Naturopath Experiences?

[stanleymonkey]

docs have given up trying to help us, have started gluten free but what else van a naturopath help with? What testing do they do? Want to know before we pay out lots of money

[StephanieL]

I am not sure what path you have been on but in my experience they aren't very good with GI issues. They will typically run an entero lab test, take away a ton of foods that cause "reactions" and charge you a ton. The entero lab testing is scientifically suspect as far as I am concerned but that part is my (researching, educated in the health care field) opinion.

[pricklypear1971]

My ND is very good with diagnostics. I guess I should preface this by saying every other ND in town doesn't list any specialties on the ND licensing board site - except her. She lists endocrinology as a specialty, which is why I went to her.

So, mine uses a blend of traditional blood work (past and new tests she ordered from LabCorp), as well as being open and knowledgeable about alternative (or traditional)

testing for allergies, etc.

My ND doesn't have special equipment in the office to function as a dermatologist (biopsy DH), or any other specialist. She's basically a GP, and if you need testing she refers you out to whomever....if you prefer an Orthopedic specialist she'll refer you to one she knows good things about, if you want a massage therapist she'll refer you to one. If you want traditional medical practitioners she's fine with it, if you want alternative therapies she's fine with that, too.

In short, I've found her to be HELPFUL. She doesn't discount my research, she advises and learns (like DH). If I need help she gives it. If I WANT testing she orders it (and discusses why one test might be better than another). She treats me with respect, and I do the same with her.

Yes, she goes at a problem differently - she is more likely to say "if going gluten-free makes you feel better, DO IT". Whereas an MD may say "you're imagining it, take a pill and let's scope".

She doesn't leave me wondering if I have a question between appointments - I can email her and actually get a response. Same with a vm.

So no, I haven't found her to order unscientific tests (unless I ask for it), or urge me to give up every food. I have found her to be knowledgeable about a variety if testing methods. She also doesn't "disbelieve" that foods can cause a severe reaction.... So if say food colorants bother me she doesn't roll her eyes - she takes that info and tries to figure out the bigger picture or records it for later.

I wish I'd found her sooner.

[Roda]

You could just try putting her on a strict gluten free diet for a few months and see how she does. If you are done with celiac testing, then you don't need a doctor's permission to do this.

[stanleymonkey]

we need to a diagnosis of what's wrong as there are so many mother things it could be as there are so many autoimmune issues in the family

also extended medical an schools will only cooperate with an official diagnosis

gluten free is not working she is dairy and egg free due to anaphylactic allergies, we just want to know what is going on

her allergist noticed that her I'Ve levels were crazy high so she wants them to scope her to check for eosinilhilic gastritis

[Roda]

It must be frustrating having your little one so miserable. I sure hope you figure it out and get some answers soon. Everyone deserves some relief especially your daughter.