Finding a good naturopathic doc

scouty said:

Great question Patrusha!!!!!!!

First, I would go a step further and visit a local health food coop/store/supermarket and look in the front of the store (Whole Foods and Wild Oats are big chains). There will be a few free magazines that will have ads for all sorts of alternative practicioners, including NDs, etc. I'm not sure what the difference between ND and NMD is, seems the few I saw listed on the internet had some medical practice training also.

The main reason I am recommending picking up some local ads and also looking in your phone book (look at several listing!!!!be creative: like ND, alternative medicine, nutrition, are the first ones I can think of) is because the ND I found that has really helped me to stage IV NED statis was licensed in homeopathic and naturopathic medicine but was the most proud of her PhD in Clinical Nutrition so those were the only "associations she chose to join", they cost money to be a member.

I had serious chemo brain when I made my phone call interviews (I was desperate and would not allow for an in person appt until I spoke to the Dr. in person). I called 3 and asked these questions (I think..heh heh).

1. What degrees and licenses do you have? Where are they from? I had to ask questions like "what does that mean?" I am serious. I was getting ready to trust my life with someone completely new and I had to be serious. If a question came to my mind I asked it and trust me some were very stupid!!!).

2. Have you any experiences with cancer patients? Tell me about them. I made sure I heard a few stories that made sense to me and colorectal stories were especially important.

3. Are you affiliated with any other companies? I would never see a ND that I thought supported only 1 or 2 brands of products. NDs are usually very committed to each and every patient and pride themselves on treating them as a true individual. Mine only sold me supplements she knew I could not get at the health food stores or on the internet. I appreciated that honesty. Make sure you get that special kind of treatment. One day our oncologist, and other docs will really learn how to do it.

4. What kind of treatments would you usually recommend and why? You will probably get a song and dance about "I can't really say until I see you in my office"...which is fine but they still should be able to give you some idea of what they would do given your diagnosis.

5. What documentation should I bring if I made an appt.? Mine did a hair analysis and urine test but accepted my blood work from my last chemo treatment that saved me those additional charges.

Quite honestly, you can ask questions till the cows come home, but feeling comfortable with them is extremely important. I know I rag on about alternatives, diets, and how pharmaceutical companies are killing us all but that all being said, I personally think the most important thing we all need is a complete belief in the approach you and your docs are taking. If you lie in bed at night doubting everything you are doing, the beast will get you. He preys on that.

I prefer to take the Davy Crockett approach, "grin em to death".

Lisa P.