I have a friend who had a three-level spinal fusion, followed by three months of multiple pain medications that caused dizziness, constipation and gastrointestinal distress. She sensed that the doctor thought she was exaggerating her suffering and that she might be a little crazy. In the hope of easing her pain, she went to an acupuncturist, and after several visits, she started to experience some relief. Negative attributes were ascribed to alternative treatments, if such therapies were even mentioned. My patients teach me that traditional medicine has limitations, and my experience tells me that Western medicine does not have all the answers.
Some alternative treatments can be of great benefit, and few are harmful.
My patients have taught me that I cannot make everyone better or take away all pain, even using the best traditional medicine has to offer. I accept my limitations as a physician and admit them to my patients. I understand when my patients want to try something different or when they believe traditional medicine has let them down. Patients often seek alternatives because of a need to take control, to do something for themselves. My patients show me that it is all right to be assertive.