Nightwriter
New member
Hi Jane,
I too, think this is such an interesting area. How our environment affects all of us, the foods we eat, and of course the medicines we put into our bodies affect us, yet most doctors do not look at the "whole person." They just look at their one area. They can't teach what they don't know.
Yes, CF medicines may affect behavior. They are chemicals (remember I mentioned chemical sensitivities). And chemicals affect each of us in different ways. Not all children who have CF have ADD. But they can still be affected in other ways -- rashes, stomach problems, acne, fibromyalgia or muscle and joint pains , and most important asthma (huge component of CF doctors frequently do not address), sleep disturbances, sinus problems, so many things.
So your question is what kind of doctor to go to? I have asked my own doctor about what to recommend to other people. There is no clear easy answer to that. Because the most important thing is to find a doctor who looks at the whole person who is able to treat people not only medically but advise people with lifestyle changes. I have posted many of my doctor's recommended changes in other threads -- and can direct you to them if you'd like.
My doctor is a internist/pulmonary/allergist who has an interest in how allergies/irritants/chemical sensitivities affect the body. So I guess I would start googling doctors in your area to see what's around. At any rate I'd look for a great allergist who deals with chemical sensitivities -- because since there are no tests for this, chances are the doctor will be someone who is thinking outside a textbook.
I would google conference on these subjects and see what doctors presented papers and see if anyone is in your area.
And then I would investigate how to make lifestyle/dietary changes ( I can direct you if you'd like) and make changes today. Here's something you can do today. Get rid of all soaps, detergents, cleansers with frangrances. Put protective covers on bedding. Check your foods for chemicals, dyes, and preservatives.
Foods that have sulfites or sodium benzoate (sp)(eg.diet coke) Check out air filters. Remove carpeting if possible. So a start....
I too, think this is such an interesting area. How our environment affects all of us, the foods we eat, and of course the medicines we put into our bodies affect us, yet most doctors do not look at the "whole person." They just look at their one area. They can't teach what they don't know.
Yes, CF medicines may affect behavior. They are chemicals (remember I mentioned chemical sensitivities). And chemicals affect each of us in different ways. Not all children who have CF have ADD. But they can still be affected in other ways -- rashes, stomach problems, acne, fibromyalgia or muscle and joint pains , and most important asthma (huge component of CF doctors frequently do not address), sleep disturbances, sinus problems, so many things.
So your question is what kind of doctor to go to? I have asked my own doctor about what to recommend to other people. There is no clear easy answer to that. Because the most important thing is to find a doctor who looks at the whole person who is able to treat people not only medically but advise people with lifestyle changes. I have posted many of my doctor's recommended changes in other threads -- and can direct you to them if you'd like.
My doctor is a internist/pulmonary/allergist who has an interest in how allergies/irritants/chemical sensitivities affect the body. So I guess I would start googling doctors in your area to see what's around. At any rate I'd look for a great allergist who deals with chemical sensitivities -- because since there are no tests for this, chances are the doctor will be someone who is thinking outside a textbook.
I would google conference on these subjects and see what doctors presented papers and see if anyone is in your area.
And then I would investigate how to make lifestyle/dietary changes ( I can direct you if you'd like) and make changes today. Here's something you can do today. Get rid of all soaps, detergents, cleansers with frangrances. Put protective covers on bedding. Check your foods for chemicals, dyes, and preservatives.
Foods that have sulfites or sodium benzoate (sp)(eg.diet coke) Check out air filters. Remove carpeting if possible. So a start....