|
[ Leaky Gut Syndrome Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
Search this site! | |
I saw my "natural" doctor Monday in Atlanta. It may be my last time visiting him. I think I have learned some things, but he is a little too expensive for my comfort. I am beginning to think he is not altogether honest. Maybe he is honest...just allows his pride to get in the way of his suggestions.
He suggests I take cortisol (he mentioned cortef). Of course, he cannot prescribe it since he is not an MD. He says that in the dosages he would recommend it would help with my pain and not be as disruptive to my system as prednisone. Is this true? He wants me to ask my GP to prescribe it.
Also, it is his belief that multiple stressors over the last few years have led to my RA. I believe this to be true. Thus, I think that practicing SR, where I reach the Relaxation Response regularly, is probably the most important component of 3LS for ME. I am PWFD for about 98% of all the food I eat. I am managing the exercise (albeit with some pain).
The “doc” in Atlanta thinks I need to go to his "retreat" area in FL for 2-3weeks where I can be coached by him on a daily basis. He thinks something this drastic is needed. I cannot get him to understand that in order to stay employed; I do not need to do this. I explained that it would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to de-stress knowing that I will likely be losing my job. At the very least I would be on Leave without pay, while paying him 150/day X 3weeks (his preference). I am a high school administrator and have set "vacation" time. I cannot choose to take off for 3 weeks in September.
When asking him to explain to me some of the practices he would implement while on the retreat, he says he cannot just list things. He works on an individual basis. I explained to him that I have access to a condo on the beach and that I would like to know of some of the practices he would employ, other than food (main thing he has ever explained), and he chose to provide no information.
I am prepared to maybe change jobs...go back into the classroom and teach. I would then put in fewer hours and have 9weeks off in the summer vs 5weeks. However, I am at least trying to maintain the good reputation I have built in my school system...I am not independently wealthy. He finds this explanation to be insufficient. He thinks I should just go if I am serious about my health. Is this a normal attitude? He also thinks taking any traditional RA meds is unacceptable and will not treat me if I use them.
Another question: Is eating 98% vs 100% PWFD going to LIKELY prevent me from reversing my autoimmune disease? Sometimes, not having the occasional beer or taking a bite of the homemade pie my mother has made is stressful for me. I am a very social person and like to have fun. I like "tail-gaiting", for those that are familiar, at football games and I see myself having a couple of beers at UGA home games this upcoming football season. Is this likely to cause a hindrance to my healing? If so, I will go to 100% PWFD all the time. (Again, most days I am 100%). However, being absolute is much more difficult and somewhat stressful.
BTW- Dr Stoll and Jan...I feel I have already been blessed by learning SR. I had never heard of Herbert Benson or a Relaxation Response before being led to this site and your book. It is truly amazing. My resting pulse rate is now in the low 50s, while being out-of-shape! BP is averaging about 115/65. Thank you for you insight and ongoing assistance.