I just started with a Functional Medicine NP, too!!
HI, Mamabug,
I am so interested in hearing your journey because I just started going to a functional medicine Nurse Practitioner (NP) about 4 weeks ago.
I went to her because I've been having nausea/vomiting (N/V) since around Nov last year with elevated liver enzymes. Since November, I've had 2 GB ultrasounds, Brain and neck MRI (to rule out MS cause), three abdominal CT scans, liver MRI, liver biopsy, upper GI scope (EGD), gastric emptying study, Gall Bladder (GB) emptying study, and a partridge in a pear tree! I also had a blood clot behind my retina and a small retinal tear due to the pressure from the vomiting. Thank goodness those resolved ok. I had my gall bladder out in May (the liver BX at the same time). Still having N/V almost constantly unless I am taking anti-nausea pills. My traditional medicine doctors (both VA and non-VA) really didn't have anything else to offer me.
The only upside is I lost around 45 pounds and am back into size small/medium clothes (from extra large and 1x extra large). Oh, darn! I'm having to buy a new wardrobe!!
She drew all kinds of labs (thank goodness the VA did a bunch of them at my request!), and she started me on a 21 day liver detox program. It includes cutting out all eggs, sugar, dairy, tomatoes, gluten, red meat, shellfish, corn (mainly because most corn strains are GMOs) for that 21 day period. I have a vegan protein shake mix, another vitamin power, ox-bile, good probiotics, and pyloricil to help my liver enzymes. The second of the three weeks there was no animal (or fish, chicken) protein. I have 4 days left.
I am really concentrating now on buying organic meats, fruits, and vegetables, and non-GMO stuff. I already buy most of my meat from farmers I know (I've been to their farms) and seen how the animals are pasture raised with non-GMO feed (and no feedlot corn finishes for any of them!!)
I learned how to make my own hummus (really, really easy, and better than store bought!), almond and coconut milks (really simple, too!) I am doing a lot more real cooking, and no eating out right now.
It really wasn't that hard to give up all that stuff, as I know that I will be able to add eggs, limited dairy (I know the farmer from whom I buy my milk), and all but the gluten, corn, and sugar back into my diet as I can tolerate it. The hardest thing was I needed to limit my fructose (fruit sugar) to under 25 grams/day because I have been pre-diabetic. I also recently took some bread making classes at a local artisan bakery (sourdough and baguettes), and have a bunch in my freezer to get rid of.
I have an appointment with the NP in 2 weeks to go over labs, the next steps and narrow down the supplements I need to take. She also recommends the "Practical Paleo" and "Wahls Protocol" books. I also have appointments with her nutritionist and health fitness coach to work out a fitness plan for me.
Oh, I also have stopped taking my Modafinil/Provigil (for fatigue) and haven't noticed a difference. I also am off my BP meds. And I am slowly weaning myself off the anti-nausea meds.
I will keep you updated! Good luck with your journey into better heath!!
HI, Mamabug,
I am so interested in hearing your journey because I just started going to a functional medicine Nurse Practitioner (NP) about 4 weeks ago.
I went to her because I've been having nausea/vomiting (N/V) since around Nov last year with elevated liver enzymes. Since November, I've had 2 GB ultrasounds, Brain and neck MRI (to rule out MS cause), three abdominal CT scans, liver MRI, liver biopsy, upper GI scope (EGD), gastric emptying study, Gall Bladder (GB) emptying study, and a partridge in a pear tree! I also had a blood clot behind my retina and a small retinal tear due to the pressure from the vomiting. Thank goodness those resolved ok. I had my gall bladder out in May (the liver BX at the same time). Still having N/V almost constantly unless I am taking anti-nausea pills. My traditional medicine doctors (both VA and non-VA) really didn't have anything else to offer me.
The only upside is I lost around 45 pounds and am back into size small/medium clothes (from extra large and 1x extra large). Oh, darn! I'm having to buy a new wardrobe!!
She drew all kinds of labs (thank goodness the VA did a bunch of them at my request!), and she started me on a 21 day liver detox program. It includes cutting out all eggs, sugar, dairy, tomatoes, gluten, red meat, shellfish, corn (mainly because most corn strains are GMOs) for that 21 day period. I have a vegan protein shake mix, another vitamin power, ox-bile, good probiotics, and pyloricil to help my liver enzymes. The second of the three weeks there was no animal (or fish, chicken) protein. I have 4 days left.
I am really concentrating now on buying organic meats, fruits, and vegetables, and non-GMO stuff. I already buy most of my meat from farmers I know (I've been to their farms) and seen how the animals are pasture raised with non-GMO feed (and no feedlot corn finishes for any of them!!)
I learned how to make my own hummus (really, really easy, and better than store bought!), almond and coconut milks (really simple, too!) I am doing a lot more real cooking, and no eating out right now.
It really wasn't that hard to give up all that stuff, as I know that I will be able to add eggs, limited dairy (I know the farmer from whom I buy my milk), and all but the gluten, corn, and sugar back into my diet as I can tolerate it. The hardest thing was I needed to limit my fructose (fruit sugar) to under 25 grams/day because I have been pre-diabetic. I also recently took some bread making classes at a local artisan bakery (sourdough and baguettes), and have a bunch in my freezer to get rid of.
I have an appointment with the NP in 2 weeks to go over labs, the next steps and narrow down the supplements I need to take. She also recommends the "Practical Paleo" and "Wahls Protocol" books. I also have appointments with her nutritionist and health fitness coach to work out a fitness plan for me.
Oh, I also have stopped taking my Modafinil/Provigil (for fatigue) and haven't noticed a difference. I also am off my BP meds. And I am slowly weaning myself off the anti-nausea meds.
I will keep you updated! Good luck with your journey into better heath!!
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