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A Tale of Two Medicines (or, Getting off the Doctor-Go-Round!)
Karen’s Change of Fortune
Karen’s birthday was not a joyous event, however her dad attempted to cheer her, with a new computer and internet subscription, calling it “just something to pass the time while you’re laid up.” Once online however, she quickly discovered Google and other search tools. When she typed in some of her symptoms she was amazed at what came back: the stories of hundreds of others that suffered experiences remarkably similar to hers! She devoured these stories - especially those of some who actually got better. In these stories she found new terms reappearing on her screen - notably one called “Functional Medicine.” From that point it wasn’t long until she’d contacted a Functional clinic in her area and set an appointment - with none other than “Doctor T.” (for Terlinsky)
Enter the Root Doctors
Karen’s encounter with Doctor T was unlike her encounters with any of the other physicians. One of the first points he emphasized was that Functional medicine takes time. Unlike other physicians he would need to spend hours with her; talking, testing, examining, and still more talking. Unlike the other physicians he would encourage her to talk - and listen carefully to what she had to say. Most importantly, unlike other doctors he wouldn’t pass the buck to other specialists. He accepted the challenges and responsibilities of his patient’s condition.
Upon enrollment everything he threatened came to pass: she found herself filling out myriad forms, participating in lengthy interviews, and giving up bodily fluids. This time around however, there was no rush, no quick assumptions, and the doctor seemed more interested in listening than talking.
Blood and fluid samples were sent to specialized laboratories, and soon returned the physical confirmations of what Karen’s exams and interviews had suggested. Karen herself had growing suspicions that she suffered symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Irritible Bowel syndrome. Now Doctor T was able to confirm those suspicions.
A Question of Balance
CFS/MFS and IBS are among the top known functional disorders. However they are also called “great imposters” because their symptoms mimic those of so many diseases. Hence Karen’s diagnosis was not complete. More work needed to be done; exacting diagnostic lab work and other procedures designed to identify the specific underlying causes of her unique symptoms and their effective treatment protocols.
What exactly are the oft-mentioned “root” or “underlying causes?” In most cases, they are the result of systemic imbalances arising in one (or several) of the following areas:
Intestinal Dysbiosis - breakdown in the balance of “friendly” intestinal bacteria to pathogens
Hormonal Deficiency - usually insufficient estrogen and/or testosterone (men)
Nutritional Deficiency - wreaks havoc across many systems
Immune system Disruption - caused by intoxication usually, inflames tissues, organs, skin disease
Metabolic Imbalances - excessive blood sugar, insulin levels, pre-diabetic
Food Allergies - lead to wide ranging problems, including autoimmune, dysbiosis
Intra-cellular Energy Disruptions, affecting the mitochondria (powerhouses) of the cell
Intoxication - introduction of a wide range of environmental/behavorial poisons
Oxidative Stress - leads to chronic inflammation
Even slight imbalances can be sufficient to run one’s system “off the track” when, magnified through time, the systems involved attempt to compensate - or overcompensate. As these chemical signals reverberate through the body’s web of interconnected systems - particularly in older patients with declining natural vitality - the CNS eventually signals the brain to let it know “the body is not well.” The resulting cascade of symptoms is the chronic disorder.
A Happy Ending
Karen’s lab tests confirmed some useful facts. Intestinal dysbiosis was initiated by the large doses of streptomycin given to her (by Doctor X) to fight a strep infection concurrent with her mono. The dysbiosis led to intestinal permeability (also known as “leaky gut” syndrome), which flooded her system with toxins and accelerated oxidative stress, resulting in gut inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and cellular disruptions leading to loss of stamina, intensive fatigue and a host of related symptoms.
Doctor T’s treatment was straight forward; consisting of the IFM recommended “4R’s” treatment: (four steps each beginning with the letter “R”):
Remove - the elimination of pathogens from the gut.
Replace - replace digestive factors and enzymes as necessary to restore gut function
Reinoculate - reintroduce “friendly bacteria” and restore microfloral balance.
Repair - provide nutrients for regeneration and/or healing (i.e. nutritional program)
Within two weeks Karen showed a significant increase in energy and stamina. Her sleeping patterns normalized, along with her bowel function and other symptoms. Within three weeks she returned to her job, confident of her recovery.
Aging as a Treatable Disease
Another wellspring of chronic disorder is the endocrine system. As the body ages, natural hormone production declines, particularly in women - although they don’t have an exclusive. (see Andropause in men) Hormonal deficiency and imbalances can produce wide ranging symptoms, chronic disorders, and degenerative diseases such as Type II diabetes. One of the most effective treatments available to counter these imbalances is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BI-HRT) which can restore patients’ endocrine balance and subsequently, their health and wellness in many cases.
You Don’t Have to Be Sick - to Get Well
The best defense is a strong offense also makes good sense in a medical context, especially when it comes to aging and chronic disorder.
Conventional medical assessments typically use a “pass/fail” grading system - another way of saying you are either in trouble, or one step away from it. Functional medicine looks at the spectrum of possible “test results” and seeks the most robust level of performance for each area of function. In other words, each person is a unique entity, capable of reaching his or her unique level optimal functioning; through a program of exercise, nutrition, proper rest, and other healthy inputs.
A Functional physician’s “wellness” program can provide the means for you to get “on the track” and learn how to stay there. You will not only avoid an unpleasant encounter with FMS/CFS, IBS or other chronic disorder; you will look, and feel, younger, healthier - and in all probability: happier too!
Added: 2007 09 24
