alt med and diagnostics?

Question

So do alt med practitioners use diagnostic tests? Are they even knowledgeable of how to take history and do correct physical exam?  For example, a 56/F patient comes in for complaints of edema in the legs, tires easily, and feeling as if she's drowning when she's lying down. How would an alt med practitioner go about getting to the bottom of this patient's condition?  This is the chance of the alt med adherents to prove that they treat the whole person and not the symptoms as we evil MDs do.

Dr. T · Accepted Answer

With that presentation, I would suspect CHF.  I would complete a thorough history and then do a physical, with particular attention to vitals, auscultating lungs and auscultating heart.  I'd also measure and record the circumference of each ankle and of the leg ~5" above the ankle.

I would order CBC and metabolic panel... and perhaps Nt-proBNP.

Depending on severity of sx and findings on PE, I may refer to MD immediately for EKG.  I may wait to review the blood test results first... but either way, I'm referring for cardiovascular concerns, which are best co-managed (MD/ND.)

On confirmation of the dx with objective testing, I then go about assessing the CAUSE of the problem...  HTN? Hx of rheumatic fever/mitral valve prolapse?  Is this originating with lung dysfunction such as COPD/emphysema?  Hx of MI? Scarring on the pericardium? Kidney disease?  etc.

Furthermore, what will be the "trickle down" effect, physiologically speaking?  What can I do preventatively?

How is this diagnosis impacting the patient emotionally/socially/psychologically?  How do I manage THOSE symptoms?  And how are those areas impacting the pathophysiology?

I digress.

Fact is, NDs use the same diagnostics MDs use.  We're fully trained in clinical skills and perform a more complete physical than most MDs (because we have the "luxury" of a lot more time.)

It's the treatment that would differ.

? · Answer

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Anonymous · Answer

Many patients present with a real diagnoses from a real doctor.

Some alt med practitioners may read her aura.

Some may dowse with a crystal.

Some may read her iris.

Some will do a pull down test on an arm.

Some will put electrodes on her skin and read the currents.

Some may just hover their hands over her body.

Some may feel her spine.

Some will just use their "intuition".

And some may even send her off for real tests.

Paradise Regained · Answer

Low sodium low carb diet is recommended

Probably kidney disease is the 'cause' (or symptom)/ Recommend to drink a lot of parsley, blended and strained and cranberry juice or pills..

I would also send reiki (and can if she wants to, lol very holistic, kidneys can be deep rooted fear)

or 

Treat the kidneys however you do it.. Mds are not evil.. They can save your life..

Edit: Wait is the feeling she is drowning, or is she drowning in her own fluids?? Well my answer stands//

Love

William T · Answer

I'm sure I don't know, but then I'm not trying to claim to be a health care specialist.

alt med and diagnostics?

5 Answers