I consider myself a pretty open-minded individual when it comes to treating chronic illness. Conventional medicine, alternative medicine, or some mixture of the two – its all the same to me. If you can find something that works for you, I give it two thumbs up. I’ve tried a wide variety of things over the years myself so I would never say anything against either option unless it was straight harmful to your health (I did talk to someone once who stated that she were taking a supplement that helped her get rid of her endo through her pee which caused me to raise an eyebrow).
So when I was referred to a chiropractor last week, I chose the guy in town because he was in town (versus a 15-20 min drive each way multiple times a week). I knew he leaned towards to more naturalist approach but I figured since it was just to have a joint popped back into place it would be ok.
I was wrong. Flat out wrong. Homeboy didn’t lean towards being a naturalist, he was die hard. For an hour, I learned how everything that I have ever known about my illnesses is wrong. For example, endometriosis is not caused by a genetic quirk that caused uterine tissue to grow elsewhere. Instead it is caused by women wearing their pants too tight and using tampons. Celiac disease has nothing to do with the autoimmune system and fibromyalgia does not exist. He did have a cure however. To feel better, he prescribed that I drink raw eggs for breakfast and take his multivitamin. Oh and rub some special kind of oil on my belly. My current treatment is really a ploy from my team of doctors to kill my liver and every other organ in my body versus an attempt to make me feel better so I’d better subscribe to his regimen if I want to survive.
I have nothing against naturopaths. Really. I do, however, have a problem with being brow beaten that one way is better than another. I do have a problem with being spoken to as if I am an idiot and am clueless about how my body works. I do have a problem with doling out flat out incorrect information regarding chronic illnesses.
Needless to say, I will not be returning. One hour and $60 later, I am furious and still in pain. My SI joint is still out of alignment. My visit was 98% spewing of naturalist nonsense and 2% chiropractic adjustment. So now I will have to wait on another referral to see someone who hopefully will have more than my wallet in mind so that I will be able to chase after my daughter in the yard without looking like Quasi Moto.
WOW!!!! Just wow!!!
I’m like you – I think the different beliefs can blend together to work… but to for him to tell you your doctor is trying to harm your liver & all the other whonky stuff? WOW… that’s scary that there are probably people out there that take everything he says for straight credit…. I woulda RAN out of there…
Isn’t it crazy? I pride myself on having become my own advocate and researching for myself and not taking anything straight out regardless of who says it so for him to assume that I’ve just allowed myself to be spoon-fed blinding for the last eight years was infuriating. I think the receptionist caught on that I wouldn’t be back.
That makes so sad! DH has been helped immensely by chiropractors. Our favorite was a naturalist. He completely understood that DH’s psoriatic arthritis was debilitating and that we needed a combination approach. He gave us dietary tips to try when we asked for them, but he never preached. I hope you can find a better chiropractor, and that you get some relief.
It really does make me sad too as I know that there are naturalists out there that I would respect but this guy just gives them a bad name. I’ve seen a chiropractor before for a shoulder injury and was really helped so I felt so positive going into this appointment to finally have some relief but it was really disheartening. I should have taken my doctor’s first recommendation instead of just thinking about location.
Here via BlogHer. Nice blog. I am like you on respecting everyone’s choices and being open-minded where it comes to CAM, but I am not respectful of health professionals, be they conventional or alternative, who treat me like I don’t know what I’m talking about re my own conditions.
Sorry you had to deal with that and that your SI joint is still in fits. I would be furious too.
Ugh. That is so frustrating. I’m sorry he was such a jerk to you. 🙁