50 miles...is that all?

[shootingstar]

I'm glad you're feeling better, Jiffer. I am the sort of person that avoids if possible taking aspirins, etc. I don't even get a flu shot. Maybe I will when I get older and weaker in general.

I guess on Western trained doctors vs. naturpathic doctors I wouldn't be wholesale condemning one over the other for everything. While it maybe true that the pharmaceutical giants try to win over the doctors with freebie samples,etc. there are doctors more willing to at least listen or try to keep current....

My personal feeling /biases is so much based on the following realities, Jiffer:

a) A sister who is a Western trained doctor and practices medicine for past 15 yrs. --she is not against acupuncture and sees benefits for certain conditions. (Whereas others even here in this forum, question it..) She explains known drug reactions when family members ask.

b) Another sister who is a practicing and licensed pharmacist in a teaching hospital. (They have tremendous knowledge ...in Canada university study of pharmcology is 5 yrs. prior to exam and certification.) Yes, sometimes this sister knows certain drugs more than sister a), only because a doctor has to be selective in keeping current vs. highly specialized areas/atypical diseases. The 2 do collaborate

c) A close friend who did her Master's in Pharmcokinetics, worked for major global drug firm. Left to go back to school..and is a naturopathic doctor.

NOW --who would I tend to consult first?: If it questions concerning prescribed drugs, treatments from a doctor (I have my own family doctor. My sister is 2nd opinion only.), then I would be asking both sisters. I would consider naturpathic doctor for diet (though they are not registered dieticians), preventive health care. Would I want my father to see a naturpathic doctor for his prostate cancer? No. Am I glad he's not yet on chemotherapy? Yes, it's extending his quality of life...and my doctor-sister supports his decision. (He has an oncologist.)

Yes, I know I am extraordinarily lucky to have immediate informal access to expertise. Also to have a family member is now serving to advocate for parent.

[Crankin]

There is a place for everything. I've done acupuncture, yoga, counseling, PT, and regular medication when no doctor could figure out what was wrong with me. Maybe I am jaded because I live in a place where I have access to world class medical care and there is no shortage of physicians who fully believe in complementary medicine as needed. I think you need to be a very good advocate for yourself and understand the value and risks of all treatments. Even alternative medicine (herbs, dietary supplements) have serious side effects.
My experience with symptoms very similar to Jiffers' is that it helped me to give up all expectations of speed. I could care less about stats or competing against anyone, except myself. I got back to where I was, and now I just don't care. I am fitter than I was before I got sick because I am doing other sports and I changed my diet. And, I enjoy cycling a lot more.