Functional Medicine

[Danasr]

Any thoughts on Functional Medicine?? I watched a few videos of Dr. Mark Hyman, I find it very interesting...there are a few doctors in my area that practice functional medicine but I saw that at least one of them doesn’t take insurance. Has anyone tried this type of physician??

[wifeofparky]

We have one near me. My friend and I were discussing it last night. I am going to do more research myself and will pass on what I learn and why they are different.

Good luck with your research

[Danasr in reply to wifeofparky]

Thanks!!

[Nitro53]

What’s is functional medicine

[Danasr in reply to Nitro53]

They focus on your entire well-being and the root causes health problems.

[Nitro53 in reply to Danasr]

Thanks, they all should.

[M1tz1 in reply to Nitro53]

Functional medicine doesn't merely diagnose and prescribe but asks why the patient has the symptoms; then works at reducing and removing them. My husband's Alzheimer's was reversed that way. Dr Dale Bredesen, board-certified neurologist, says that Alzheimer's has 36 possible causes. That doesn't mean that everyone with AD has all 36 but it's a case of finding which of those possible causes are responsible.

[Danasr in reply to M1tz1]

Wow, I’m so happy for you & your husband. I have never really heard from anyone having reversed their PD though. I would love to hear that!! I am new to the PD world & some days I have hope and fight; some days I feel deflated & hopeless. I have a long life to live with this and as I’ve expressed before here I’m so afraid of the future.

[M1tz1 in reply to Danasr]

Sadly he died at the start of the year at age 81 but at least he had his mind back. He had PD as well. I wonder whether it will be found that, as in AD, Parkinson's has multiple causes that can be identified and treated separately.

In the meantime, many of the members here are managing their PD very well. Speak to my fellow-countryman, John Pepper, who has conquered PD and is helping others to do so!

[Danasr in reply to M1tz1]

I’m sorry for your loss at least he knew you were there for him in the end.😰

[Danasr in reply to Danasr]

I read John Pepper’s book. I agree that a body in motion stays in motion & his theory cannot hurt me. When I first got diagnosed in April my movement specialist said nothing helps PD but excercise. Too early to tell if anything is helping...I know that I have progressed but I believe it’s mostly due to stress at work.

[MBAnderson in reply to Danasr]

Some people's experience with functional medicine doctors has been bad, while others has been good. That's a reflection on the practitioner, not the practice. It would be no different than to say (DBS) surgery doesn't work.

Fearing the future is disheartening, and we all do to some degree, but I'm confident that will diminish as you reach higher levels of acceptance.

There are PWP who have reversed their symptoms. I've read firsthand accounts on this and other forums. So, you have every reason to keep hope alive. Usually, what all those people have in common, is vigorous daily exercise, as I'm sure you know by now.

Functional medicine makes a whole lot more sense than doing nothing more than ingesting pharmaceuticals -- if, for no other reason, than to ensure Parkinson's doesn't trigger other illnesses which would accelerate the progression.

[Danasr in reply to MBAnderson]

Thank you! I am starting to cope a lot better than when I first got dx.

[Nitro53 in reply to M1tz1]

I’m sorry but I have never heard of Alzheimer’s being reversed. My condolences.

[M1tz1 in reply to Nitro53]

It's well known now. Dr Bredesen has written a book about his successes and he's training medical people in his methods. There's an updated online programme coming up soon. I'll put in a reference here.

[M1tz1 in reply to M1tz1]

regainyourbrain.awakeningfr...

[MBAnderson in reply to M1tz1]

Dr. Bredesen at a conference presentation.

youtube.com/watch?v=QqQ_X3m...(Not working as expected?)

[M1tz1 in reply to MBAnderson]

Thank you!

[healthabc]

Yes, since diagnosis 3 yrs ago,. Don't waste your money. I often wonder if I did the wrong thing by seeking functional med. It has progressed from a hand tremor to whole body tremor despite functional med. dr.So expensive,

[Danasr in reply to healthabc]

Thank you!!

[Cbgs]

Any changes such as healthier eating, exercise , meditation will help

They can get you on the right path

But they are pricey and of course they have their own supplements to sell you!

Beware

If they are not PD literate

Mixing of meds & supplements can be ineffective , even detrimental

I hope this helps

Be well

C!

Ps: detrimental may be too strong of a word ?

But I just can’t think right now! Lol

[Danasr in reply to Cbgs]

😂Thank you!!

[ktbate]

I watched the Mark Hyman's docu-series "Broken Brain" and love the concept. Most insurance co. do not cover functional docs. I paid around $700 out of pocket for 2 appts. and testing for heavy metals and had my micro-biome checked. it was worth it bec. I found out that I have very high lead and mercury levels and also had a few strains of bad bacteria in my gut. It was recommended that I take several things like Metallow Clear and a few other things. I didn't go back bec of the $275 1 hr appt. cost. I wish it were different. I believe in treating the CAUSE not the symptoms like most western docs do!

[Danasr in reply to ktbate]

Thank you for the information!! I thought it would be expensive and insurance doesn’t pay for it...I’ll have to save a little before I can afford to get the initial tests.

[MBAnderson in reply to Danasr]

Dr. Laura Mischley evaluates the same blood panels (you have a laboratory do the blood draw and send her the results, i.e., that is not part of her cost) and does a 1 hour video conference for $250.

[Danasr in reply to MBAnderson]

Thank you!

[Despe]

My husband has seen a FM doctor at Cleveland. Their approach is great, looking for the cause of symptoms, not trying to prescribe meds for them. Distance prohibited return to Cleveland. However, following their protocol (diet and vitamins) has helped enormously. At least we know now the best vitamins on the market, most pharmaceutical grade. I have found one closer to us and am thinking about trying it again after our October 1 appointment with a local DO.

PS. Yes, they are expensive!

[Danasr in reply to Despe]

Thank you for the information

[rebtar]

I've been seeing a functional medicine doc for about 4 years. Yes, expensive. Lots of labs and supplements. Advice on diet and other helpful suggestions. My symptoms have progressed, but slowly. I continue because it may be helping PD, but definitely is good for overall health.

[Danasr in reply to rebtar]

Thank you & I wish you well.

[reedboat2]

I recently got done paying off my latest lab bill for $1200 that my FM doc barely looked at and which showed absolutely nothing. This was of course additional to the $375 fee for 30 minute consultation. I’m done with FM at least for now. I’m currently seeing an acupuncturist who is absolutely brilliant, charges modest fees, and does the “neuro” scalp acupuncture. He’s also got me on a TCM “liver-wind” formula. I know practically nothing about TCM but it seems to be helping. My main symptom is tremor -JG

[Danasr in reply to reedboat2]

Thank you...I might try an acupuncturist...I have heard conflicting opinions on FM and I cannot afford the fee; I have a son that has just gone off to college...my main symptom is tremor as well. I am taking SELEGELINE; it helps in the morning but my dose in the evening is not very helpful, therefore, affects my sleep....frustrating!

[Astra7 in reply to Danasr]

I went to one. Too expensive and too many supplements and diet restrictions to actually enjoy life. Maybe useful when I get worse but she probably won’t have me back as I didn’t cancel my last appointment with 48 hrs notice!

I often wonder if she owns the pharmacy next door as each visit I’d be paying over $350 for various wierd things. I still have a cupboard full of clay!

On the plus side I have tried to learn from the things she said and picked a few supplements and dietary changes (less sugar) that I can manage without becoming too obsessed. She was going down the guy bacteria route.

[reedboat2]

I will take a guess that your dopamine levels are running low in the evening, as I believe mine are as well. I take Mucuna at night which helps with that. I also use Melatonin, Theanine, and herbal sleep aids such as a tincture called "restful sleep". Lately I've been using Chamomile extract, which works pretty well with no side effects. Good luck in getting the all-important sleep that we need in order to heal our brains.

[Danasr in reply to reedboat2]

Thank you!! I bought the mucana but I got afraid to try it when I read that it could cause Dyskenesia...I have tried some essential oils & something called rest-zzzz; didn’t work though. My doctor px a low dose of Xanax. I hate the thought of taking that but sometimes I get desperate so I take it as is still work and need my rest

[reedboat2 in reply to Danasr]

So, you're taking no L-Dopa, just Selegiline? That's great, but just know that, for better or worse, most PWP's are taking some form of L-Dopa for symptom relief. I'll be the last one to try to persuade anyone to take anything. I just know Mucuna works for me and I prefer it to the pharmaceutical L-Dopa. There's a lot posted on that subject on this forum. John Pepper says the purpose of any med is to make us feel good enough to exercise. Good luck and Be well.

[Danasr in reply to reedboat2]

Thank you...yes, so far just Selegeline.

[SufferingSocks in reply to Danasr]

Well I know how you feel about trying medication for PD as I felt the same about taking med. for depression. I can assure you that I have no regrets about taking medication as it's quality of life we must look at - I hated the thought of taking any medication on a permanent basis but was forced to rethink, when you hit on what helps you it is such a feeling of relief that you can face life again. Believe me, I have clinical (major) depression and experienced the fear of what could happen to me. I recently read that a neurologist said some people leave it too long to experience the benefits of Levadopa which helps so much for PD sufferers. Your decision of course and I wish you the very best for the future. Suffering Socks

[Danasr in reply to SufferingSocks]

Thank you!!!

[zeldaspa2]

Here's a entertaining/informative piece on the difference between allopathic medicine and Functional.

youtube.com/watch?v=97N18BT...(Not working as expected?)

FM has helped me through a cancer diagnosis and is proving useful for PD. Can be expensive but my MD hs been able to use Medicare.

[Danasr in reply to zeldaspa2]

That’s awesome for you!!