Now THAT'S a Medical History!!

Somewhere around 10 years ago I toyed with the idea of finding a doctor on my end of the city. A female doctor was recommended by a family member, and i decided to give her a try. When I came to meet her I asked... "So I guess I should call my doctor's office and have them move my file here, then?"

She answered sincerely, "No, I won't need that."

I felt quite shocked, and couldn't figure out what to say in the moment. I had long term struggles with my health and no answers, and I like to think that my doctor is interested in a complete picture of my health... Who knows what might come clear in time if she had my medical history. I didn't stay with this doctor for long.

Now, as I am starting down the path to discover if my body has what it needs to be healthy, and if there is anything toxic that could be keeping my body from functioning to its fullest potential, one of the first things THIS doctor did was hand me a binder filled with questions about my medical history.

It included questions regarding:
1) My current sense of well-being
2) My Priorities
3) Central Nervous Systom Symptoms
4) Gastro-Intestinal System Symptoms
5) Respiratory and Cardiovascular System Symptoms
6) Musculoskeletel System Symptoms
7) Urinary Tract Symptoms
8) Gynocological Symptoms
9) Skin-Related Symptoms
10)Ear, Nose, and Throat Symptoms
11)Emotional Symptoms
12)Sleep Symptoms
13)Psychological Symptoms
14)And a list of other questions!
15)Family History
16)An inventory of toxicant exposures in the home, office, community
17)An assessment of diet and nutrition
18)Questions related to my prenatal environment (This medical history went back before my birth!!)
(See My Medical History Here)

The history was relatively easy to fill out. For most sections the questions were answered with a number between 1 and 8, and for the symptoms I had personally, I was to clarify the severity of the symptom, how regularly it occurs, if something triggers it, if there's something that makes it better, how long the symptoms last and if they're getting better or worse, if I've had test done for it, or been treated for it,and anything else I felt I needed to mention.

This was more work than the average doctor visit, but there's no doubt that my health is being looked at it in a complex, complete way! And it has been very revealing to me. I knew I had struggled with my health since I was young, but this exercise has brought to light the patterns and development of some thing's I hadn't picked up on before. VERY EXCITING STUFF!!

Stay tuned for what came out of this and the tests that were done!

Happy Health!
Read Next Post:  My Medical History (May 2011)

The First Visit

I went for my first appointment, unsure of what to expect. Last time I was there as an Obstetrics Patient. I brought my symptoms on paper (otherwise I was sure to forget to mention something). I was afraid that if anything was left out it might lead to a misunderstanding of what was gong on.

I explained the tests that I'd had done, and the dreaded words that my last doctor had left me with (he had essentially given up on my health once again). Then, this doctor compassionately explained that when doctors don't understand something it is easy to write it off as something psychological (as though it must all be in your head). You can imagine that put me at ease!

I also told him about a mold problem we currently had in our house (which I had mentioned to my family doctor as well, but was sort of laughed at). He explained that when someone is exposed to mold, we know it can cause certain things, and so he tested me for them.

The Diagnosis:
Imagine my relief as I get back results that actually tell me something. My insulin is at toxic levels. How did my family doctor miss this? The problem is called Hyperinsulinemia (brought on by mold exposure): Basically my cells have become resistant to insulin, so when my blood sugar goes up even a little, my body produces insulin. But because my cells are resistant to insulin it doesn't lower my blood sugar like it is supposed to, and my body continues to make more and more insulin until it reaches toxic levels. I also learned that fructose (which is in table sugar) is a trigger for this illness.

The Treatment:
1) No sugar or sweeteners (low glycemic foods only)
2) No chemical exposures.
3) Exercise every day.
4) Take something called GR-Plex (a combination of the things the body naturally uses to regulate blood sugar, and some natural substances that had been scientifically shown to regulate blood sugar as well).

I was relieved he didn't jump to a drug solution. I would have been VERY resistant to beginning another drug - especially one I'd potentially be on for life - if there were a way to mange this illness naturally. (see why in My Health Story)

At this point my insulin remains quite high, but the shaking has decreased rather quickly! While it hasn't taken care of all of my symptoms, many of them have disappeared. (They do return when I don't continue to live a healthy life and follow the instructions of my doctor!).

I know. It sounds like I'm healed. These changes brought me a good deal of relief! But if you can imagine, there is a fuller level of health that I will come to know. I'll share more about this soon!

Happy Health!
Read Next Post:  It Gets Better!