Oh, I have had a couple people get into some deep trouble over the last month. One is coming out of it after several weeks and the other is deep in it now. Why? Because they decided to take some supplements that someone advised them to take.
Was what they were advised bad? No, not really. Most supplements are not bad at all. But....what is appropraite and when? This is the big question! And, in my humble opinion, is why Chinese medicine often offers a look at the human baody that is far more profound than any test can really offer. (tests also offer pieces that CM cannot of course).
I dont want to go into to too much detail because I dont know who writes actively on line and I don not want to give away anyone's anonymity. So, I will not get specific on the supplements they took. But, both were benign type things one may not think too much about. However, just becuase something is natural, does not mean it cannot cause problems. This is a mantra I have chanted repeatedly over my years of practice.
Thinking of a supplement in terms of what it has to offer clincially from a western view point is of course important, but, equal importance should be given to the energetic change it provides the body. In Chinese medicine, we categorize each herb (and I do this with western supplements as well in my own practice) and this offers the practitioner's ability to drive the energy fields of the body in different directions.
I feel that this is a big part of what CM has to offer that other forms of medicine do not. The two people that jsut got themselves into trouble were suing things based on their western function only and not considering the imbalance they would cause energetically.
One is out of pain now and on the mend after just a short period, whereas the other is deep in the thick of it. Not to mention she also underwent a series of a very aggressive physical type of treatment that did not help matters. This will all oass as well.
When I found CM I fell in love. To me, this medicine made sense in a way that nothing else did. Life is all about the balance of things. This is true for our external world, and it is true for our internal world.
So, when considering what to take when, we must in my opinion, consider both sides-western and eastern.
Dr.M & B
Comments
It would be more empowering
It would be more empowering for us as patients/students if we understood what you were referring to and why it was bad. It's possible to do this while still protecting your patients' privacy and without naming names. This treatment is often criticized for being cult-like "do as we say otherwise bad things happen" and posts like this can be misconstrued as scaremongering. I would like to be able to provide solid, positive reasoning for my choices rather than coming at it from a place of fear of doing otherwise. This is especially relevant to those of use who are many years in treatment, have done everything correctly and still majorly suffering.
I see. Well, No one ever told
I see. Well, No one ever told me that they thought this treatment was cult-like, so this is news to me. That is very upsetting.
I of course give details when I can, but, the community of people whom I think speak on line is not that big, so, I am careful to not give examples that mey point fingers. Many times, people ask me to not say things about what they did aside from the fact that I am bound by confidentialtiy. So, perhaps I should find other ways to share information that may not place me in a position where I am sounding like I am holding back information, which, is not at all my intention.
Unfortuneately, we have to practice under the guidelines of my license. We are the furthest thing from a cult-I need to underscore how upsetting that accusation is.
I wasn't personally calling
I wasn't personally calling the treatment cult-like, I was referring to other website posts and reviews online. That being said, the more detailed information that can be shared, the more it enables patients to make informed decisions. This is possible to do without undermining anonymity in the same way research case studies are published. I just think this is doubly important when treatment recommendations are based on clinical experience rather than tracked data or scientific testing. Sorry if I offended anyone, that wasn't my intention.
I have never had a medical
I have never had a medical professional give me even close to the amount/quality of information that I have received from Dr Brizman and this site. There have been multiple posts about what NOT to do and WHY based on the experience of Drs M and B. I can understand completely why Dr M would not be more specific in a short post like this one. I also think the message is pretty clear.I am grateful for the reminders and anyone can go back and read the myriad of blog posts over the years that she has graciously posted that refer to this. I have never experienced anything as cult like or secretive. Can you even imagine another scenario where a medical practice would encourage their patients to interact about treatment and also give frequent helpful general instructions like this? I once contacted another alternative practitioner who treats IC and when I asked her if she had any other patients i could email with, she responded with a very defensive and negative tone which immediately made me say "That's sounds wrong." Contrast with this site,through which, I have met several friends who I can talk honestly with as well as one who I literally hang out with! I think fear often goes with IC of course but blaming this on anyone but the illness is useless. God bless ICAMA for patiently dealing with people in pain, suffering with a terrible, "incurable" condition who sometimes say things that are pretty inflammatory. Often, sadly, the more you give, the more people expect of you but I truly don't see what else these 2 people could give unless we all move in with them and their kids. (and all the pets)
I have been trying to type a
I have been trying to type a response to these for 2 days and I keep deleting and re- writing. I just want to thank you for your incredible level of care. We are all adults (mostly) and can make any choice we see fit. No one is holding someone against their will and saying "you cannot do any tests." However at least for me, Dr B has always made it clear that she does not think somehting is a good idea not that I "can't" if that makes sense. This lack of a thumbs up comes from years of experience and knowledge. This treatment does require a large amount of faith and trust and that is tough sometimes. Because at least for me, the conditoin makes you feel out of control and the inevitable ups and downs can be hard to accept without "taking some action" But this isn't always or usually a good idea. Time and again, we have been warned of the delicate nature of this illness and how easily one can be thrown off. I for one appreciate so much the warnings and also the ability to just depend on one (highly skilled and experienced and caring, etc) person's opinion. Does that mean I never think, "maybe I should get my amalgams removed- or maybe i should be doing PT?" No. But in my case, that is usually fear talking and me trying to silence fear by taking action . Which may be serving to give me false sense of control for a short time. Sometimes, the best action is time. I prob didn't make myself clear as I am not a writer and have 3 kids to get off to school right now. I appreciate all the information you give so much!!! We are more than fortunate.
Someone asked me to post this
Someone asked me to post this anonymously:
Dear Dr. B,
Dear Dr. B,
The only time I got into real trouble, (the last almost three years of treatment) was when I put my homemade salve on my hurting shoulder early on in treatment.. Oh, I was in deep trouble that lasted me a
very painful three weeks. The salve had good things
in it that seemed mild and had only been used by me
for four days. But I learned my lesson and never tried
anything again without passing it by you first. You
took me through that horrible time with such
compassion and care. I am so thankful to God for
giving me the most amazing doctor with not just
knowledge, but with an incredibly compassionate
heart. You have not just helped me, but my sweet
daughter as well. And my husband is still doing great
after seeing Boaz a couple of years ago. We are a
blessed family to have received such quality and heartfelt care from ICAMA. My three year anniversary of starting with you is in one month. I couldn't even drive myself to your office because of the pain, so a friend drove me. I got strep throat a few days later, and you took me through a very tough two weeks when I was just a new patient. I didn't know anything about Chinese medicine, and my family was definitely
pressuring me to take antibiotics, but you got me
through! It was the first time I had overcome strep
throat without antibiotics... ever. I have learned so much from you in the last three years that I feel as though I attended a nutritional school. My family is the better for it. And my daughter-in-law says (after visiting 3 different naturopaths) that she cannot find anyone like my doctor who treats the whole body with herbs, supplements, and diet for it is usually just one or two and not all three. She told me that you and Boaz have set the bar so high, from all I have told her about your practice, that she cannot find anyone who treats like you both do. And I kid you not, I have a friend who says the same thing likewise as she searches for a Chinese medical practicioner. I know I am blessed beyond measure that you are my doctor! I can't wait for our next appointment! Lots of love.
This treatment is without a
This treatment is without a doubt frustrating and lengthy. No quick fixes here. When we are in so much pain, it's hard to think rationally. In the beginning I just wanted to scream! But I know this is where I belong if I want to be healthy. I am a "research nerd"- even teach a college class on research and through my extensive research I have found that this is the only path to my wellness. I started this treatment with the mindset that I would give this 2 years, follow the path as directed by Dr. M, trust her completely (which is not easy for a type A- such as myself) and never intentionally stray. I am soooo much better now and a recent flare from chemicals two weeks ago reminded me how far I have come. Dr. M was on email standby and got me through this difficult period. I take comfort in knowing she is just an email way. Twenty months into treatment and I have my life back- I can now be a mom, wife, sister, daughter, and teacher thanks to Dr. M. For those of you who are still struggling, you will get there too- it just takes time.
Please Dr M and all, remember
Please Dr M and all, remember these are 2 patients' points of view and not representative of the opinions of the majority. It looks to me like a lack of understanding of ICAMA's treatment as well as use of very upsetting and intactful language. If one chooses to criticize this method, why continue? What is to be gained by this?There certainly are other choices out there. If one makes a choice like we patients have, then let's take the advice. I see no reason to argue it. It accomplishes nothing for the ones who are criticizing and introduces negativity that can cause harm. It does occur to wonder if that is the reason for it?. In any case let's not allow this to cause changes in our direction and let's concentrate on the trust we have in the Brizmans' treatment. There are other directions for those who choose. It is understood from the beginning that the body's energy meridians are being addressed in Chinese medicine in a different way than Western Medicine and that we will trust the process with the understanding it will take time and committment. Please Dr M, don't make any changes based on this criticism; I am dearly hoping you will see the majority of us who are ever grateful for the changes and healing you are bringing with your knowledge and committment and courage.
I didn't realize we were back
I didn't realize we were back in the dark ages where people can't pose honest and logical questions where our lives and health are at stake. I didn't realize that there were only two alternatives a) ask no questions and continue treatment or b) ask questions and leave. I'm very happy for the patient that's back to her life after 20 months in treatment, and especially the one that is now finally seeing some improvement after 3.5 years. However, that's not the case for everyone. I thought that the point of the forum was that we should be able to ask questions and share information. I guess we've proved the critics correct.
Hi TwentyTwenty, I agree with
Hi TwentyTwenty, I agree with what others have already had to say, it's not the dark ages and I don't think it was the question that was upsetting, but the way it was phrased. Dr. M answered your question as to why she can't add more details to some of her posts, this is across the board in all healthcare, not just something Dr. M and B have decided to do. Yes, sometimes it would be nice to have more detail, but wouldn't you be upset if you came to visit a site that you have entrusted to keep your information private and what you had discussed behind closed doors everything was just slapped up for everyone to see and easy for others to figure out who she is talking about? Many patients on this site try to change usernames to make it harder for people to figure out who they are, but after sharing your story it is very easy for us to realize who is who. Like other posts many patients have stepped up themselves if they wish to do so to add in more details to aid in the learning process, but it has to be the patients choice to do so. With any text things can be taken out of context and maybe your question seemed a little harsh, I am just voicing my opinion, as I was finding it to be this way and it wasn't directed towards me. In your mind and others it probably was seen as an innocent question. Sometimes these particular questions may be better left for phone appointments as not to be taken out of context or misconstrued. If you ask Dr. M and would imagine the same goes for Dr. B anything during an appointment you will get an honest answer. They have both dedicated their lives to developing this treatment and helping each of us, spending countless hours answering emails to help support and guide us along our journey. That's just my 2 cents behind this. I do wish you all the best in whatever path to health it may be, Dr. M has never once asked me to stay in treatment, she actually discussed with me on more than one occasion it was fine for me to seek advice from other practioners or take a different path to health, and as described here some people do find this journey not right for them, it's all a personal choice, and we must do what it best for yourself in every situation. I'm a slow learner and starting to do this in all areas of my life, and I owe much if not all of this growth from this treatment! Again, wishing you all the best to finding health and happiness!
Twentytwenty, I think there
Twentytwenty, I think there are many honest answers on here- but maybe they aren't the ones you particularly want? If you want someone who recommends PT or whatever, go to someone who recommends those things. I chose to go to midwives to have my kids because I believe in natural birth. If I had secretly wanted a scheduled c-section, it would have been unfair of me to say "Why don't you recommend an epidural and surgery?" This is a bad analogy but it's all I have right now- please don't hyperanalyze it for its logical or deductive faults. I think you are really suffering and I am sorry. IC is just bad. I hope you are ok.
Thank you Deir,for this post
Thank you Deir,for this post and for reminding me of compassion. I wrote mostly in defense of Dr M, for whom I am so grateful. I think a better understanding of this forum's purpose would help clarify this. My understanding is #1 Dr Brizman's Blog in which she shares thoughts/info that surface during her day and also individual patients' experiences (not revealing names out of respect)..with the intention to broaden our experience on the healing journey. (I am aware that we've gone beyond this on this subject) Then, #2 The Forum itself, which allows us each to explore subjects that arise individually and to receive input on these from fellow icers. Drs M and B don't read these on principle. I think if that doesn't give one what is sought, then, perhaps, an appointment? Through the years, I have received so much info and comfort and company from this, I can't imagine losing it!!. I have never seen such openess and caring and willingness to do the best for patients, Comments are invited following blog posts, but generally understood, I think, not the platform for debate and personal counsel
.That's how I see it... may be off base? But it is with that point of view that I write in such defense of the Bomamed Practise/Treatment of IC. Nevertheless I do hope for your healing, TwentyTwenty, and that you may receive the answers you seek. .Be Well
Thanks Deir, I appreciate
Thanks Deir, I appreciate your well wishes. What's funny is that I've found many practitioners and doctors embrace and love answering such questions, especially doulas and midwives :). I guess honest questions have been misconstrued as criticism or lashing out in pain. Neither is the case actually. This all just strikes me as a real shame and a big missed opportunity. I've received a quite a number of messages from fellow patients thanking me for these posts, apparently saying what many are too afraid to. Anyway, I'm dropping off Icama site for now. Be well and again congrats on your progress.
Well, I don't think those
Well, I don't think those same drs/practitioners would appreciate if while asking the question they were accused of "fear mongering." There is a whole lot of stuff wrapped up in that phrase and none of it is good or constructive. Like Cprince said, it isn't the question itself that has caused the issue. As for doulas/miswives, yes they love to talk about natural birth and its value- just like Dr B loves to talk about Chinese Medicine!! I just want to reiterate that I do not see any hidden agenda or secretiveness and I have been around a long time. I have a close relationship with 2 different patients who have sought out other tests and treatment all with Dr B's supportive care. When I asked her if I could try Cranial Sacral Therapy since my frind was a practitioner and she said, "well, it is very gentle so you could try that" Well, I got worse with that anyway but the point was, there was absolutely no fear with that. I asked her about PT and she said "I don't think it is a good idea to manipulate already irritated inflamed tissue"- or something like that. Well, that is her educated and knowledgeable position on PT. If, as an adult, I decide to make the decision to try it I of course can! But I don't expect her to say "Great!" When I took my kids to a regular Ped and I say I don't want to vaccinate, they say "Bad idea." Of course they do. That is their training and viewpoint. So I sought out a non-vax Homeopath. A phrase that comes to mind is "Don't go to the Hardware store if you want to buy milk."
I generally try to stay out of drama these days (unless it is on stage) but I just feel compelled to comment. Words matter.
Anonymous from another
Anonymous from another patient:
If the Brizman's were Western
If the Brizman's were Western Medicine doctors they would not even be in a position where they have to validate their work. I was told at the age of 35 that I needed to be on all these medications because I was pre-diabetic. Nothing about my diet was ever brought up. When I went ona "sugar Buster's diet in one month my blood work was in the healthy range withno meds. The doctor was really ticked that I had not taken his medications. It was at this time I became interested in Alternative medicine. We ALL have similar stories with Western Medicine doctors. My Internal Medicine doctor is a wonderful man but evenhe will tell you he doesn't know how to think outside the box of what he's been taught. It is THESE pre-conceived thoughts that we sometimes want toput the Brizman's in this category as well. They consistently amaze me with their loving, caring, deeply dedicated approach they show to each and every patient. My last appt with Boaz he told me he was sorry I had just gone through a rough week. I knew he truly meant that. He has NEVER made me feel as though I have no other choice in my treatment. I feel he and I have both made this committment to getting me well. I fully trust his experience, knowledge and wisdom and feel I can ask him anything I don't inderstand regarding this disease and treatment without any judgement or scorn. I have NEVER ever felt that way with any of my doctors even though I have had some wonderful ones. I'm not sure of the motive behind the unkind words directed to Matia and Boaz but I am so greatful for them and the care they have given to me in just 6 short months. I don't think they promise anyone that they will get them well but they do promise to give it a 100 percent effort and that's ALL they can humanly do.
Dear Dr. Brizman,
Dear Dr. Brizman,
I thank you and Boaz for your integrity, professionalism, determination, dedication, passion, patience, bravery and kindness. I would be a a very dark place without you and your work. For everyone reading, whatever your path, I pray that you find your way to health.
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
I have been going back and
I have been going back and forth over the last few days trying to decide if it is worth commenting on this post, and I have decided it is. I want to point out that TwentyTwenty made no accusations of impropriety. She did not accuse Dr. Brizman of anything negative - she posed questions that seemed incredibly fair. I do not know her personally, but I have to assume that if she is still in treatment after all this time, then she clearly knows that this is not an easy road and that the Brizmans are working night and day to provide their services in an incredibly giving way.
The truth is that this treatment is often referred to as 'cult-like' both on the internet and among IC sufferers in the community that I am familiar with. Does that mean I agree with them? Does that mean TwentyTwenty agrees with them? I hope not, otherwise we should both be headed for the hills.
What concerns me is the way that these comments are being handled. Is it necessary to gang up on someone who brings their personal concerns to the conversation? It certainly feels that there is a 'gang' mentality when dealing with people who are suggesting other means of healing on this website. The Brizmans themselves call ICAMA an "integrative approach." Can we not allow for integration? Every human body is different and we all need different things - if anything I believe TwentyTwenty and Althea were pointing out the necessity of integrating one's personal needs into one's treatment. I did not see anyone attacking Dr. Brizman personally.
I understand that the Brizmans are working from a vast clinical experience over the last 20 years and I have immense respect for their patience and breadth of experience. I have been around for a while now and have read the blogs, forums, and Dr. B's dissertation to ensure that I have all the information I could need during this process. I, too, am still dealing with considerable bladder problems. Only since exploring other methods of healing have I begun to experience progress. I remain loyal to the Brizmans' methods because I believe in natural healing and have a great deal of faith in Chinese Medicine. My personal experience will be very different from yours, and the other modalities I have sought out may be harmful for you. There are women in my life who have had great success with Western methods, other styles of acupuncture, cranio-sacral work, chiropractic, PT, etc. The only thing I can gleam from all this is that we are all simply dealing with anecdotal evidence in a group of humans who vary vastly from body to body. Yes, we are all here because we choose to be. That does not mean that this is the only answer for everyone.
I struggle to return to this community because although I have received support at times, I have felt afraid to discuss things in a completely open way. This fear stems from what I have seen in the forums over the years and now this. When I have spoken to people one on one, it is an entirely different experience. I am grateful to have practitioners who want nothing more than to see their patients thrive. I also want to be a part of a respectful, open minded community of people who are here to support others on this path whether their opinions are in alignment or not.
I wish Allthea's comment
I wish Allthea's comment could be on it own post because while it is provocative, it is respectful. It did disturb me but not because it was offensive but because I have had similiar fears and doubts! I appreciated Dr B's response which I felt was honest and clear and as usual gave me more to think about. In the end, it is up to each individual to decide what to do based on all the information they can gather. Ic is tricky and cunning and I wish none of us had to deal with it.
As for the other issue, twentytwenty/notbeyonce's comments- I feel like the expectations are off. Do you expect Dr B to say, "You're right- people do better with other modalities." ? I think this site is here to support patients of ICAMA and this treatment does require some measure of single-focus especially at points. Still, we can make our own decisions. It just doesn't seem realistic or helpful to dilute this particular treatment with other stuff on this particular forum. I don't think that is being secretive or cult-like- I think it just makes logical sense. There are many other IC forums. I want to add too that I have seen many people discuss other modalities and how they have or haven't worked for them. I guess the difference is in the delivery.
I go to Al- Anon- which is one particular way people can heal from the effects of alcoholism.(it has also helped me greatly as I deal with IC) One of its strengths is that we do not discuss other treatments/therapies/groups/literature etc while in a meeting. It doesn't mean an individual can't seek out any other info it just means in Al Anon- we "speak Al Anon." It keeps it safe for everyone. I know that is not exactly what we are dealing with here but it reminded me of that a bit.
Deir, of course we're not
Deir, of course we're not asking for Dr Brizman to say people do better with other modalities.
The fact is that Dr Brizman's treatment is not straight up Classical Chinese Medicine doctor and never has been. She offers an "integrated Classical Chinese and Western Medicines approach". Many of the supplements that Dr Brizman uses are not Chinese in origin, they're Western medicines to which she has attributed Chinese properties. Dr Brizman would be the first to agree that her treatment has evolved greatly over the last 20 years, incorporating various modalities along the way. I therefore do not think it is offensive (or speaking a different language) to ask for more information as to why she employs certain aspects of Western medicine and not others, especially when patient experience shows that it can sometimes be helpful in treating refractory cases that do not respond to ICAMA first line of treatment. I have always trusted that Dr Brizman, as the only doctor incorporating both East and Western medicine, and the only doctor with 20 years of alternative IC experience, places her patients' wellbeing first and foremost, certainly above any need to maintain her set treatment status quo. And even if testing does not help all patients, if it just helps the odd one that is still not responding 3-4 years in, that it would be worth it. Reposting anonymous emails from patients that haven gotten well quickly despite testing doesn't really answer the question.
I'm picking up on a lot of fear from you and the other patients, I get that you are all terrified of upsetting Dr Brizman because she has been able to help you, or offers hope, and you wouldn't know where else to go. I really implore you though to dig deep to the empowered part of yourselves that's never afraid to ask questions and seek. Do not give up your power to another, listen to your body and don't lose who you are no matter what. This illness has taken enough.
I have a lot of fear. I have
I have a lot of fear. I have never denied it so you don't need to "pick it up." But please do not insinuate that I or anyone else does not ask questions. Now you're getting personal and you do not know me. You and I simply do not see this issue in the same light at all.
I too find this offensive,
I too find this offensive, and not saying you mean to be, but I will have to say I have done a lot testing and have asked many questions flr Dr. M and my western Dr's and if you ask, Dr. M has her reasons why she may or may not want you to try different modalities. I have tried acupuncture with Dr. M and with other practitioners, for whatever reason I always flared significantly with other practitioners, also have tried craniosacral treatment and seen both western and homeopathic Dr's all while under the care of Dr. M. She has never once denied me or tried to instill fear in me for trying different things, has she said that some of the testing I had done wasn't necessary, of course, but I am a big girl and can put on my big girl panties and decide what I'm willing to test to try and get more answers, have they all helped, no not really, but it was my choice, and it was worth it to me just to know I tried and didn't leave anything to wonder. Dr. M agrees that sometimes we need another set of eyes on different situations to make sure I am not missing something serious. I am just trying to say that like Dr. M has said time and time again, we are all very different, and these more specific questions should be left for phone appointments because it's impossible to place everyone in a general category and say because acupuncture helps this person doesn't mean it wouldn't cause significant pain in another person or have no effect at all. It's not out of fear that I defend Dr. M, or that she tries to scare me into continuing treatment because nothing else will work, I can't say how FALSE this statement is. She is truly the only one that has been able to help, and not willing to give up on very difficult cases. Just be careful with your words and accusations. We are here to support one another not to tear each other down, too many unfortunately have that enough in their day to day life!
Hey everyone,
Hey everyone,
I thought, having read all the comments above after another patient directed me to them, that I'd come on and post my story. I haven't been onto the forum in a while, because I've been doing so much better - but a few things recently have complicated stuff for me, and I thought the a rundown of the whole process (and just a general update, in case folks are interested!) might be useful for people.
I started treating with Dr Brizman 3.5 years ago, having had IC for about six months before that. I looked around at all the possible options for IC treatment - such as they were - and decided that her approach made much the most sense to me; once i'd settled on it, to be honest, I didn't really read other IC sites, as I found them all a bit bleak. Seeing Matia was a huge commitment for me, since I had to fly over from the UK, but it felt like the right choice. Since then, although I've had ups and downs and scary bits and chunks of time where I've thought I'd never get fully better and couldn't see how some symptoms - in particular, for me, the vulvodynia ones - would ever go away, I've improved steadily. I still remember the day I woke up and didn't immediately feel discomfort and tingling and urge in my pelvic floor - it was revelatory. I felt so grateful not only to this treatment and to Matia, but to the wonderful community of people who posted on the boards and encouraged one another. I really couldn't have managed without them, and have made, in particular, one life-long friend who feels more like a sister to me these days.
By Christmas of last year, I was back to living a more or less normal life -the odd niggly day here and there, but I basically felt 95% well and was eating off list 4 very happily (I'll never EVER go back to sugar or alcohol again, and am quite happy with that). My partner (who became my husband this summer) and I were talking about the possibility of a baby - something I'd thought at one point I'd never manage (I have a son from a previous relationship). In the end, the decision was taken out of my hands - unexpectedly, I found out in May that I was pregnant. I was scared, but Dr Brizman was hugely encouraging, and said she thought I'd sail through.
In one respect, she was absolutely right - my IC symptoms have been more or less entirely absent throughout the pregnancy (I'm due in three weeks). However - and this is kind of the relevant bit - over the course of the pregnancy, other health stuff has arisen. I've had 5 seizures in my sleep since falling pregnant, and have been diagnosed as epileptic as a result - which has been HUGELY scary and upsetting. I spoke to Matia as soon as I was given a diagnosis, and we agreed to try treating with Chinese herbs. However, despite 10 seizure-free weeks, I ended up having two seizures on two consecutive nights about three weeks ago. As a result, my husband and I decided that, given the risk to the baby of me having more seizures, we had to do what the neurologist wanted all along, and take the western meds to control them.
I was anxious about telling Matia - not to mention about the potential effect on my IC - because I know that this sort of drug is liable to disrupt my intestinal balance again. However - and this is why I wanted to post my story - she honestly couldn't have been more supportive. I was very, very scared, and she told me not to worry; that it might well all be fine, and if it wasn't, we'd balance it out as best as possible. She said she totally understood my decision and was here for me, and would support me through it. My choice was as far removed from her treatment as possible - literally just masking symptoms with drugs - but she was absolutely brilliant about it.
Obviously, I don't want to tell anyone else what to think or feel, but I felt strongly that I needed to share my experience. Luckily, so far, I've had no ill effects from the western meds, and as soon as my baby's here and things have settled down, I'll be looking into why these seizures occured and what I can do to address the underlying cause - but for now, the drugs are the right thing, and I'm really grateful for Matia's support through the process.
Hope you don't mind me sharing my story, and much love and healing thoughts to you all xxx