Re: ERC position paper against pre-diagnosis Lupron
From: liss (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu Jan 15 08:01:10 2004
Dear Nic,
In response to your question about what naturopathic care is, I found
this description:
"What is a Naturopathic Doctor? Doctors of Naturopathic medicine
(N.D.'s) are trained as primary care providers and, as such, their scope
of practice includes clinical and laboratory diagnosis, botanical
medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, naturopathic physical medicine,
Oriental medicine including acupuncture, counseling and stress
management, mind/body medicine, hydrotherapy, minor surgery and IV
therapy.
Naturopathic physicians tailor their therapies to meet the individual
needs of each patient, factoring in physical, social, emotional and
spiritual aspects before prescribing a course of treatment. Because
they view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary,
Naturopathic physicians cooperate with other medical professionals,
referring patients to allopathic medical doctors, surgeons and other
specialists whenever appropriate."
These doctors prescribe a lot of herbs and nutritional supplements, and
may recommend diet changes for endo such as cutting out wheat, yeast, or
dairy. --Liss
At Wed, 14 Jan 2004, Nic wrote:
>
>Hey...no offense taken here...My name is Nicole...I am new and actually
>really appreciate your letter...I have been put on Lupron for the past
>four months pre lap and have still had pain and...joy...weight gain...I
>am feeling very frustrated and completely mislead...my family has a long
>long case history of endo so even though I have not yet had the lap ( I
>do intend to though), I am pretty sure it is indeed the right
>diagnosis....I do not think I want to continue my Lupron therapy, and
>was wondering if you could tell me about naturopathic care....it is not
>a term i am familiar with...thanks
>
>At Tue, 13 Jan 2004, liss wrote:
>>
>>Hi. I am the original poster of this message and I just wanted to add
>>that I in no way wish to criticize or alienate those who have found
>>relief on Lupron. I do believe there are some caring doctors
>>prescribing Lupron, and I support the endo sufferers who feel this is
>>the best choice for themselves. I do not, however, support the way
>>Lupron is marketed. Thanks, Liss
>>
>>At Tue, 13 Jan 2004, anonymous wrote:
>>>
>>>AMEN! I agree.
>>>Under naturopath care & feeling great!
>>>Lori
>>>At Tue, 13 Jan 2004, liss wrote:
>>>>
>>>>I'm not sure if this has already been discussed on the forum, but I just
>>>>read the Endometriosis Recearch Center's recent position paper stating
>>>>their position against the use of Lupron prior to an endo diagnosis, and
>>>>I am in shock again over how TAP continues to do business. TAP is the
>>>>company that makes Lupron. The website link to the position paper is
>>>>http://www.endocenter.org, and then click on in the upper right column
>>>>to go to the PDF file.
>>>>
>>>>Studies have found that 48% of partiicpants indicated that Lupron was
>>>>intolerable and not helpful at symptom relief. TAP claims that Lupron
>>>>is "well-tolerated."
>>>>
>>>>In addition, 23% of participants suffered lasting effects for up to 5 or
>>>>more years after Lupron use. According to TAP, no patient should suffer
>>>>any effects beyond 3-6 months after Lupron use.
>>>>
>>>>We know the only way to diagnose endo is through a laparoscopy. How are
>>>>women ever going to get correctly treated if they are given Lupron
>>>>before even being diagnosed?
>>>>
>>>>Why are our doctors leading us so vigorously toward Lupron instead of
>>>>informing us of ways to alter our nutrition and estrogen/progesterone
>>>>balance naturally BEFORE trying dangerous drugs? Why do I feel like
>>>>doctors are taking advice from TAP, a company that has been the subject
>>>>of onoing investigations and was already fined $875 million for illegal
>>>>promotion of Lupron?
>>>>
>>>>I hope you ladies don't mind me ranting a bit here. It is just
>>>>sometimes so frustrating when you feel like pharmaceutical companies are
>>>>trying to profit off of your pain and desperation. Meanwhile, we barely
>>>>hear about reports that pain is lessened effectively by acupuncture,
>>>>herbs, topical progesterone cream, evening primrose oil, fish oils,
>>>>elimination of wheat-yeast-dairy, and vitamins C, B6, etc.
>>>>
>>>>Three weeks ago my main physician mentioned that I should think about
>>>>going on Lupron or having my second surgery. Today I made an
>>>>appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor. I'll let you know how it goes!
>>>>
>>>>Today I am thankful that the ERC is looking into these issues, and I am
>>>>thankful to you endozone ladies, who support each other so well. Best
>>>>wishes, Liss
>
>--
>Nicole
>