When my doctor called me several days after I had completed my annual physical saying she wanted me to schedule an appointment in order to discuss my cholesterol levels, I was dismayed. I was even more disheartened when she told me that my overall cholesterol level along with my LDL had increased since last year. Her advice to me--that I begin taking a cholesterol lowering drug, probably Crestor--was more dismaying yet. After many questions, I knew I was not yet ready to start taking a drug that I would most likely have to remain on for the rest of my life. I knew that part of the regime in taking a statin drug would be having blood draws in order to keep abreast of my liver function. When I asked her if she knew of any alternative methods for treating high cholesterol (I was already exercising regularly and had attempted to modify my diet a bit), she said she did not. I left her office that day informing her that I wanted to do some research for myself.
Upon arriving home, I got on the web and eventually found the name of Dr. Wael Alomar listed along with a few other physicians who offered alternative, holistic approaches to healthcare. I was delighted to see that he was in close proximity to my home, as well. I recall that I inquired about him via email, and when I received a reply I made an appointment in order to discuss my situation further and to hear what his protocol for my elevated cholesterol would include.
The initial and primary approach that Dr. Alomar took was to do a thorough evaluation of my eating lifestyle, my health concerns, medical history, etc. Armed with that information he began designing a "diet" that was tailored specifically to my physical and medical needs as well as my eating preferences. You may be surprised to know that I did not have to go on a self-depriving diet which put many foods on a forbidden list. Not at all! The big change that came was "going organic." For me, going organic has meant expanding my eating options. I eat a wider variety of foods, food tastes better, and I feel good about what I eat. Perhaps my husband said it well when he recently remarked, "Eating has become almost like an adventure."
Although, I had orginally sought out Dr. Alomar for my cholesterol concerns, I was amazed several weeks later when I began to notice that the fibromyalgic-like aches and pains which I had grown to tolerate as part of my almost daily existence had disappeared. When I used to take note if I had a day that was pain free, I now notice when a day when the fibromyalgic-like pain recurs. Another unanticipated, but welcome, "side effect" of this "treatment" has been weight loss. I have lost approximately 15 lbs., I haven't even really tried, and I certainly haven't felt like I've had to deprive myself of foods I love to eat.
I am grateful to have a way of attending to my personal medical concerns that are oriented towards what is natural and healthful for my body. I hope that others will have the opportunity to experience body-friendly approaches to their healthcare.
Oh, by the way, about the cholesterol. I had it checked in January--the first time since making these lifestyle changes with Dr. Alomar's care and guidance. It was (normal and) 42 points lower than the report I received at my annual physical.
Happily submitted by: Donna Swanson, Pastoral Psychotherapist
