Like most things, looking at your health from a different perspective can be a helpful way to get to the root of your symptoms. Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture offers many pathways and modalities for healthy living. But it can be a process.
Often, new patients come to see me because they have become lost in or frustrated with the practice of Western medicine. For months, even years, they have been searching for answers only to find themselves at a dead end.
Feeling hopeless is overwhelming, and stress is one reason a patient might not feel better. With permission, I am sharing a case study of one patient’s process towards relieving and resolving their gastrointestinal issues.
Here’s part one of their story:
“I started noticing symptoms like extreme bloating in my stomach and small intestines. I felt like sometimes I couldn’t even get off the couch. The circumference of my abdomen hurt because my skin was so stretched out. I gained and lost weight rapidly. My blood pressure was elevated to an abnormal level. There was inflammation throughout my body. And I woke up feeling exhausted.
My western medical doctor had some thoughts. She checked everything related to my heart and lungs. She thought it could be hormonal shifts, but blood tests showed my hormones balanced. I asked her if it could be leaky gut, which she dismissed. Her final assessment was that I either had sleep apnea or a pulmonary issue that required specialization.
The sleep apnea test came back negative; in fact, all the tests came back negative. The extreme bloating and discomfort were still positively present.
And then, my doctor moved to Texas.
I am educated about nutrition. I thought I could figure out what was bothering me, so I took matters into my own hands. I tried eliminating foods that might upset my digestive system, such as red meat, gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
Eliminating food sometimes worked, but other times it didn’t. Plus, I realized there was a mental component to eating that I wasn’t equipped to deal with, and I couldn’t navigate that aspect alone.
I knew my body wasn’t functioning well, but I didn’t know how to fix it. So, I made an appointment with Dr. Graves to learn more about my options.”
My patients often express a sense of having burdened their provider with personalized symptoms that feel unique. What they don’t realize is that a lot of people are going through this. You have symptoms that are ambiguous in that they could indicate any number of problems. For instance, 100 people might experience bloating – ninety-five of them can deal with it, and five cannot. Western medical doctors lump you into a category and throw lots of generalized tests at you, but they might not get to the root of your symptoms.
With functional testing, I can help you get to the bottom of things in a way your Western doctor might not. The obvious symptoms might be digestive issues, but what about the more subtle symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, headaches/migraines, and hormonal issues?
Checking for food sensitivity would be the next step if you have noticed these symptoms. At CNMA, we offer two options:
Both types of testing include a 30 minute Lab Review with me, either in person or telehealth, where we examine the results and create a plan.
Where are you in the process of wellness? Summer is an optimal time to shift your eating habits and start feeling well. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Let’s discuss how functional medicine provides relief when Western medicine falls short.
Beyond gastrointestinal issues, functional testing helps determine what subtle nuances in your body contribute to your overall feeling of “dis-ease.” In June, we are launching an online portal where you can order functional testing and comprehensive lab tests. All of the tests include a 30-minute lab review with Dr. Graves once the results are ready.
I would love to talk more about your situation to see if we can get to the root cause and create a personalized plan for you. I offer a complimentary call for new patients. Contact me by calling 303-688-6698 or scheduling online.
Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is a functional medicine and acupuncture practice in Castle Rock, CO. We serve the greater Denver area as well as Parker, Larkspur, and Highlands Ranch.
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