…mama has questions about enzymes in general, brain enzymes more specifically and proteins, EFAs and tests that can determine what deficiencies there may be…what kind of doc to see to test for these things, what do the tests involve yadayada.
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
I would say to go see ur GP and ask them to refer u to someone, Ur GP can usually have knowledge on this
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Thanks starc....
most pediatricians and GPS that I've dealt with have a couple of issues. First is that they see I'm a "home-maker" which leads them to beleive that I can barely read. Second problem is that they have much disdain for anything even remotely resembling "homeopathic". I have a firm beleif that nature holds many many cures and if theres one at all remotely able to help my son, I'd prefer to give that a try before I start pumping him with ritalin.
Anyway, thats why I'd like to meet and chat with a neurologist or nutritionist, one who can be un-involved and all that.
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Mama - have you ever tried seeing a D.O. instead of an M.D.? In my experience they are much more open to trying something homeopathic and they are much more in tune with mind-body correlations as well.
Is he being prescribed Ritalin for ADHD? If so, I've just started reading a book that I suggest you look for: Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies byDr. Kenneth A. Bock.
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
thank you kindly ms amana! I will be sure to get that book. my son may be on the autism spectrum, but he may also be add. currently his teachers are leaning more toward add which means the ritalin pressure will begin some time soon. not that I'd give in, most especially after seeing the movie "Lorenzo's Oil". Anyway, the neurodevelopmental doc that we go to doesnt want to try it for some time since my son is so underweight and still has eating/feeding issues. Ritalin would take away the tiny appetite that he has and he'd lose weight that he cant afford to lose. Thats on my side but I need to find some help in the homeopathic area, I feel so sure that nature has some answers for us. What is a DO? thanks again!
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Mama, I'd actually recommend seeing a psychiatrist, and a neurologist, but initially a psychiatrist.
People dont realize that Psychiatrists have to have a vast range of knowledge that dabbles in areas of different specialties, especially drugs and cognitive issues.
They have several different tests available to test your child in different areas of learning, etc.
I know a down-to-earth neurologist so if you have any questions you'd like me to email him about just PM me.
Doctors arent supposed to pressure you into anything. Just let the doctor know that you will review the information and make a decision.
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
thank you kindly ms amana! I will be sure to get that book. my son may be on the autism spectrum, but he may also be add. currently his teachers are leaning more toward add which means the ritalin pressure will begin some time soon. not that I'd give in, most especially after seeing the movie "Lorenzo's Oil". Anyway, the neurodevelopmental doc that we go to doesnt want to try it for some time since my son is so underweight and still has eating/feeding issues. Ritalin would take away the tiny appetite that he has and he'd lose weight that he cant afford to lose. Thats on my side but I need to find some help in the homeopathic area, I feel so sure that nature has some answers for us. What is a DO? thanks again!
Most of my pediatric colleagues in US beleive that teachers and some parents are cause of over prescription of Ritalin in US. ADHD is over diagnosed.
As far enzyme levels, neurologists are the best to take opinion from, endocrines deal with hormones only.
And by the way the notion that ADHD is caused by neurotransmitter imbalance in brain is increasingly being questioned. Sleep disorders have been found to be associated with ADHD like features and improve with treating sleep disorders.
I think psychiatrist are more prone to prescribe ritalin than neurologists.
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Thanks for the tips people! I was never a fan of psychiatry, psychology or social work, people in those fields (from personal experience) seem to be the most messed up people on the planet lol! anyway, we are seeing a good neurodevelopmental pediatrician who is not pushing ritalin but who also has no faith whatsoever in anything homeopathic...tried and true methods that have been thru the "randomized double-blind" studies and have shown promising results are the types of things he'll recommend. The book recommended above will be a good start for me I think.
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Mamaof3, you sound like a really good mom, the type that never gives up on her kids, & your right, doctors don't know everything.........hell, my doctor don't know shi.. his dad must of marked his exam paper, or even worse, his mom " mera behtah dawtar bun gya " but anyway, all the best for the kid, hope he gets better in time...:)
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Mama,
I have had a lot of success treating my daughter's allergies with drastic dietary changes - no dairy, no wheat, very little red meat, even though she isn't 'technically' allergic to any of those foods, and supplementing with probiotics. The meat and chicken we eat now is from a local Amish farm - completely hormone free and free range. Maybe the kids have grown out of it, but since we changed our diets two years ago we have had fewer strep infections, colds, and stomach bugs.
The one thing I have learned over the years is to ALWAYS trust your instincts with regards to your children, regardless of what the doctors tell you.
I wish you the best!
Re: neurologists or endocrinologists out there?
Thank you kindly ms amana and everyone....
Its really hard sometimes trying to figure this all out, I mean trying to figure out why his neurons dont fire the way that other children's do...and when you start reading about neurology, it quickly gets very complicated. There was a movie called Lorenzo;s Oil about a boy who had a neurological disease, his parents never ever gave up, became expert in neurology and that disease and they actually were instrumental in attaining not a cure but at least a contreol on it. I really think if I could understand better the neurology of his troubles then I could help to uncover the types of treatments for it rather than just jumping on the ritalin train. I just have to get to the point where I can intelligently discuss and ask for the types of tests that may show a deficiency or an excess ... in proteins, enzymes, whatever. I ordered the book - express delivery lol! and lets see what we find. Thanks again to you all for your kind and helpful replies!