So my doc wants me to stop taking MSM and flax

[zzirvingj]

Well, I think your hair is beautiful so you don't really need to take anything out of the ordinary. But I see that your doctor did not give a really profound reason or anything either. Good luck

Thanks!!!!

 

[laCriolla]

T
To be honest, when I mentioned MSM to her, she had to look it up on Wikipedia

that's a problem right there!!! everyone knows wikipedia is NOT an official source...anyone can write an article on there

I'd think a medical doctor would know better

maybe it's time to find a new Doctor ?erplexed

 

[DDTexlaxed]

No vitamins are FDA approved. In fact, there was a time when the feds were thinking about "regulating" vitamins. There is no $ in it for them. I think Kevin Trodeau(sp) was right when they say that the FDA is not interested in natural cures. They're in the pocket of the pharmaceutical companies anyway.

 

[Amber_moon]

Its a little known fact, that DRUG COMPANIES also are the financial backers, and parent companies, to the companies who make medical textbooks. Medical doctors are being trained by pharmaceutical companies. And unfortunately for us, that means that they are being taught specifically to ignore the holistic medicinal treatment route.

My chiropractor used to tell me that in pre-med her professor invited a guest in from one of the larger drug companies, and he made a POINT to stress to them that holistic medication was NOT the best way, and that the students should TRUST the drug companies to do the research, and leave the patients healing up to THEM.

Now, if that don't sound funny, I don know what does.

 

[seraphinelle]

Silly me for thinking that someone that has spent at least 10 years in university studying medicine may know more about consequences of taking supplements than me.

 

[MzPrince]

Yes, they should, but for whatever reason, this doesn't always happen. For instance, I remember one of my old docs trying to help me with my insomnia. We couldn't figure out the problem. I remember her giving me this "depression questionnaire" once. After taking about 30 seconds to check answers off, she took a few seconds to add up the numbers, said I was "depressed" and prescribed me Zoloft (on top of the meds I was supposed to be taking for insomnia).

But after doing some research I found out that depression was linked to some of the meds she had me trying out for my insomnia erplexed Not to mention, some of the meds I had been on beforehand caused me to gain weight. One of the questions in the "depression questionnaire" asked if I had gained weight. So I answered positively to a question that may have attributed to her "scoring me" as "depressed". But an insightful person would have read the questions and taken into consideration that part of the reason I may have gained weight was due to my meds.

It takes detail, concern and insight to get to the root of alot of medical problems. You can't just prescribe meds on top of meds on top of meds because at some point you will not be able to easily decipher what is "the cause" versus what is "the effect'.

That's the key word in this message, "trying" out is what a lot of doctors do to rule out other meds or symtoms. Most of the times they don't know for sure what effect meds will have on a person.

 

[beadedgirl]

Doctors make their money by writing prescriptions....if we all started using natural products and left the prescription drugs alone the health care industry would use billions...there have been a lot of fda approved things that have been found to cause cancer and other health isssues and later recalled so erplexed

True very true!!!!!!......but for the doctor to tell her to stop taking the supplements because its not FDA approved........ahhh can you please elaborate on that please.

Alot of people are finding success with alternative medicine....but take care with mixing with prescription medication.

 

[sareca]

zzirvingj I love your hair, if I didn't say that a thousand times already.

 

[zzirvingj]

Silly me for thinking that someone that has spent at least 10 years in university studying medicine may know more about consequences of taking supplements than me.

''

I will say that, of course an MD knows more about medicine than I do; I am not an MD and do not have a medical background. It doesn't mean they know more about one single particular supplement than me, though.
Chances are, if your decision is based mainly on a quick search on wikipedia.com, then maybe the person does not know that much about what you are inquiring about.

Actually, I think the whole point I got from our conversation was that since doctors don't prescribe MSM and flax, many doctors may not know much about it, so it's hard to just tell a patient to "run out and take all the supplements you want", when their knowledge of the effects of doing so may be limited. So on one hand I understand why she said the things she did--I chalked it up to her wanting to "err on the side of caution", personally....and there is actually nothing wrong with that. Generally speaking, I do trust my doctor. And as an FYI, this post was not meant to offend any doctors. I happen to work in clinical research and I have alot of respect for the profession.

 

[zzirvingj]

zzirvingj I love your hair, if I didn't say that a thousand times already.

Thanks!!!!!!!!

 

[Amber_moon]

Silly me for thinking that someone that has spent at least 10 years in university studying medicine may know more about consequences of taking supplements than me.

HAHA, sure, if that person didn't just take 5 mins to LOOK up what that supplement even WAS on WIKIPEDIA of all places.

 

[seraphinelle]

When these topics come up, it becomes a doctor bashing event.

But I will say, that anybody that *knows* about the natural healing of herbs and such, should take up a course in chemistry and the likes, if they don't like the direction the medical profession is heading (or perhaps headed)

 

[Enchantmt]

When Dr Oz was on Oprah monday he recommended Flax.

I always heard that Doctors dont get training in nutrition. Is that true?

 

[SweetCaramel1]

she probably meant the "dosage amount" (daily value) has not been established by the FDA

 

[spiceykitten]

Well is giving up MSM and flax a bad thing?

I totally stopped taking any of my vitamins. In fact, I just threw two brand new bottles of MSM and Evening Primose oil down the toilet because it was just collecting dust and I had no one to give it too.

I have not taken anything for months and my hair is soft,shiny and is thriving. My skin also looks great. I just make sure my food is filled with vitamins I need. They even have peanut butter with flaxseed oil, so much for FDA approved.

My doctor recommended that I do try to take my multi-vitamin because my immune system is low. I think if I go back to vitamins I will only take the multi because I do not feel tired when I take it. I have a lot more energy.

 

[chellero]

I would be cautious about the MSM but flax seems so harmless. My mother has taken for years. I've got flax meal that I add to my oatmeal in the morning. I've been sprinkling a little in my son's oatmeal too.

 

[tiffers]

Doctors make their money by writing prescriptions....if we all started using natural products and left the prescription drugs alone the health care industry would use billions...there have been a lot of fda approved things that have been found to cause cancer and other health isssues and later recalled so erplexed

You took the words right outta my mouth! Doctors get paid by pharmaceutical companies for every medicine they prescribe. So OF COURSE they don't want you to take anything natural, they don't make any profit! Look at all of the ridiculous side effects that these medicines can cause.... Heart attack, stroke, blood clots,
blindness, DEATH! Uuuuum, I don't know about ya'll, but I'd rather have restless legs than have one side of my body paralyzed from a stroke! Give me St. John's Wort any day!

 

[newflowers]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SleekandBouncy
No way!
Shouldn't all doctors look at things from a holistic perspective rather than focusing on one specific area, in this case the symptom. A parent wouldn't just tape of the bleeding wound of a child, they'd to see what caused it. Every ailment has a cause. If you treat the cause then you're more likely to have long lasting results rather than just offering quick fixes that temporarily relieve or mask the problem.

Reading stuff like that makes me feel perplexed .

Yes, they should, but for whatever reason, this doesn't always happen. For instance, I remember one of my old docs trying to help me with my insomnia. We couldn't figure out the problem. I remember her giving me this "depression questionnaire" once. After taking about 30 seconds to check answers off, she took a few seconds to add up the numbers, said I was "depressed" and prescribed me Zoloft (on top of the meds I was supposed to be taking for insomnia).

But after doing some research I found out that depression was linked to some of the meds she had me trying out for my insomnia erplexed Not to mention, some of the meds I had been on beforehand caused me to gain weight. One of the questions in the "depression questionnaire" asked if I had gained weight. So I answered positively to a question that may have attributed to her "scoring me" as "depressed". But an insightful person would have read the questions and taken into consideration that part of the reason I may have gained weight was due to my meds.

It takes detail, concern and insight to get to the root of alot of medical problems. You can't just prescribe meds on top of meds on top of meds because at some point you will not be able to easily decipher what is "the cause" versus what is "the effect'.
__________________

While doctors SHOULD take a holistic approach, I think we have to consider that medicine is a business just like any other. I've had doctors that I trust and respect, and others whose professionalism and advice made me question the diploma. Be that as it may, doctors perscribe pharmecuetical drugs, they regulate them, they make money and get perks from them and the companies that create them.

Holistic medicine is not regulate by the AMA or pharmeceutical companies; thus, the primary health care professionals in this country are out of the money making loop if you're taking supplements and trying to live as natural a life as possible. they have no control and, for many doctors, little to no knowledge about the potential benefits.

A year ago, my BIL was having trouble sleeping and a few others things; the doctor diagnosed depression and perscribed Zoloft. One of the side effects is "thoughts of suicide." When he did indeed try to commit suicide, they decided to take him off the drug. Since that time, with some encouragement from me and others, he is taking herbal supplements and eating differently and better - he is better, significantly better. His doctor suggested since the suicidal thoughts are gone, he can use the Zoloft again - this makes no sense to me, but I am not a doctor. Fortunately, he decided against doing so, though his doctor was not best pleased and advised against herbal supplements and cautioned him about eatting too many veggies.

The next time you are watching television, listen to a commercial for the newst drug - pay attention to the part where the announcer says the side-effects. Some are down right scary and life threatenting - more so than the problems that caused one to need the drug int he first place.

 

[gymfreak336]

When Dr Oz was on Oprah monday he recommended Flax.

I always heard that Doctors dont get training in nutrition. Is that true?

They do not get the training in nutrition and supplements that you think they would. Not nearly as much.

 

[seraphinelle]

All drugs have one or more side effects.

The herbs some take have one or more side effects.

Sometimes those side effects materialise, and other times, you are incredibly lucky that they don't.

Sometimes they interact with other medications, sometimes they don't.

There's a drug, that stops or at least slows down macular degeneration. If you read the side effects, some people would be willing to give up their sight, rather than suffering through a couple of incidences of conjunctival haemorrhaging.

The truth is, apart from this doctor having to look up MSM in wikipedia, we (black people) as a population have issues with doctors. Yes pharmaceutical companies, blah blah blah, tuskegee project, blah blah blah, etc etc etc.

Find a doctor you can trust, if you have issues, but stop taking what they have to say with a grain of salt. Or if you have interests in the medical field, educate yourself. We need more black doctors anyway.

*you as in general public*

 

[Extremus]

Doctors make their money by writing prescriptions....if we all started using natural products and left the prescription drugs alone the health care industry would use billions...there have been a lot of fda approved things that have been found to cause cancer and other health isssues and later recalled so erplexed

Exactly! Boy -oh- Boy do I know too much about the FDA & doctors and their scandolous ways! But I'm just going to keep my mouth shut.

 

[Extremus]

No vitamins are FDA approved. In fact, there was a time when the feds were thinking about "regulating" vitamins. There is no $ in it for them. I think Kevin Trodeau(sp) was right when they say that the FDA is not interested in natural cures. They're in the pocket of the pharmaceutical companies anyway.

That's my boy!

 

[Extremus]

While doctors SHOULD take a holistic approach, I think we have to consider that medicine is a business just like any other. I've had doctors that I trust and respect, and others whose professionalism and advice made me question the diploma. Be that as it may, doctors perscribe pharmecuetical drugs, they regulate them, they make money and get perks from them and the companies that create them.

Holistic medicine is not regulate by the AMA or pharmeceutical companies; thus, the primary health care professionals in this country are out of the money making loop if you're taking supplements and trying to live as natural a life as possible. they have no control and, for many doctors, little to no knowledge about the potential benefits.

A year ago, my BIL was having trouble sleeping and a few others things; the doctor diagnosed depression and perscribed Zoloft. One of the side effects is "thoughts of suicide." When he did indeed try to commit suicide, they decided to take him off the drug. Since that time, with some encouragement from me and others, he is taking herbal supplements and eating differently and better - he is better, significantly better. His doctor suggested since the suicidal thoughts are gone, he can use the Zoloft again - this makes no sense to me, but I am not a doctor. Fortunately, he decided against doing so, though his doctor was not best pleased and advised against herbal supplements and cautioned him about eatting too many veggies.

The next time you are watching television, listen to a commercial for the newst drug - pay attention to the part where the announcer says the side-effects. Some are down right scary and life threatenting - more so than the problems that caused one to need the drug int he first place.

Goodness gracious! R u kidding me? This is ridiculous! Too many veggies? Try taking 6 Tylenols [drug] verses 6 apples [natural] and we'll see which one is safer and which one will kill us!

 

[shadylane21]

This drives me crazy! As a nurse I see so many drugs prescribed without a good reason! I personally feel that some Dr's. are just out to make money instead of treating patients, as a matter of fact I am an ex-smoker 1 1/2 months so far and I quit with the help of a drug called Chantix now this a newer drug about a year or two old. so working inn the E.R. I asked the docs about prescribing tis drug and 99 percent of them would not prescribe it because they said they hadn't heard of it and it probably wouldn't work! Well I found a doc in the same hospital and he had heard of it and had great results with it and he prescribed it for me! Here's the kicker this drug only has to be taken for 3 months and then u can stop, well it cost 118 a month and guess what? Insurance will not cover it. They will cover u having chemo,and surgery and stays in the hospital for lung cancer but they wont pay a lousy 400 bucks to save a life!
Sorry for my rant but my point is do your own research, and u like your doc when you go back for your next visit be armed with your research and have questions ready to ask her as to why she doesn't approve of your supplements.

 

[SleekandBouncy]

When these topics come up, it becomes a doctor bashing event.

But I will say, that anybody that *knows* about the natural healing of herbs and such, should take up a course in chemistry and the likes, if they don't like the direction the medical profession is heading (or perhaps headed)

Reading through this thread, I do not think anyone is bashing doctors. The women in this thread, appear very intelligent; enough that they wouldn't disregard the value of medical education. People stating real life experiences is reality not bashing. Unfortunately like anything else involving big bucks there's room for bias and corruption. When you have a Dr telling my grandmother that exercise isn't really that important, but giving her a prescription for a $50 drug and two more prescriptions for drugs that will counteract the side effects of that first drugs, that's a problem. My aunt was given a prescription for a drug that causes strokes, the same doctor berated her for taking vitamin C, yet after her strokes the vitamin C, juicing and supplements may have been what saved her life. To this day hr Dr claims complete perplexity as to how/why she recovered so well. Some ailments can not be treated by vitamins or herbs, but not every ailment needs a prescription, sometimes it's simply a dificiency in the body, ie. insomnia in many instances. Unfortunately, some doctors are not interested in the cause, only the symptom and the resulting medication to relieve said symptom. The best of both worlds would be the coming together of professionals from both fields.

There are many wonderful doctors, but discussing your experiences is not bashing. Many of the doctors within my own family admit that theres an issue with some doctors who become too reliant on Px and look to the symptom rather than the cause. We can't afford to view this topic solely from either perspective, especially not when you have people stating very real and very illogical experiences that no rational person can make sense of. A Dr should not label something as bad or unnecessary, but have to look it up on Wikipedia afterwards or telling someone they shouldn't exercise, but prescribing them expensive drugs one of which causes strokes. Not every doctor is bad and not every doctor is good. The medical field is run by people. Any human being or human organization, can fall victim to narrow mindedness or swayed by financial gain.
With that said, I happen to love my doctor.

 

[gymfreak336]

This drives me crazy! As a nurse I see so many drugs prescribed without a good reason! I personally feel that some Dr's. are just out to make money instead of treating patients, as a matter of fact I am an ex-smoker 1 1/2 months so far and I quit with the help of a drug called Chantix now this a newer drug about a year or two old. so working inn the E.R. I asked the docs about prescribing tis drug and 99 percent of them would not prescribe it because they said they hadn't heard of it and it probably wouldn't work! Well I found a doc in the same hospital and he had heard of it and had great results with it and he prescribed it for me! Here's the kicker this drug only has to be taken for 3 months and then u can stop, well it cost 118 a month and guess what? Insurance will not cover it. They will cover u having chemo,and surgery and stays in the hospital for lung cancer but they wont pay a lousy 400 bucks to save a life!
Sorry for my rant but my point is do your own research, and u like your doc when you go back for your next visit be armed with your research and have questions ready to ask her as to why she doesn't approve of your supplements.

Ironic isn't it. My sister is a nurse as well and she gives me all kinds of stories like this. My grandmother was taking all kinds of stuff before she passed away. After going through all of the medication,half of it was prescriped to treat the side effects of another. The side effects were worse than the orginal ailment.

As a self proclaimed vitamin junkie and I know some people may think that I will always automatically stick with the "health nuts" but the truth is that with just about anything especially medicine, half of what we know toady in 2007, will be disproved in 2011. That is just the way it goes. As science progresses and more and more research is done, we will learn more about how our bodies work and what we can do to keep them functioning at the maximum level. As a chemisty student I am always amazed at the new things being done everyday to improve on medical testing, technology and the like. I do also know that while the vast majority of doctors get into the profession to help people, medicine is a business like everything else. I don't take a supplement based off of one article, whether printed by a doctor, vitamin company (yes it is a business too) or any other place. I do my own research and make my own decision based off of what I feel. I also don't take a prescribed medication just because my doctor thinks I should either. I ask questions about how it works, why I should take it, my alternatives, side effects etc.... Ten years ago doctors were thumbing their noses at omega fatty acids, coq10 and now they are incorparating the same things into treatment plans for patients. The arrogance that is in the medical community is what has got to change. Patients and doctors are both going to have to work together to help change things around. I think it is important for us all to find doctors that we feel comfortable with and that have principles (in terms of care and treatment) that fall in line with what you personally belive to be best.

 

[MrsHouston]

Long story short, I had a routine visit today and told my doc I started taking MSM and flax seed oil since the last time I'd seen here.

She basically does not want me taking them because they aren't FDA approved... She did not "demand" I stop taking them, but she made it clear that she did not think it would be a good idea to continue using them.

She told you that w/o giving reasons other than not being FDA approved?

 

[MrsHouston]

My gynecologist instructed me to stop taking MSM and flaxseed oil. He also needed to get my bleeding under control one of the natural ingredients was conflicting with medicine. Can not remember which one though. He said I have surgery scheduled did not want me taking any kind of herbs no knowledge especially MSM.

One of his associates just had a healthy lady die in surgery year ago could not stop the bleeding. She fail to tell them she was taking some kind of natural herb.

This is TRUE, if you're about to undergo surgery.

 

[MrsHouston]

Even Dr. Oz of Oprah and Friends highly recommend the Omega's and he's a world renown cardiologist.

I can understand the msm in a way but flaxseed oil??? Omega fatty acids are essential to our bodies. Many doctor prescribed vitamin supplements for heart and mental health are just omega fatty acid supplements. Just like with any other medical advice whether coming from a doctor or just a regular person like me, get a second opinon.

I personally take almost all advice with a grain of salt. I find it funny that someone would say stop taking flaxseed oil (unless you have an allergy or something like that) but then also say in "clinical studies" that increased intake of fatty fish helps improve heart, skin and nervous health. Well isn't the magic spark in the fish omega fatty acids I asked a doctor once about taking melatonin and they looked at me like I was speaking French. After that I don't really bother. Its okay to take all of the prescribed medicines they give that sometimes give you worst side effects than your orginial ailment but you are supposed to stop taking flaxseed oil?

Do what you are comfortable with, no matter who recommends what

 

[Neroli]

Ironic isn't it. My sister is a nurse as well and she gives me all kinds of stories like this. My grandmother was taking all kinds of stuff before she passed away. After going through all of the medication,half of it was prescriped to treat the side effects of another. The side effects were worse than the orginal ailment.

As a self proclaimed vitamin junkie and I know some people may think that I will always automatically stick with the "health nuts" but the truth is that with just about anything especially medicine, half of what we know toady in 2007, will be disproved in 2011. That is just the way it goes. As science progresses and more and more research is done, we will learn more about how our bodies work and what we can do to keep them functioning at the maximum level. As a chemisty student I am always amazed at the new things being done everyday to improve on medical testing, technology and the like. I do also know that while the vast majority of doctors get into the profession to help people, medicine is a business like everything else. I don't take a supplement based off of one article, whether printed by a doctor, vitamin company (yes it is a business too) or any other place. I do my own research and make my own decision based off of what I feel. I also don't take a prescribed medication just because my doctor thinks I should either. I ask questions about how it works, why I should take it, my alternatives, side effects etc.... Ten years ago doctors were thumbing their noses at omega fatty acids, coq10 and now they are incorparating the same things into treatment plans for patients. The arrogance that is in the medical community is what has got to change. Patients and doctors are both going to have to work together to help change things around. I think it is important for us all to find doctors that we feel comfortable with and that have principles (in terms of care and treatment) that fall in line with what you personally belive to be best.

Gymfreak, you go Girl! ITA with everything you say, especially bolded part about doing own research and asking questions. Basically, using common sense.

I've uterine fibroids for over 20 years, since my son was born, and didn't need treatment, just monitoring until about 6 years ago when they became painful and my OBGYN (who I LOVE) wanted to do major surgery - cut, go in and take it out and close -- about 8 weeks to recover. I had to tell her about the embulization surgery where a radiologist goes in and starves the fibroids - no cuts, just a needle poke, home next day, 1 week to recover. I was a model patient, complete success, fibroids shrunk over 70%, no futher action, no cuts. Excellent result for me and other women who do not plan on having anymore children. Indeed Condi Rice has similar surgery in 2004. It is becoming the norm now, but in 2001 when I had my surgery, it was experimental and I thank God my insurance covered the procedure at that time.

I had to educate my doctor about a medical procedure. To this day, she refers patients to call me so I can tell them about my experience and instead of automatically cutting out the fiboids, she now has another option for her patients. That was an amazing experience for me and her. Doctors are just people and they need all the help they can get . . . .