' the woman who did the compounding was on her way to lunch. In walked her teenage son fresh from his lunch who walked over and started compounding stuff without even washing his hands, putting on gloves or a mask. When asked if everything he gave me was gluten and lactose free she couldn't answer. When I asked the naturopath the same question I was told 'oh the little bit that might be in them won't hurt you. The symptoms you are getting are herxing' Yea right I know a gluten response when I get one as I had been gluten free by then for a couple of years. We wasted well over $1000 and of course couldn't return the meds.

Now not all are going to be as bad as this place was but do your research first and before you let them prescribe anything find out how much they know about cross contamination and whether the stuff they give you is for sure gluten free. And if they prescribe stuff from out of the office suppliers call those suppliers before you unseal that bottle.

[Marilyn R]

Some are good and some are bad. The one I saw was reputed to be the best in our state. He glutened me with every very, very expensive med he gave me. He had an onsite 'pharmacy' where they made much of what they prescribed. I went in and everything was in clear glass jars in this bright and sunny room. The woman who ran the place was real proud that almost everything there was grown in her back yard. Even I know those herbs should have been in dark glass jars but I guess she thought they would be more impressive in clear glass. On my second visit to pick up another $300 worth of his 'remedies' the woman who did the compounding was on her way to lunch. In walked her teenage son fresh from his lunch who walked over and started compounding stuff without even washing his hands, putting on gloves or a mask. When asked if everything he gave me was gluten and lactose free she couldn't answer. When I asked the naturopath the same question I was told 'oh the little bit that might be in them won't hurt you. The symptoms you are getting are herxing' Yea right I know a gluten response when I get one as I had been gluten free by then for a couple of years. We wasted well over $1000 and of course couldn't return the meds.

Now not all are going to be as bad as this place was but do your research first and before you let them prescribe anything find out how much they know about cross contamination and whether the stuff they give you is for sure gluten free. And if they prescribe stuff from out of the office suppliers call those suppliers before you unseal that bottle.

Ravenwood,

I always learn so much from your posts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My sister-in-law told me that her friend with celiac disease really didn't start feeling better until she went to a Naturpath. I've been considering going to one too, and your advice is, like always, dead on.

I just had a great idea ... how about contacting "Living Without" magazine to do a monthly Dear Ravenwood column? (Like Dear Abby or Dear Anne Landers?) (You never know...)

[Lori2]

The one I currently see owns a health food store. She doesn't necessarily push supplements but if she thinks you need something, she will tell you. She will show you where it is in the store and explain it to you but does not strong arm you into buying it from her. She does not believe in IgG food allergies. And I do question some of what she says. For instance she keeps trying to tell me that my daughter can eat wheat if it is sprouted because then it becomes a live food. Yeah, so? It's still wheat! And she herself is a celiac.

She may be right about the sprouted wheat. I take a product made from sprouted barley. I have taken it for years as it really helps my arthritis. The company tests for gluten content and it tests at 8ppm. I continue to use it with no problem.

[ladymiss]

while it's true that each dr. or naturopath is an individual with their own strengths and flaws- i have to say my naturopath has been wonderful!!! she really listens to me and studies my results. i feel like i get the attention to my specific case that MDs don't usually give. i always feel like it's been money well spent, whereas the experiences i've had with MDs feels more like throwing money out the window.

my question usually is- is it worth the money to go to the 'regular' dr. good luck. i hope you find a great naturopath.

[ravenwoodglass]

Ravenwood,

I always learn so much from your posts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My sister-in-law told me that her friend with celiac disease really didn't start feeling better until she went to a Naturpath. I've been considering going to one too, and your advice is, like always, dead on.

I just had a great idea ... how about contacting "Living Without" magazine to do a monthly Dear Ravenwood column? (Like Dear Abby or Dear Anne Landers?) (You never know...)

Thank you (where is the 'blushing icon?!)

I have heard of many folks who have had good experiences with Naturopaths but folks need to do as much research as they can. I just happened to get real unlucky as we don't have any good ones in my area.

Perhaps folks could ask how many celiac patients the naturopath have or ask at a local support group if individuals can recommend one.

[superfob]

I was mainly interested in doing a candida/parasite cleanse to see if thats the source of my symptoms. If I see the naturopath, she could help me order the stool tests which would help me see if I do have that problem. And if that doesn't work out, maybe she could explore other options.

On the other hand, I was thinking I could just order those herbal kits and try them on my own. Would save quite a bit of money on appointment and testing.

[ravenwoodglass]

I was mainly interested in doing a candida/parasite cleanse to see if thats the source of my symptoms. If I see the naturopath, she could help me order the stool tests which would help me see if I do have that problem. And if that doesn't work out, maybe she could explore other options.

On the other hand, I was thinking I could just order those herbal kits and try them on my own. Would save quite a bit of money on appointment and testing.

If your new to gluten free you may want to do the diet for a bit first and see if that gets rid of symptoms. Cleanses can be harsh and depending on the kind risky for someone with an already compromised GI system. Make sure you read the whole label and do some research before deciding if they are right for you if you do over the counter ones.

[Marilyn R]

Thank you (where is the 'blushing icon?!)

I have heard of many folks who have had good experiences with Naturopaths but folks need to do as much research as they can. I just happened to get real unlucky as we don't have any good ones in my area.

Perhaps folks could ask how many celiac patients the naturopath have or ask at a local support group if individuals can recommend one.

Dear Ravenwood,

I'm serious about pursuing the Dear Ravenwood column.. You consistently give solid advice about a number of issues revolving around this disease. I'm sure I'm not the only one to thank you for leading us down the right path...

You deserve a place in the celiac disease forum Hall of Fame. Thanks again. (I'm not just saying it, it is true, and all of us thank you.)