Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group functional medicine doctor

Hey,

Is anybody seeing a doctor who practices functional medicine?

We are just beginning to learn about this form of medicine. A functionl medicine doctor treats his patients by looking for the underlying cause of the illness, not just by treating the symptoms. For autoimmune diseases, they try to eliminate the cause of the inflammation instead of just prescribing drugs to suppress the inflammation. They look for things like allergies, yeast and fungual infections, and metal toxins that could be causing the inflamation. Because this is a new outlook for me, I am unfamiliar with some of functional medicine doctor's treatments (acupuncture, aroma therapy, mind body medicine, ect.).

My biggest complaint with traditional modern medicine is that they only seem to know how to throw drugs at us and hope they clear up the problem. My husband is on so many different medicine right now that his liver must be a toxic waste dump.

There must be a better way to healing.

Has anyone had success with a functional medicine doctor?

never heard of this but very exciting discovery. so glad you shared.

My son and I both see naturopathic medical doctors who supposedly look for and treat underlying cause in much the same manner you described. The problem we run into there is that those services are not covered under either of our health plans, nor is any testing or lab work they prescribe. So affordability is a big issue for us.

For example, I used to get prolotherapy from a naturopathic orthopedic doc (NMD) but, unfortunately, could not afford to get it done as often as it needed to be so had to discontinue the therapy even though it was helping. Likewise, medically prescribed nutrient IVs. (I have multiple metabolic disorders)

Are "functional" medical doctors MDs, NMDs or ?

Deb Mc

Hi Deb,
Didn't think about the insurance issue. The three doctors in our area are DO's who "converted" to functional medicine. Since they are DO's., I just assumed the insurance would work. One of them did mention the IV therapy though. Sounds very similar to your NMD. Thanks for the info.

Hi Jeanne,
I wasn't familiar with the term 'functional' medicine until now, but I was familiar with reading articles about these types of treatments. I haven't had the opportunity to find a doctor who will use this approach though... unfortunately.
Take care,
James

Hi There
Im using the HOMEBRAND VERSION of functional medicine!
Ive "researched" this stuff all myself via mainly internet as I too believe we need to treat the source and Im sick of the band-aid approach to medicine Ive trusted all my life
I am using a natural chelation mineral(orally)- with great success-reduced pain and much greater energy
I have removed gluten and most sugars and processed food from my diet and only use a2 milk(minimal casein)
I also use a multi and vit B vitamins
Vitamins never worked for me until after detoxing/chelating
I am now adding oregano oil (Anti bacterial, anti bug) to the mix and am pretty happy with the results so far
I only really have morning stiffness which I relieve with hot bath with epsom salts(magnesium)
I have taken responsibility for my own healthcare and I believe we all have the right to do so.
I wish everyone well in the paths they have chosen in our quest for wellness
Kind Regards -Donna
PS If Im in a wheelchair this time next year I will sneakily remove this post :-)

Hi Donna,

You had some great info. I will research it myself. The more we can do to help ourselves, the better! Thanks.

Hi James,

Saw your post on youtube. Sorry you've been hit so hard with this thing. Your positive attitude through it all is just amazing. Take care.

My doctor is a DO, and she does all of this kink of testing. Of course, she also makes me go to see specialists as need be, but that's how I got the rheumy who diagnosed the uSpA. Maybe you could look for a DO who is also a Naturopath? I don't know of any functional MD's. Good luck!

My insurance (AETNA cheapo PPO) covers services provided by DOs as long as they are in the network. However, they provide no benefits for services rendered in connection with naturopathic or homeopathic medicine UNLESS that physician is also an MD. And then only certain procedures and services are covered.

My son's on disability (Medicare/Medicaid) and his insurance has a lot less flexibility than mine. We recently rec'd approval for him to see a third clinical geneticist who is not a network provider and, moreover, is out of town. I have to say I am really pleased with that.

Deb Mc