Functional medicine - decent or woo?

[icysphincterporn]

I have multiple complex, chronic health problems that are severely limiting my life. There is a limit to how far medicine (surgery, physio and medications etc) can go. I also seem to take many medications to counteract the side effects of medications.

I'm quite practical, anti woo and I don't believe that drinking sugar water or sticking needles in my neck will cure my illnesses. However, I am at my wits end. My ability to continue working is in question. I am too ill to be the mother and partner my family deserves. I have a shitty 'life' at the moment.

Someone mentioned functional medicine and I'm not sure, so I thought I'd put it to the MN jury. Money is very, very tight but if it's worth it, I will find the money, I don't want to waste it though.

Cheers in advance. :)

I'm really sorry you are struggling. Ive been in the exact situation you describe with work etc and remember how awful it was

Please avoid functional medicine. It isn't the answer you are looking for. I had it suggested to me, I looked into it (Google searches mainly but also spoke to people I know who are doctors) as very limited with money (would need a loan) but there is no scientific basis to it - definitely considered 'woo'. It would very, very likely be waste of money.

Sorry this probably isn't the reply you want.

I have been thinking about trying functional medicine for similar reasons. I think some practitioners are also conventionally qualified doctors, which would be best I think. I think you have to be sceptical and just take from it what you can. Most of what I have read about it seems to focus on healthy eating and doesn't conflict with taking medication or coming off it unless your usual doctor advises you to. I think maybe read a book about it and see whether it seems suited to your problems, I have been reading the books below, both by conventionally qualified doctors. Sometimes I just think it sounds crazy but other times it really makes sense. It doesn't advise anything that would be contrary to GP advice as far as I can see, but I am sure some approaches would.

www.amazon.com/The-Wahls-Protocol-Autoimmune-Conditions/dp/1583335544

www.amazon.com/The-Immune-System-Recovery-Plan/dp/1451694970/ref=pd_sim_14_14?ie=UTF8&dpID=51nGPaFL%2BpL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR107%2C160&refRID=0VH7JD06YH06ZSKV60BY

If I find out anything useful, i will post again.

Good luck OP, it is horrid I know.

I've never heard of it. I've just put those books in my amazon basket. I think read a book on it and decide.

I have FM and JHMD. Currently reading the lightening process book before deciding wether to soend money doing the course. Sane as you moneys tight.

Hi,
I have FM & pituitary failure (ie totally b*ggered up metabolic hormones).
I'm a cynic too, not into Woo at all, and take targeted supplements alongside a healthy, plant-based omnivorous diet - all easier to think about than to achieve when you are constantly fatigued & any movements cause pain during & after.
If anyone has experienced benefits from Wahls protocol or similar I would love to know, please share. There are so many down sides to these bloody awful conditions, we really need to pool our knowledge to try to reduce them!
My input - good old iron & vitamin D have helped me, when I compare now to a couple of years ago.
Gentle hugs to you all x