So far on this journey, the main driving force to figuring everything out from therapies, specialists, supplements, diet, etc. for CB has been me (with a big help from my hubby). I understand that this is how our system is set up. From one perspective, it is quite empowering b/c there are so many options and opportunities for our children. We are no longer in a day and age where we find out our child is unique and we know our child will not have the same education and opportunities as typically developing children. Now don’t get me wrong, there are difficult times and struggles and extra challenges, but our children’s future is not set in stone. We get to help them in so many ways and they get to be whoever they want to be while playing an active role in our society. We are blessed in that way. On the other hand, it can be extremely overwhelming trying to figure out how to best help our children, how to get started, and how to sift through all the options from therapies to specialists (gastroenterologists, neurologists, child psychologists, behavioral psychologists,nutritionists, DAN doctors, holistic practitioners, Functional Medicine doctors, geneticists, etc.) to traditional medicine to biomed to diet changes and on and on. Plus, you have to consider what is covered by insurance and what costs will be totally out of pocket. I am fortunate that I am able to stay home with my kiddos and have the time and means to make the choices we feel will be best for CB. I hope one day that things will be easier for parents with children with special needs. I hope they will not feel lost and overwhelmed and that the resources will be easier for them to locate and access. I hope more practices will be recognized as beneficial and will be covered by insurance.
Up to this point, I have been reluctant to seek help from a functional medicine doctor, DAN/MAPS doctor, or holistic practitioner primarily due to the following reasons:
- Concern that we would be given a standard treatment plan provided to most of their customers. I was concerned it would not be individualistic.
- Concern that they would push products they sold. I felt this would cloud their judgement whether consciously or not.
- Cost versus benefit. Most of the time, the visit is not covered by insurance and they request numerous labs that are not covered by insurance.
- Based off reviews of local doctors/practitioners, I had not felt like there was one that seemed to stand out and I felt I could trust.
Well, a holistic practitioner recently opened a second practice in our city. His primary practice is in another city. He came highly regarded and I felt he would provide a more individualized treatment plan, he does not produce products which he could push, and I came to terms with #3. We already had blood work results for the past year and 10 months, OAT (organic acids test) results, made diet changes, and have been on a consistent supplement regimen for almost a year. I think I just wanted someone to verify we are on the right track and to help us identify any pieces we are missing. I also felt quite knowledgeable so it would be easier at this point to know what he is talking about and to quickly access if I trust his expertise. The visit went quite well. CB played the whole time while we talked – say what? I know, it was so hard for us to believe. Plus the holistic practitioner seemed knowledgeable and gave us digestible next steps. He requested 3 labs to be performed (stool, toxic metals test, and 23andMe) and 2 extra supplements (PPQ Complex and Liver Support) for CB to take. Otherwise, he just modified the dosage of the supplements CB was taking. We have our next appt set up for mid/late January. Hopeful!
The practitioner also provided an immune support document with natural remedy suggestions for preventing illness and for helping minimize the length of an illness. My whole family has been sick for the past month or longer so I hope some of these suggestions will help my family.