Integrative And Functional Medicine

 All my adult life I've been interested in health, and had thought to go into nursing, but my math skills weren't that great. However, my interest in understanding illness and how to treat it was still there. 

When Tim and I were in missions training, I took a field medicine course. This was taught by a doctor and we had a giant notebook that had a guide to symptoms and illness. We learned to follow the guide, by asking questions and then getting to a solution. We knew that living in a remote area with some people groups would mean no doctors available. 

I learned to give shots, use an otoscope, dose medicines. Did you know in many countries, you can buy antibiotics over the counter?

I've had confidence to know when my kids or Tim and I needed to go see a doctor and when we could just treat colds or fevers at home, etc.

As the years have gone by, I have become concerned by the 'big medicine' mindset. Wellness visits, lots of jabs, lots of routine testing. As my parents got older, they were having wellness visits with their doctor four times a year in addition to any appointments dealing with illness.

The small family practice, we've been at for 28 years, that was owned by the doctors was sold by them to a big medicine conglomerate. The doctors are now employees of the conglomerate.

This has really changed the level of care. They now demand routine tests, a yearly annual check up. I've always gone in for my yearly lab work. I take two prescriptions that require that. But last year, my doctor said if I didn't come in for a wellness visit as well, she would not continue to prescribe my medications! That was kind of the last straw for me. My meds do not require a visit, and if she felt the need to discuss a change in medication then a phone call could be had. As a self pay family this alone would save us over a hundred dollars.

This year, even though I had my lab work, and a physical before my eye surgery, my doctor wanted me to come in for a wellness visit. I said no, and because the wellness visit only includes a few other things than the physical, she didn't fight me on it.

I've had back issues for years, having developed an arthritic condition in my lower spine. This has led to me being sedentary and tightness has become an issue with my muscles. This causes a lot of pain. Some days are worse than others.

I've done physical therapy, and massage therapy and while they have helped some, it was time to take a big step and get some help.

We have a Integrative and Functional Medicine practice very near to us, and so yesterday I had my first visit with the nurse practitioner. We talked extensively about my health, goals that I have for my health, and lifestyle. We did lab work, and next week I will meet with a chiropractor for the first time in my life.

Our first goal is to heal my back as much as possible, making my mobility better and allowing me to be active again. I would not be surprised to find that things are out of whack just due to the muscle tightness alone. We'll see.

My appointment with my nurse practitioner was an hour yesterday, and I was able to do my labs at the same location. I felt I had the time to really be heard, and to discuss concerns. I also had a basic exam - blood pressure, listening to heart, lungs, gut function. We discussed my meds, what supplements I take, and what I eat daily. Also I've lost almost 10 pounds since the spring.

The main thing I am happy about is that this practice wants to help me heal, not just prescribe medication to deal with symptoms.

So overall, I am happy about the appointment, and the direction we are headed. 

Have you heard of integrative and functional medicine?

Here is a summary about functional medicine.

"Functional medicine determines how and why illness occurs through advanced diagnostic testing. Having a clear understanding of the genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors that contribute to your health, allows patient and practitioner alike to understand the complexity behind certain symptoms and illnesses. After identifying the underlying causes of disease, the patient and the practitioner are empowered to collaborate and create a personalized treatment plan. 

You may find that one condition has many different causes and, likewise, one cause may result in many different conditions. For instance, you may have an imbalanced gut microbiome that is triggering inflammation throughout your body, giving you digestive issues but also shoulder and back pain. By identifying the root cause, the patient is empowered to heal and reach optimal, pain-free health."

And here is a summary about integrative medicine.

"Integrative Medicine combines the best of conventional allopathic medicine with knowledge from other disciplines to create a more natural style of health care. Whether you are acutely sick or just looking to improve your wellness, our Integrative Medicine providers offer individualized care."