Do you know what colitis is? It is defined as an inflammation of the lining of a person’s colon. That sounds like a very broad, basic definition, and it is. In truth, there are different kinds of colitis. They vary in the ways that they affect the body, as well as how they originate. Some forms are infectious, which means they are introduced to the body by germs and can be spread from one person to another, while others are autoimmune conditions. This means that the condition exists within a person’s body, and may stay dormant for months or years before coming active and affecting a person’s health.
If you have colitis, it is very important to your good health that you seek the care of a skilled naturopathic doctor, who can make an accurate assessment as to which health condition you have. They will also be patient and kind, giving you the time and attention you deserve.
When you have an appointment with a traditional doctor and complain of abdominal pain and diarrhea, they may ask a few basic questions and advise you to make a few lifestyle changes. It is always a good idea to make healthful eating choices and to increase your level of physical activity, but that advice is not helpful when you have an urgent health matter and you want answers now. Your traditional doctor may not even advise you on how to alleviate your pain. They may simply say that if you notice you have “tummy trouble” after you eat a certain food, to avoid eating that food. Then they may whisk you toward the door with instructions to return if the symptoms persist.
Have you had a medical appointment like that? Did you leave feeling dismissed or brushed aside, as well as frustrated? You may have felt like it was a waste of time, or that you didn’t get a single health question answered. You may even feel that you had more questions when you left, compared to when you came in the door. It can be very upsetting to leave without even a basic plan on the path toward feeling better. You might leave the office feeling unhappy because you have no plan of action, except to return if symptoms persist. Your doctor may have given you a specific time from such as six weeks or three months. You may feel discouraged at the idea of suffering from painful symptoms for weeks or months to come.
If this sounds familiar and frustrating to you, it is time to get a second opinion from a naturopathic doctor. They will give you warm, caring attention, and not rush you out the door. They will ask detailed questions for an in-depth look at your health. They may run lab tests to determine if you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies in your body. What’s more, you will not leave the office without a plan to combat your painful symptoms and to help you to begin feeling better. They will not expect you to feel unwell or be in pain for weeks without relief.
Are you interested in learning more about having a naturopathic doctor manage your colitis care? Call for your appointment today.