This post was sponsored by Harvey, all opinions are my own. I only work with brands I believe in and happily support
I’m going to share a confession with you that I’m not exactly proud of….
I hadn’t seen my doctor for seven years until this spring.
Real talk, I’ve never enjoyed going to the doctors, but I have a feeling I’m not alone. My experience has always been rushed, I’ve felt patronized, ignored and brushed aside.
This most recent trip in the spring reminded me exactly why I hadn’t been in seven years. It was the same story. Symptoms I had, that felt connected to me, were quickly dismissed, I felt dumb for mentioning I thought they were connected and the solution was automatically a prescription.
I left feeling a little embarrassed and silly. Seriously, is that how someone should feel leaving a doctors’ appointment? And this isn’t me blaming the doctor specifically. I’m sure he is overwhelmed with patients and needs to play in a system that isn’t conducive to healing, prevention and overall wellness.
A couple weeks later I received an email from a startup called Harvey. I honestly think it was the universe answering my frustration with an olive branch saying “don’t give up.”
What the heck is Harvey?
Awesome question. Harvey is a new startup on the scene that’s expanding access to integrative medicine.
Before we go further I wanted to clarify what integrative medicine is, because it’s new to me too.
“Harvey combines conventional Western therapies with scientifically-validated philosophies of Eastern medicine, such as prevention and natural self-healing, to treat the whole person, not just a set of isolated symptoms.”
Basically the goal is to heal the patient from the inside out, using diet and lifestyle changes without jumping straight to prescriptions.
What is the Process Like?
To start, you work one-on-one with a naturopathic doctor to talk about your symptoms, your history, your lifestyle, the whole picture. Then your doctor decides if and which lab tests you need to get further information.
Those tests are sent straight to your door with detailed instructions and paid return postage for a stress-free testing experience. Everything is done in your home! Once the tests come back you have a follow up with your doctor where they outline a natural treatment plan that includes any supplements, and/or diet and lifestyle changes you’ll need to make.
My Experience with Harvey
After completing an intake form with health history, I had my call with Dr. Amanda Frick. Honestly in that hour, I’m not exaggerating, I felt more heard than in every other doctor experience combined. She asked so many great questions and really listened to how I answered.
I didn’t feel anxious about forgetting my list of must-ask questions before my time ran out (like I usually do in a doctor’s office). Amanda was so patient and knowledgeable when I asked her input about different parts of my health and wellbeing. She was totally understanding when I shared my past with disordered eating and how I didn’t want to restrict any foods (unless absolutely necessary).
What We Discussed
Right now, I’m so grateful to be feeling really great in my body. There were points in my life when I knew my digestion was out of whack, but never sought help for it. At the moment everything is running smoothly in the digestion department.
However, I do suffer from acne (jawline, chest, back) and I have since I was in high school. It comes and goes but it’s always there. I’ve tried pills and potions but they are just bandaids. I’ve made major strides this year with a non-toxic skin and makeup routine, however I have feeling the root cause is below the surface.
I also feel pretty fatigued most days and have a really rough time waking up. Doesn’t matter whether it’s 5am or 11am – I’m still groggy for hours.
Then the Lab Tests
Amanda recommended I get a micronutrient test, a food sensitivity test and a microbiome test.
Is it weird that I was super excited to take these? I never knew what kinds of tests to ask for from my traditional doctor. It always felt like I could only go for emergencies rather than wanting to maximize my health and energy levels.
Where are we now
So far I’ve gotten back the micronutrient test. It looks like I’m deficient in D, which apparently is pretty common and a serious issue with most of the US population, as it’s tied to so many chronic diseases! I was also borderline deficient in: Selenium, Magnesium and Vitamin C.
I had a follow up with Dr. Amanda Frick and she recommended I take a vitamin D supplement, a B Complex, Alpha Lipoic Acid and HPA Adapt (adrenal support). She also recommended I eat a light carb breakfast and a higher carb dinner to help regulate my cortisol which will help wake me up. More carbs at night? No problem here.
Once I get the other two tests back which will help shed more light on my skin issues I’ll have another follow up with Amanda and discuss updating the treatment plan.
My thoughts so far
This has been one of the best medical experiences I’ve had. I’ve felt heard, I’m learning so much and I feel like I finally have some answers. I will acknowledge the tests aren’t cheap for the average person. However, whether or not this was a sponsored opportunity I’d absolutely return to Harvey again. If you can afford the experience, it’s absolutely worth it. I’ve been looking for a long time to work with a naturopathic doctor and I can’t recommend this company enough. Hopefully someday health care can cover these kinds of experiences, but I’m such a believer in what Harvey is doing to make this kind of holistic healing accessible outside of major cities.
What’s Next
I’m really excited to take this treatment plan and get the rest of the test results. I’ll be doing a follow up post about my skin and energy levels in a couple months once I’ve been really consistent with the supplements and lifestyle changes.
Who I would recommend Harvey To :
- You’ve been feeling low energy and off for months
- You have symptoms that you have a feeling are connected but want more answers
- If you’ve felt ignored by your doctor
- You think you might have an autoimmune disorder
- You want to find a healing approach without tons of antibiotics and prescription medications
Here’s how you can try Harvey for yourself:
When you chat with the Doctor, tell them Georgie sent you for $25 off!
The post How I Finally Felt Heard Going to the Doctor – My Harvey Experience Part 1 appeared first on In it for the Long Run.
from In it for the Long Run http://ift.tt/2u3RqnG
No comments:
Post a Comment