Some people will readily embrace the concepts held by traditional medicine practitioners-medical doctors and other health care providers such as nurses, physical therapists, and psychologists. Others, who have been disenfranchised for a variety of reasons, may have more negative feelings-perhaps because conventional medicine has not given them viable treatment options or because they feel uncared for in a system that at times can be coldly calculating rather than warmly nurturing. Most medical professionals, although not perfect, are genuinely dedicated and caring. Over the years, however, I have seen doctors who don’t fit this caring mold, and thus I am not surprised that some people lack confidence in conventional healers. When patients perceive a lack of concern on the part of their doctors, whether caused by time constraints, personality issues, or other factors, it can make them question the validity of the treatment. Seeking out a more nurturing environment is a primary reason why many people go to alternative health care practitioners.
For example, nontraditional healers help to inspire confidence in their patients by spending a lot of time with them. It is well documented that the average duration of an office visit with an alternative medicine provider is at least double or triple the time allotted by a conventional doctor.
While it is true that Western medicine is much faster-paced, it is widely known that some of the most compassionate doctors and nurses go into the field of oncology. Many cancer survivors report fabulous experiences with their health care team.
I do not advise people to rely solely on nontraditional practitioners, though I believe that some of them can be very helpful. I do not want to taint legitimate alternative healers, but I want you to be aware of the booming CAM industry and to recognize its long and often sordid history with respect to cancer.
Duping cancer patients happens all the time, and there is much needless suffering because of it. The FDA cautions consumers with this advice:
If you aren’t sure whether a person or treatment is legitimate, consider the following tips on how to identify quackery. Beware of
Beware of the unknown, such as
Beware of demands for excessive commitments, such as this: You need to follow a special diet or have treatment often and ongoing (this con often leads to blaming the failure of the treatment on the patient’s inability to follow the rigorous plan).
Although I suggest that all cancer survivors should remain firmly grounded in conventional medicine, even while exploring alternatives, I also appreciate many people’s preference for a “holistic” approach. So I have taken the best from the West and the East to provide you with the greatest opportunity to heal well.
Suzanne Somers, the actress perhaps best known for her role as the stereotypical dumb blond on the sitcom Three’s Company, made tabloid news for weeks when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and opted out of some of the treatments that her doctors recommended. She writes of her decision to continue hormonal therapy against her doctors’ advice.
I encourage all cancer survivors to do what I did myself, and what I tell my patients and my loved ones to do: first and foremost seek treatment with medical doctors, including a primary care physician and an oncologist, who will provide the most up-to-date information on the particular condition. A medical doctor who specializes in rehabilitation medicine (a physiatrist) can also be a wonderful resource during the recovery period. I respect the right of people to choose the kind of care they want to pursue, but I hope you will become as educated as possible about the options. If you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor, for whatever reason, get a second or even a third opinion. Find traditional healers you can trust-they are out there.
The treatments I recommend are designed to empower you and are generally based on scientific evidence. Where there is not good research to support a specific intervention, I point this fact out and explain what is known about the intervention. Some of my suggestions will help to reduce fatigue and pain and to rebuild strength and increase endurance. They will aid in getting a restful night’s sleep and in decreasing symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety if these are present. Wherever you are on the cancer spectrum in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, I hope that you will embrace as your first choice the remedies that have been proven to be effective in healing.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Webworldarticles.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
This article was sent to us by:
Elaine A. Walters at
02172010
1. How is latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction performed
All articles in this directory are property of their respective authors. Additionally, read our Privacy Policy
© 2010 WebWorldarticles.com - All Rights Reserved. Partners: Gunblade Saga