Before I watched the Sept 29th, 2020 BioReset Podcast episode about Functional Medicine as a treatment for SIBO and COVID Long Haul I really had ZERO idea what it was. I honestly thought functional medicine was basically like seeing a naturopath, which I now know is false.
Here’s what functional medicine is according to the National Institute of Functional Medicine: Functional Medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.
Okay so I’m not going to bore you with definitions and facts, but really quick let me tell you what functional medicine is NOT:
It’s not a magic pill
It’s not anti-conventional medicine
It’s not herbal potions and burning incense; there is science behind it
It’s not always easy or cheap
I found this great blog article that gave the best example of how functional medicine differs from traditional medicine:
“If you visit your general practitioner because you suspect you have heartburn, your doctor will probably prescribe antacids to alleviate the symptoms and send you home. A doctor of functional medicine, on the other hand, wants to know what’s going on in other parts of your body that may be causing your heartburn to flare up. They may determine that an underlying issue is the cause of your heartburn—one that can be treated without requiring you to taking antacids."
To read the entire blog check out:
https://www.healthyway.com/content/what-is-functional-medicine/
Now that you know the basics, here’s why I decided to give Functional Medicine a shot (pun totally intended).
After three years of seeing specialist after specialist, trying different naturopathic treatments, and being misdiagnosed I was fed up. I was sick and tired of going to the doctor and coming up empty-handed. BUT I kept telling myself there must be something out there that works. There must be an alternative.
And then I found my alternative. The treatment plan Dr. Cook laid out for me was different than anything I’d tried before. He spent two hours on a zoom call with me and everything he said to me fell in line with what I’d researched and what I knew so far. It also helped that he was a board-certified anesthesiologist and had a background in traditional medicine. It made me feel more comfortable and more open to the idea of trying functional medicine.
So, what does my treatment plan look like, and how much does it cost:
My case is more complicated than most. Dr. Cook’s treatment plan addressed both my SIBO and COVID Long Haul.
Testing:
Great Plains Lab Urine Test (results pending)
2 separate stool samples (results pending)
Note: I previously had a ton of lab and diagnostic work done so no additional was needed
SIBO Treatment:
GI Synergy
Serrapeptidase
Boluke
SBI Protect
Xifaxan
Neomycin
Candida + KKO Juice
Lufeneuron
Thymosin Alpha 1 Peptide
COVID Long Haul Treatment:
Thymosin Alpha 1 Peptide
Thymosin Beta 4 Peptide
MoT-C Peptide
NAC Peptide
NAD Gold Liquid
The ONE Liquid
TMG Supplement
Colloidal Silver (nebulizer treatment)
Hypertonic minerals (nebulizer treatment)
He also prescribed a LOWFODMAP diet (or similar), low sugar (think less than 25grams per day, and ZERO alcohol) for 6 months (cue crying).
The approximate total for treatment was $4,700.
Now, after you pick your jaw up off the floor as I did, hear me out. Yes, it’s expensive. And no, insurance doesn’t cover ANY of the treatment.
But here’s what I realized. I wasn’t interested in continuing to live with chronic illness. I was sick and tired of being sick all the time. I wanted my life back. I wasn’t going to be able to run my own business much longer if something didn’t change. Traditional medicine just wasn’t cutting it. I was out of options. It was just crazy enough to work.
The next day, I emailed Dr. Cook’s office, said a little prayer, and told them to charge my card (gulp). Two days later a giant box showed up on my doorstep and I began the treatment protocol.
Want to hear how it’s going? Stay tuned for my next blog where I will give you an update after my first three weeks of treatment and share with you a little bit more about peptide therapy and show you how it works.
Until then,
XOXO Carri E.
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