I have a very healthy respect for nature and its power and I regard herbs, roots, fungi etc. as being incredibly potent and usefule tools when handled correctly. That said, in the wrong or inexperienced hands, I am also nervous about their use. I am not a shaman or natural medicine aficianado and therefore believe I defintiely need someone's help to avoid interactions and contradictions and such. I already have quite a bit on my plate, LOL, and don't think I'm at my personal learning best and need professional assistance decoding Mothernature's pharmacopia...

Love ya, Fluff! Thanks! And I'd love it if you would kindly pm me with some "naturals" info. It can't hurt to start familiarizing myself with stuff other than Samento...

I'll PM you with what I'm taking currently. He recommended all of it. Talk to you soon.

Luv ya, too

****My doctor is conservative as far as anti bs and believes in alot of supplements, which they sell right there but it's pretty expensive.****

????

"Believes in lots of supplements" ???

"sell right there" ???

That would be a red flag for me------ but if that's the way you want to go----- best of luck.

What are you taking? You can PM me. Appreciate it.

That's only happened since the site has been updated.

I'll have to write to admin and see what gives. It's making this site almost impossible to read.

I don't have to P.M. you to answer.

I've taken only abx through an llmd.

I do take some supplements but not handfuls.

I'm sorry you can't afford an llmd. But sometimes that's the only way through. And sometimes following a protocol that uses only supplements isn't exactly cheap either!

Some of the members here say they've been helped by only supplements.

You'll have to decide if you want to go that way or using an llmd who follows ILADS guidelines.

Good luck to you. It just wouldn't be my choice.

Cave...

Here is the thing...some docs keep the stuff in the office because their patients find it easier to get it that way then having to order elsewhere. Some may be making a profit, but there are those who do this because they have researched the products, used it on themselves and families and find that these things work well. And they are not making a profit off it. They only charge what they pay...

IDK - what is so wrong with that. It is usually there when you need it, and you dont have to wait for it to be shipped...

I have done abx treatment for 12 yrs staight with a gap due to finances, then about 2 yrs of abx...I have never had remission...close but never...I have been on handfuls of drugs...and ultimately it was one thing after another after another - every time i crashed, it was another new and worse condition...and one is pending now. My greatest strides came when the docs started adding supplement, and dietary changes. And I was at my best on whole food supplements...

Ya know our bodies are organic and was designed to work a specific way; A Natural way. These drugs that we are taking does help - but not if we dont help ourselves. And if you really think about it - Lyme and co-infections are not something that was created in a lab - they occur naturally - and nature does have a way of taking care of itself and providing the tools to us IF we open our eyes and mind...

Ultimately you choose what works best. however - as far as the FDA goes and related agencies - I see them as part of the problem...the drug companies dont make money from the natural route - and therefore the time is not being taken to look at things that have been around for thousands of years...they just arent big money makers...

Pammie - you should talk to your doc to understand better why he supports the supplements. My LLMD back in NJ doesnt put patients on anything she and her children havent tried. And has gone from abx therapy to a mix of alt therapies with abx - and dietary changes - and has had mega results with patients being able to significantly come off drugs and completely ending their need for rx's...

You have to spend the time doing the research yes - but also research how the human body is supposed to function in terms of consumption...and then go with what works for you. And if your doc makes a profit off the supplements he sells - well that is his choice of course - but do what you do - get them from another source that is less expensive...

Personally, since I tried the conventional method for so long, i am going to give the natural protocol a try...

Good Luck in whatever approach you choose...

Christine

To address Pam, tho, I think that the main reason your doctor might disapprove of you getting a supplement elsewhere is that he has probably done the research on those brands he carries and knows them, as I know the people in the health food stores and nutrition stores have done, when I go in and talk to them for advice. He knows the quality and can ensure it and can guarantee it. Quality control, plain and simple.

I'm sure it could be a kick-back. I'm pretty cynical, so I can say that, too. And he might be profiting, sure. Who wouldn't? They're certainly a profitable market at this point. Many people want to go the natural route and want organic foods and stuff. It's a lucrative business. And many alternative practictioners who are knowledgeable, from chiropractors to massage therapists, are selling different natural remedies for things.

Anyway, I think you should make an informed decision based on what works for you, either way. Many people use a combined method. I probably would have gone the conventional route had I gotten a doctor to actually listen to me. As it is, I have had no choice but to go with naturals, and I'm actually feeling quite a bit better after 8.5 weeks of treatment that way. And I wouldn't trade it for the world, cuz I darn well won't sit back and wait to die! That is NOT an option.

And now that I know so much more, and have broken back out my herbal books and am remembering all the stuff I learned long ago, I'm probably going to change some of my conventional meds around and work with herbals for my blood pressure and other problems I have. Cuz I can actually think again. Isn't that nifty? LOL

*hugs* Peace!

I'm sure my doctor profits from the supplements because they are awfully expensive. There are a ton of LLMD out there doing the same. I have done so much research and calling around to find doctors. It's almost like they are taking advantage of the lyme disease community. They know how desperate we are to get better and we are willing to pay the price to get better. (just my opinion)

Anyway, I've been on a ton of anti bxs and I think my body needs a break. So I'm going to try natural. Who knows what will happen. I may be back on anti bx or maybe I won't. I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks again for your help and input. I do appreciate it.

Hugs to all,

I hope the bacteria are ready for a break. LOL Good luck to you pammie.