Because of my MPN, I'd like to start working with a health practitioner who can help me target and improve inflammation, incorporate possible supplements like curcumin, maybe do some inflammation testing, etc.
I'm wondering if some of you can help with a few questions I have:
1) For those of you who work with providers like this, what type of provider is it? (integrative med doctor, RDN, naturopath...)
2) If you're working with a doctor on this too because of your MPN, what disease specialty/experience do you look for in the provider?
3) Anything else to consider when working with this type of provider?
Thank you for your help!
Written by
Lucy2022
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This doc supports the idea that systemic inflammation due to the MPN is a real and significant issue that contributes to a variety of symptoms/conditions. She also believes that inflammation needs to managed to maintain good health. She has done a variety of testing, including nutritional and testing for toxins. I consider this doc to be a key member of my care team. She blends knowledge of Western medicine with knowledge of complementary health interventions. Most docs do not have this knowledge base. My PCP recognized this when he referred me to her.
I operate on the principle that if something is biologically active enough to help you it can also hurt you and interact with things. That is why it is a good idea to consult with a provider with the knowledge base needed to integrate complementary health interventions.
Thank you, Hunter5582! Does your integrative/functional medicine doctor focus in a specific disease area that's relevant? Or did your doctor refer you to this person with just the idea that they do integrative medicine? I've found that when I look at lists of these types of doctors, the lists often have their diseases/specialties within integrative/functional medicine. I'm not sure what disease/specialty I should be looking for.
There are in fact Integrative medicine docs that specialize in Oncology. Others , like my doc, are more like a General Practitioner. In fact, my Integrative Medicine doc used to work with my PCP in the same practice. My PCP referred my over to her when he was unable to answer questions about drug-supplement interactions. I had already discovered that curcumin worked better than NSAIDs for managing osteoarthritis inflammation. I was coming to understand how important systemic inflammation was in managing a MPN. I wanted to consult with a doc who understood Western Medicine, complementary health interventions, and how the two could interface. In addition, I wanted a doc who would look at my situation in a holistic fashion. While I push all providers to think holistically, I rely on my PCP and Integrative Med doc to keep the focus on my whole body as an integrated system,
Which type of Integrative or Functional Medicine doc you look for really depends on what you want the doc to do for you. Assuming you already have a MPN Specialist, perhaps a more general practitioner focus would help you achieve more holistic care.
combining conventional with so called alternative is a good approach if we are prepared to work hard ourselves.
The best Practitioner in the world will be no use if we arnt willing to look deeply at old patterns we stick to .
I have seen a number of people over many years .
Homeopathic Gp. Who stopped working in NHS
A herbalist , An acupuncturist and now Ayurvedic.
I look for someone who doesn’t make me feel rushed .
Looks at blood test results with understanding .
See if you can have a chat with a few people who have plenty of experience.. you might find as I have that you see someone a few times but don’t quite feel they are what you are looking for.
hi Lucy I don’t have anything to add but like you I am very interested in this. I am in the UK not sure if you are too? But if you do find anything out or what you may think is the best path can you share…. In a bit lost with it all! Thank you
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