How Functional Medicine Helped Me: A Patient’s Story
Dr. Andrea Brisson is a naturopathic physician and chiropractor who specializes in functional medicine. Here, one of her patients shares how functional medicine provided relief for her chronic health issues. And, Andrea explains functional medicine and who it can help.
A patient’s experience:
I have had “digestive issues” of one kind or another most of my life. My symptoms have been worse the last couple years in Shanghai, with several episodes of acute pain. I’ve gone through a lot of traditional medical testing and been offered very little in terms of solutions (or reasons). Andrea listened carefully to my past history and current symptoms and ordered three tests. They were very easy to complete at home over a few days and then shipped off to the lab.
Shortly thereafter, we met to go over my results. Surprise, surprise…it wasn’t all in my head or something I would just have to live with the rest of my life. Andrea gave me a graphic representation of all my results and the various problem areas. She outlined a treatment plan and showed how supplements would address the specific issues identified. I started on the routine and only a couple weeks into taking the supplements, already had noticeable symptom reduction.
Some of the major components will be addressed over the next several weeks, as Andrea wanted to give my system time to adjust since there were several issues. I can’t wait to complete the full course of treatment, as I can only imagine how much better I will feel then! I’d highly recommend functional medicine for anyone with a chronic condition, even if it’s something you feel you can manage. Not only is there the potential for relief (finally!), but underlying problems may lead to more serious long-term health consequences. –Shannon
Functional Medicine Explained
Functional medicine uses testing and treatment protocols based on addressing the underlying functioning of the body’s systems. Symptoms can be misleading, but by testing saliva, urine, etc. we can base treatment on evidence of imbalances in the body so we can heal them. I use whole food nutritional supplements as the healing mechanism (along with lifestyle changes to support long-term health). This has been especially beneficial for patients who have attempted the medical model of symptom-based treatment and continue to suffer from an array of problems.
Who can functional medicine help?
Functional medicine can help most chronic conditions, especially when people are experiencing multiple symptoms and have had little success with other treatment. Some of the primary categories include:
- Chronic fatigue, sleep issues/insomnia, depressive and anxious moods
- Reproductive issues and hormonal imbalances (infertility, PMS, menopause)
- Digestive issues (IBS, heartburn, inflammation and many seemingly unrelated issues that stem from leaky gut syndrome)
What does the patient experience in functional medicine treatment?
For patients who’ve been frustrated with little relief for their symptoms, functional medicine may be the first time their real issues are addressed. Typically, the patient begins feeling better fairly quickly during treatment. The treatment is a partnership, so the doctor and patient work together to adjust and make sure all the underlying problems are addressed.
Contact us to make a consultation appointment with Andrea to find out how functional medicine can help. Andrea offers consultations in our Century Park Clinic – Pudong and specializes in holistic healing protocols that address hormonal imbalances, digestive issues and fatigue among others..