Just got back from the Dr.'s :(

[mbncb]

Help!!!! Doc is not happy at all with my decision to go raw. Very long story short, I am on 21 different meds from having quadruple bypass surgery in June, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, GERD and fibromyalgia. My blood pressure today was 138/76. It hasn't been that high for over 6 months. I've been doing yoga and meditation daily for 2 weeks and have a sense of calm about me. I've lost 17 pounds in 2 weeks on raw foods. Doc said that I could end up with a micro-nutrient deficiancy or problems with my amino acids. How do I stop this from happening or at least convince her otherwise? I feel great. She said that 17 pounds is too much in 2 weeks and she's concerned. I'm definitely not starving! I eat more now than before raw. I just wanted her support in all of this. I go back in 2 weeks.

[Dimond]

Can you find an alternative doctor, one who practices both or a nutritionist that can assist you with this and perhaps also alleviate your medical doctor's concerns? Though that may never happen if she's not open to it, but at least you'll feel more confident. You may want to look into a different doctor too, if that's possible. The more positive support you have, the better chance for success. You sound like you're doing great, don't let this hold you back.

[mbncb]

My doctor is great. I have 6 different docs but she is my internal medicine practioner. Insurance won't cover a homeopathic doc. She said something about my skin drying out from this way of eating. It already is bad but I didn't want to tell her that. :/ I just think that she hasn't had a lot of experience in using nutrition to make a person better. I want to prove to her that it can and will work for me. I was hoping to be able to get off of some of my meds. I just don't know enough about this way of eating yet to make sure my nutrient/vitamin/amino/fatty acids aren't going to low levels.

[Aleesha Sattva]

wow that is a lot on your body's plate. (((hugs))) :backhug:

fortunately you won't continue to release that much weight that quickly... so she'll be happier about that. it is concerning for the general public when someone releases that much weight in such a short period of time so she has reason to be concerned. what she doesn't realize is that what you are consuming is full of health... not unhealth like many "diets" are.

so just remember to continue meditating, doing your yoga and staying as relaxed as possible...

:meditating:

[mcster]

Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your situation and wish you the best of luck in improving your health. Choosing to go raw is probably one of the best decisions you could've made in that regard.


Doc said that I could end up with a micro-nutrient deficiancy or problems with my amino acids. How do I stop this from happening or at least convince her otherwise? I just wanted her support in all of this.

The deficiency concern is based on a complete lack of understanding about anything that goes beyond what doctors are taught in medical school. They don't even learn about nutrition. :rolleyes: IMO, eating raw is probably the best way to ensure you don't have deficiencies provided you do your homework and eat a balanced diet. I sincerely doubt you'll be able to get her support until such time as your body goes through whatever process it needs to go through to recover from your ailments. Unfortunately, healing naturally requires that you go through detoxification stages that will be interpreted by the medical field as "your new diet causing you to be sick" and will insist that you change it. At some point, you may want to decide how much you want to listen to your doctors and how much you are willing to rely upon yourself to learn about what makes sense to you and what doesn't. And please note, I am not against traditional medicine. I think it plays an important part. However, it is equally quite limiting/limited.


She said something about my skin drying out from this way of eating. It already is bad but I didn't want to tell her that. I want to prove to her that it can and will work for me. I was hoping to be able to get off of some of my meds. I just don't know enough about this way of eating yet to make sure my nutrient/vitamin/amino/fatty acids aren't going to low levels.

Google is your friend. Lots of free and very rich information on raw diet and nutrition out on the web. What convinced me to go 100% was learning about the fact that I not only get 100% of the vitamins, minerals and aminos I need but I get them from living foods which are much higher quality and are better assimilated by the body. It's all common sense but somehow common sense can escape seemingly smart people. Your skin issue is either temporary is being caused by a lack of balance in your diet. As a raw vegan, you should have fantastic skin. The best information you can find on raw nutrition comes from raw athletes. They are the ones who have done the homework to find out what sources provide what nutrients. If you have any deficiencies like iron or calcium you can increase consumption of certain foods to balance your system.

I hope this helps and I commend you and truly wish you the absolute best in your search for better health.

[D'vorah]

Fruits give us our highest concentration of vitamins, greens give us our highest concentration of minerals. If she asks you where you'll get your protein, ask her where huge brama bulls and silverback gorillas get theirs. Answer: Greens.

As for your skin, there are many products that one can put on the outside of the body to help with this issue. I live in a dry, wintery place where I couldn't eat enough fats to keep my skin moist if I wanted to.

And I agree whole-heartedly with the above, docs generally don't have enough information about nutrition, and much of what they think they have is just misinformation that keeps getting passed along.

D

[Stella Green]

As for dry skin: coconut oil is pretty amazing stuff. I take a spoonful of it every morning before I do some yoga, and then use it as a moisturizer. Because it's so cold out, I've been putting cayenne pepper in everything from my smoothies to my salads, and I also read that cayenne pepper is supposed to do good things for your skin too.

Yes, make sure you get a balanced diet. Remember that you need vitamin C to help absorb nutrients like iron and calcium, and you may decide to go even further with supplements. Any diet can be risky if you restrict yourself too much...just let your doctor know how you are educating yourself and also, get your bloodwork done so that the results can speak for themselves.
:cheer:

[mbncb]

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice. I did tell her about the greens when she asked about protein. She still insisted this is a "fad" diet. I told her no, it's my new way of life. None of my docs could help me. They just keep pushing medicine on me. One day one of friends suggested raw eating. I've never felt better. Doctors are just part of the big picture when it comes to the pharmaceutical companies making money. They do help me but right now I feel better taking a leap of faith. :)

[changeisgood]

How about printing out some reliable information and/or giving her books on raw food way of life. not a recipe book, but information on how it works, etc. Start educating your doctors so they can see this isn't a fad but a way of life, a choice. Ask her to respect your choice and to work with you instead of against you. Otherwise she will be the one to turn you away.
I know you mentioned insurance coverage, how about gifting yourself atleast a consultation with a medical professional that knows about raw food way of life, just to be on the safe side because of all your medical conditions and medications. Just an exp - there are herbs that can cause problems with certain medications and I've read that about certain veggies/fruit.
I'm probably over reacting since I had a girlfriend who died by insisting how she was treating herself was right and turned her back on MDs advice until it was too late. And another friend who died because many people gave her advice which she listened to and didn't do enough research.

[Stina]

My health care practitioner is my acupuncturist and trying to convince him that eating raw was the best thing for me was futile. He thought things like sandwiches with meat were best for me. So I simply stopped talking about it. After a few months of eating raw, I asked about my liver and digestion and status of meridians. He said they all had improved a lot. I said, guess what, I've been eating all raw.

It is a rare medical doctor who will be open minded to something new and holistic. Its kind of an ego thing.

Do something for your own peace of mind though. Check out Cronometer on line. You supply the info about what you ate and it breaks down the exact nutrients you are receiving. So you know exactly what you are getting for vitamins minerals and amino acids. Empower yourself. Good few for you for being proactive!

[mcster]

I did tell her about the greens when she asked about protein.

What? She was curious about where you get your protein from? Say it isn't so! :D


How about printing out some reliable information and/or giving her books on raw food way of life.

Great intention but I would submit that 99.9% of the time, it's a friggin' waste of time! As Stina points out below...


It is a rare medical doctor who will be open minded to something new and holistic. Its kind of an ego thing.

Yep, I mean, how could someone who didn't spend seven years at medical school know more than them about health? :rolleyes:

Okay, enough cynicism. To be fair, my doctor is quite open minded and a great guy.


I'm probably over reacting since I had a girlfriend who died by insisting how she was treating herself was right and turned her back on MDs advice until it was too late. And another friend who died because many people gave her advice which she listened to and didn't do enough research.

I'm sorry about your losses. There is indeed a lot of quackery and poor advice dispensed in the holistic field unfortunately. One certainly does need to do their homework. However, there is another side. For example, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and given three months to live by three different doctors. My mom took her to a naturopath clinic. A few months later she went back to the doctors and they were stupefied that she was cancer free. That was about 28 years ago. She's 94 this year. A friend of my mom's was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia and was likewise given weeks to live. I'm not sure what she did in addition to but she did go 100% raw and lived over two years before she finally passed.

[klomasius]

The proof of the pudding is in the tasting so to speak. :)

Your proof will be in the blood tests, if you have any tests to compare them to pre raw, this will give a rough indication of how you are faring health wise.

I've spent my entire life around medical professionals of one type or another (doctors, nurses etc.) and my overall experience I have gleaned is that the entire health paradigm HAS to shift away from what it is now in order for us to actually heal rather than fill the coffers of the pharmaceutical companies (which I have also worked for).

Also keep in mind that doctors are cautious to the point of being vary wary of anything even slightly unconventional, and will err on the side of caution. This would be a great thing if the convention weren't to default to pills and other band aids.

You might want to tell your doctor you understand her concerns, and will address any deficiencies if and when they are detected. This seems like the most sensible option, coupled with monitoring your own health over time. Constant monitoring (both test wise and your own observations) will ensure that you detect and address any issues that come up. Work WITH your doctor, not against them, they in turn should help you to accomodate your way of life into your healing regime.

We should be cautious, but being cautious to the point that we never try the things that might heal us might not be the most sensible option.

Hope you heal soon! :cheer:

[Amii]

You're taking over twenty different medications??? Is it no wonder your skin is messed up and your blood pressure has gone mental?!

Don't talk to your doctor about food at all, just get on with it quietly :)

[damaru]

The pharmaceutical company is going to lose a lot of money when you are able to go off those pills. :woohoo:

[Shine]

You've got a lot you're working through and I admire your courage, espically at your age!

BLOODWORK - make sure you are getting done as pp have stated. BUT - also make sure your doc understands what the bloodwork is saying. It could look really funky for a while as your body begins to heal itself but doc keeps you on the same dosage/combination of medications. IMO, talking through these results is the most important thing you can do to make sure you are not being overmedicated on your journey to true health!

My very best to you! :throwhearts:

[mbncb]

My skin was great before I started raw. Now it is so dry. Especially my face. I NEVER use face lotion and I have to put it on twice a day now. I don't understand. I do eat walnuts and raw almond butter so I should be getting enough fats.

I'm going to have the doctor do a CMP when I go back in 2 weeks. I'll be curious to see what that has to show. There have been so many good things that have come out of going raw for me that I'm sure it will only continue to get better.

[chelseydeann]

Stay the course! You are doing something great for your body and mind! Eating raw has been a great way for me to feel like I finally have control over my health. I was sick for many years and finally feel like a "normal person", this is something that neither doctors or medication could give me. I'm proud of you!
Like Amii said, I would continue your diet in quiet and let your lab results speak for you. You are the only one that can truly tell if you are giving your body what it needs.

[climbing]

Ugh I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. Honestly I gave up on doctors years ago. It's been probably... at least 3 years now since I've seen any sort of doctor at all. I was pretty much forced to give up on them because of their complete incompetence. Maybe yours is better than the ones I dealt with. But the amount of medication they have you on (without FIRST starting with nutrition) makes me sick.

Just keep doing what you're doing and don't let brainwashed doctors tell you otherwise.

[mcster]

My skin was great before I started raw. Now it is so dry. Especially my face. I NEVER use face lotion and I have to put it on twice a day now. I don't understand. I do eat walnuts and raw almond butter so I should be getting enough fats.

Given your situation (heath and weight issues and multiple medications) I'd say having dry skin is a very mild detox symptom. When people go raw, many people experience detox symptoms. Everyone reacts differently but some of those symptoms can include skin problems. As an example, I'm vegetarian and for the past year I have been mostly vegan, eating a clean diet (certainly well above average) and during that time I have completed three cleanses. I finished my third cleanse (22 days) last week and despite my health condition, I still experienced, among other things, dry skin, breakouts in my face and chest and hive breakouts. Also, every time I've completed a cleanse, within a week or two my skin becomes incredibly young and healthy looking. Don't despair and be patient. You may face even harsher detox symptoms but consider staying the course. This is the best thing you could be doing for yourself and the results will eventually become evident as you rid your body of all the crap that has caused you disease.

Best of luck.

[klomasius]

Please keep us up to date with how you are doing! :)

[Basenjimamma]

Mbncb..just wanted to send you a hug...bless you for having to go through this and for not having the support you need/want.
It is very hard (to impossible) to find a western medicin DR listen to anything besides shoving meds down your chute...I would just keep on doing what you do and enjoy your newfound well feeling and gauge it after you've been back at the DR's in a few weeks. Eat more fatty acids, like flax seeds, even coconut fat would improve your skins dryness externally and internally.
Best of luck and please do keep us posted.

[mbncb]

You guys are so awesome! Hubby took me out to dinner tonight and I thought that one meal wouldn't make or break me so I had pasta. All I can say is YUCK! I took 3 bites and pushed it away. I felt like I was eating paste. My mouth even felt funny. I guess in my own way I needed to see if raw was what I wanted to 100% commit to. Well, it's all systems go for me. My hubby just stared at me like I was out of my mind. I'm so happy that I finally woke up and took responsibility for myself. I'm excited to see what my life has in store for me. I can only sense positive, good things coming my way.

[D'vorah]

You guys are so awesome! Hubby took me out to dinner tonight and I thought that one meal wouldn't make or break me so I had pasta. All I can say is YUCK! I took 3 bites and pushed it away. I felt like I was eating paste. My mouth even felt funny. I guess in my own way I needed to see if raw was what I wanted to 100% commit to. Well, it's all systems go for me. My hubby just stared at me like I was out of my mind. I'm so happy that I finally woke up and took responsibility for myself. I'm excited to see what my life has in store for me. I can only sense positive, good things coming my way.

How exciting!

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh yes... that is an eye opening experience... when you realize how cooked food REALLY tastes...

[chaos here]

....you say that you have had cardiac surgery, and are on several medications. No one here knows your medical history, your current medical condition, or what medications you are on, and why. You really should do a lot of reading before making dramatic changes, and should stay in close contact with your doctor while making these changes for frequent blood work and check ups.

Some people on here eat several bananas every day, some mono eat. I hope you already know the importance of keeping your potassium and sodium levels in range, and how this helps your heart pump. If you are taking Coumadin, the amount of greens that people on a raw food diet will consume will alter the time that your blood will clot.

....all I'm saying is to know YOUR condition, the meds you are taking, and how they interact with each other, and the food that you may eat. Best wishes on your journey to a healthier you.

[belleadonna]

Hunt around for a doctor that will help you get off of the meds. It can be done. My husband had a doctor who kept putting him on more and more meds that he didn't need. I looked on the internet for a doctor and started calling around and asking if this or that doctor would help my husband get off of some of his meds. I found one and he is great. He is a retired surgeon from Philadelphia. I live in VA.

He has worked with my husband and now my husband is only on 3 meds where as he used to be on 6. My husband is not raw but I just wanted to encourage you to look and call around. This doctor told my husband that you know your body better than anyone else. If you have a problem let me know and we will discuss it.

Don't expect alot of sympathy for raw from conventional doctors. They are not trained in nutrition. I wouldn't even tell this doctor about going raw but he is open minded.

Stick to your guns and don't let the doctors bully you. It's your body. :hug

[mbncb]

Chaos, I already get my potassium checked on quaterly basis due to my diuretics. My sodium level was 111 about a month ago which is low but the doctor said it's no big deal. Not sure how to even increase it. If anyone is interested, I can post my medical history and meds on here. I just don't want to "bother" anyone :)

[climbing]

....you say that you have had cardiac surgery, and are on several medications. No one here knows your medical history, your current medical condition, or what medications you are on, and why. You really should do a lot of reading before making dramatic changes, and should stay in close contact with your doctor while making these changes for frequent blood work and check ups.

Some people on here eat several bananas every day, some mono eat. I hope you already know the importance of keeping your potassium and sodium levels in range, and how this helps your heart pump. If you are taking Coumadin, the amount of greens that people on a raw food diet will consume will alter the time that your blood will clot.

....all I'm saying is to know YOUR condition, the meds you are taking, and how they interact with each other, and the food that you may eat. Best wishes on your journey to a healthier you.

Quoted for goodness. :)

[mcster]

Quoted for goodness. :)

...one more time. :)

[mcster]

Chaos, I already get my potassium checked on quaterly basis due to my diuretics. My sodium level was 111 about a month ago which is low but the doctor said it's no big deal. Not sure how to even increase it. If anyone is interested, I can post my medical history and meds on here. I just don't want to "bother" anyone :)

You may want to read up on blackstrap molasses and wheatgrass.

[OnMyJourney]

Just posting for support and to send you lots of love and positive energy your way! All I can add is that I'm having a similar issue with dry skin (that was never an issue for me before). I made a comment about it to a co-worker, but didn't relate it to my re-dedication to raw food. Then a few days ago, I read somewhere (sure wish I could remember where) that someone else had experienced this as a detox symptom and suggested skin brushing and gentle exfoliating. This is helping me thus far. I moisturize with coconut oil or shea butter after showering and washing my face, as always. I don't do typical "moisturizers."


:hug