Finding a good naturopathic doc

Patrusha

I have found references online to about 6 NDs or NMDs (what is the difference) that are within driving distance of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I live. But how do I know which ND to go with? Only one lists "cancer" in her specific treatment areas, but does that mean the others won't be as good?

What kinds of questions do you ask an ND when you're interviewing them?

scouty

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.

shmurciakova

I was given a pamphlet for my ND at my oncologists office! Maybe if your onc is of the open minded variety they could recommend someone. It would not hurt to ask. You might be surprised!
Best of luck in finding someone you like!
-Susan.

Patrusha

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.

Thanks, Scouty, I'm going to print this out and get on it tomorrow! Those are great questions.

Patrusha

shmurciakova said:

I was given a pamphlet for my ND at my oncologists office! Maybe if your onc is of the open minded variety they could recommend someone. It would not hurt to ask. You might be surprised!
Best of luck in finding someone you like!
-Susan.

Thanks, Susan, but no such luck at my research and teaching comprehensive cancer center. I've already been told that they have a "no herbal" policy because one patient tried it and died. No specifics. Let's just say they believe in traditional medicine and that's that. I'm on my own here.

terril

Patrusha said:

Thanks, Susan, but no such luck at my research and teaching comprehensive cancer center. I've already been told that they have a "no herbal" policy because one patient tried it and died. No specifics. Let's just say they believe in traditional medicine and that's that. I'm on my own here.

This is such a crock. I wish and pray traditional medicine would examine other options more often. There have been patients who have tried chemo and died. Yet, it still goes on. Terri

lfondots63

Hi Pat,

Another thing you could try is at the health food stores if anyone knows of a ND. I found a drug store in our area that the pharm is a ND. Good luck.

Lisa

nanuk

they have to be licensed in most states-you might start with your state license bureau, and I would also google ND/NMD/area________ Bud