Integrative General Practitioners

Hi . I hope you get some responses from the community. The most similar type of doctor I can think of here in the United States would be an osteopath. Like integrative GPs, they practice traditional medicine, but they also integrate wholistic approaches with alternative medicine and a focus on lifestyle and environmental factors. Osteopathic doctors can specialize, so it is possible to find one who is also a rheumatologist. For me, that would be important. PsA is a complicated and progressive disease. Many people find dietary changes and exercise lifechanging, but for some, those changes have no impact at all. So it would be important for me to see a doctor who is well-versed in the pharmaceutical approaches as well. Can you see both an integrative GP and a rheumatologist? It might be helpful to combine the two approaches. Do you mind me asking what experimental anti-inflammatory treatment the doctor recommended? There might be people here who have tried it and can give you feedback. Sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)

Hello I think we might have something similar here in the U.S. called a functional medicine doctor or like Lori mentioned, an osteopath. Some of the names and types seem to overlap in some places and be different in others- just further adding to the confusion.
I'm saving up to see a local functional medicine doctor, but haven't made the appointment yet since it isn't covered by my insurance and from what I've learned from others, they often advise certain supplements that can also be very pricey.
I have found that following the Autoimmune Protocol (diet) to be very helpful. It might be something similar that was recommended to you. I wrote about my experience and research in a two-part set of articles that you might find helpful. https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/dietary-changes-part-1
My approach to managing my PsA involves incorporating pretty much everything I can. I've changed my diet, added gentle yoga stretches, and top off all my vitamins, especially vitamin D and vitamin B (shots). It requires a ridiculous amount of tracking and I don't do nearly perfectly enough, but I try my best.
Hopefully other community member will chime in with their experiences and I'd love to know more of your thoughts about your experiences. -Leanne (Team Member)

Hi and , thank you both for your speedy replies. That's so interesting about the "osteopath" - in Australia I think of an osteopath as someone who uses massage, gentle stretching and some manipulation to help address inflamation - they do also tend to have knowledge about other natural / non-pharma therapies but I wouldn't have gone there specifically for that type of advice. I have had great experience with an osteo for sciatica and back pain when pregnant and breastfeeding and if she was nearby would still see her.
The integrative GP suggested a treatment that has been developed in the US by a
d-r-go&od#en.ow!e (remove the special characters when you search, I have no desire to promote them via search engines! 😉) involving a supplement regime derived from shark liver oil. It sounded quite experimental and not approved in Australia to be sold as an inflammation treatment.
They did also suggest a very detailed fasting blood test to identify if there any other factors we can address - for example, I am close to menopause. I will probably do this soon.
They also mentioned a nearby psoriatic clinic which I will also consider making an appointment with.
My rheumatologist and dermatologist are both supportive of me taking a multi-pronged approach to managing my condition and I have made some adjustments to my diet, but there is always more I can do - I will go read your article Leanne about diet right now. I have just started Cosentyx and am hopeful that will slow the progression which has felt like a bit of a fast train the past 12 months.
Thanks also for mentioning the vitamin supplements Leanne, I will get back onto them. BTW, my dermotologist told me to start B3 daily to help guard against skin cancer - I have fair skin. I have felt like a rattlebox some days these past months with all these medications and supplements!
Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply.
Jo

Hello!
At the risk of sounding like Negative Nancy I would be careful of any professional without an M.D. degree. Psoriatic Arthritis is a complex disease and you need a professional with education and expertise. A friend consulted with a “Naturopath” here in the U.S. who convinced her that she had hypothyroidism. It was extremely expensive quackery. She did not have hypothyroidism. I, who have had hypothyroidism for nearly 20 years, told my highly respected endocrinologist about my friend’s experience. He was disgusted and said it was a shame our FDA hadn’t put these people out of business. I wish you good luck and good health, but please beware!