I was all set to have testing done at the natural health center for next week...
thermography, a full body scan looking for inflammation. Then some lab work done and vitamin testing and a urinalysis too. I was also going to meet and have the doctors visit to interpret the testing results. About $400 out of pocket as insurance will not pay for it.
The thermography test can help detect breast cancer before a mamogram can. In theory.
I found out that the vitamin testing is a hand cradle.
I asked what lab tests would be done and the receptionist could not tell me not what the uninalysis would test for. They were going to have the wellness coordinator call me. They changed my appointments on me and then said I would have to meet up with the doctor to read the screening.
I ended up not doing it and canceled the whole thing, I was going to have to go to 2 different places in different citys. A couple of my friends were leery of the practice so I just canceled it.
Instead I went to my regular family doctor and had lab work done and scheduled an appointment for my yearly physical(no pap). All done under a wellness exam so that is covered under my insurance.
I hope to see a new dr. who does practice wholistic medicine...will find out if she takes my insurance.
I will have to pay out of pocket to see her.
bizi

I'm enormously skeptical about all of this wholistic / naturalistic stuff. I also don't take any vitamins or supplements or anything like that. I'm not convinced any of it is of any real benefit. The one physician I saw who supposedly practiced wholistic medicine misdiagnosed Meniere's Disease for an ear infection & sent me on an odyssey that nearly resulted in a 3rd suicide attempt.

On the other hand, I've had pretty good success having anything that seemed at all unusual checked out by a doctor at whatever clinic I was going to at the time. One diagnosed me with cancer at a very early stage so that the repercussions were relatively minor in the whole scheme of things. And most recently, the GP I see currently (who is a surly old codger) recognized that I was developing Lamictal rash, which can in some cases, be deadly. My psychiatrist had never even mentioned it as a possible concern. And when I telephoned & spoke with his assistant, because I seemed to be developing a rash on my chest, she told me it was probably nothing to worry about. So these have been some of my experiences. Anyway, bizi, thanks for sharing this. I hope you have good experiences with your upcoming appointments.

I canceled the naturopath visit and will try to get an appointment with a new internist who apparently thinks wholistically. Awaiting a phone call back I left 2 messages to call me please. They close at noon on fridays. Hoping to hear from them on monday. Her name is dr. kelly cobb. She runs a theraputic spa.
At least she takes my insurance but I will ask what she charges for cash visits since we have such a high deductible. I would rather save money then have it count toward the deductible. A therapist that I was considering going to was going to charge me $20 more just to file.
That is ridiculous!
bizi

I'm sorry about your experience with the holistic doc, Skeezyks. I've had one attempt of my own

I'm sorry that things didn't work out with the naturopath, Bizi. I hope that the new internist is a better fit for you and the visit won't be too costly.

Skeeyzs

I sure hope you discontinued the Lamictal that rash is deadly.
Its something all doctor's should really tell a patient period.

I have a friend on the internets son that had it because of seizures.
It was the really bad one that he got. Put him in hospital for quite
a while. And all.

Donna

Bizi

I'm a firm believer that your cats may be able to alert you to breast cancer.
All other things too. So I personally think you might have an early
alert system in your own home.

I know that I didn't think much of our one cat sitting with me. He does, but when Christina did and tried to sit at my breast area where the cancer was
found I should have known something was up.

Since my cancer is gone, she doesn't come sit with me on her own. But I know I can count on her if I need her.

By the way everyone I got an 11 year old poodle that I'm guessing
is a miniature on Sunday. HIs name is Jake.

I don't have a picture yet on my computer. Or I'd post it.

Donna

I am looking for people who have been diagnosed with Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies. I have this and at 50 yrs old, have now become disabled. Looking for shared issues and new info.

Hello Gina
I'm not sure if you intended to post this on the BiPolar Forum, but here is the link to our Peripheral Neuropathy forum as members there might be able to offer you support and information as well
http://www.neurotalk.org/forum20/

Donna, I believe some animals can tell when things aren't right.
Congratulations on getting Jake! I hope he adjusts well and quickly