Chronic illness has a way of wearing you down, both physically and mentally. It chips away at your energy, your routine, your sense of self, and your hope at times. For me, navigating an illness that has affected every system of my body has felt like a full-time job, one that doesn’t pay very well and offers little clarity.
When conventional medicine didn't provide the answers I was looking for, I turned to functional medicine, and hoped to find a fresh perspective and direction that might offer some relief. Here, I’ll share my experience with functional medicine including the highs, the lows, and whether I think it’s worth it or not.
The Promise of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is highly personalized, with practitioners aiming to find and treat the root cause of illness, which was one of the things that initially drew me in. My experience with conventional medicine, I often leave disappointed, rushed when describing my symptoms, and left with a referral for yet another test. 15 – 20 minutes is simply not enough time to explain complex symptoms, and I always leave realizing I forgot an important symptom that could have provided a clue.
With functional medicine, my first appointment was nearly two hours long. I got to explain my entire health history, every symptom in detail, and every strange pattern I’d noticed over time. The practitioner didn’t rush me, and asked questions that made me feel like I was being taken seriously for the first time. I felt seen and heard, which is no small thing when you’re dealing with an invisible illness.
Functional medicine takes a more holistic approach. Practitioners look at the body as an interconnected system, considering how the gut, hormones, immune system, and mental health play a role in symptoms. This interested me because my illness affects so many different parts of my body. Instead of treating each symptom as separate, functional medicine aimed to tackle the underlying causes that might be affecting all these areas at once.
The Highs: Personalized Approach and Hope
In the past 5 years, I’ve seen two alternative medicine clinics, and one of the greatest benefits I’ve found is the personalized care. With conventional medicine, it often felt like I was just another patient in line, but in functional medicine, I felt like an individual with a unique set of circumstances.
Every treatment plan I’ve received has been tailored specifically to me. They considered not only my symptoms but also my lifestyle, mental health, and personal preferences. This gave me a sense of control over my health.
Hope is another key element of functional medicine that I hadn’t expected to value as much as I do. When you're living with chronic illness, hope can often feel distant. Functional medicine gave me the hope that, maybe, there is a root cause for my illness, and if we can figure it out, I could feel better one day.
Both practitioners I saw were passionate about what they do and enjoyed taking on the challenge of dealing with complex patients. Their enthusiasm in figuring me out gave me a glimmer of hope that kept me going on the days when I felt discouraged. And let’s be honest, the mental and emotional toll of being sick all the time can be just as difficult as the physical symptoms.
The Lows: The Cost and Complexity
Functional medicine is expensive. Many of the tests and treatments I’ve been offered aren’t covered by insurance, and paying out of pocket adds up fast. I’ve spent thousands on tests, supplements, and consultations. And while functional medicine is thorough, the number of tests alone can be overwhelming. I’ve had my gut microbiome analyzed, bloodwork panels done, food sensitivity tests, heavy metal testing, you name it. Each one promised to uncover a hidden piece of the puzzle, but after a while, it can begin to feel like a financial and emotional burden.
The treatments themselves can be just as complex. At one point, I was taking 15 different supplements 3 times daily, along with a strict Paleo style diet that eliminated nearly every food I enjoyed. Managing all of this felt like a part-time job, especially when I was already struggling with debilitating symptoms and general life tasks and responsibilities.
I kept asking myself: “Is this complexity really necessary for me?” Some days, the sheer number of pills and dietary restrictions felt more like an added layer of stress than a path to healing, but I was desperate. Without our health, we are nothing, so if there was a chance of relief, I wanted to take it.
Time and Patience
Another challenge I encountered with functional medicine is that it takes time to see results, if any. Conventional medicine tends to focus on quick fixes: take a pill, feel better. But functional medicine takes the opposite approach, often requiring months (or years) of treatment before you start noticing any significant changes. And even then, results aren’t guaranteed.
There have been times when I followed a treatment plan for months with little to no improvement. This can be disheartening, especially when you’re investing so much time, energy, and money into care. However, because functional medicine practitioners are always looking for that root cause, there’s a constant sense of, "maybe we just haven’t found it yet." This keeps you in a cycle of trying new things, tweaking your treatment plan, and hoping the next adjustment will be the one that makes a difference. Patience is important, but it’s hard to stay patient when your life is constantly being turned upside down by illness.
So, Is It Worth It?
After all of this, you might be wondering if I think functional medicine is worth it. And the truth is, I don’t have a simple answer. In some ways, functional medicine has been invaluable. I’ve appreciated the personalized care, holistic approach, and the hope it’s provided. It’s also helped me look at my illness in new ways and has given me the tools to advocate for myself in a healthcare system that often feels dismissive.
But the cost, complexity, and time commitment are real obstacles. Not everyone can afford the luxury of functional medicine, and even if you can, there’s no guarantee it will lead to a solution or relief. The reality is, I’m still without a clear diagnosis, and continue to struggle managing symptoms. While functional medicine has helped in some areas, I’m still on a long road to recovery.
While some days, I’m grateful for the insights my providers have given me and the unique approaches to my complex issues. Other days, I wonder if I’m chasing something that’s just out of reach. Ultimately, functional medicine offers a different path, one that feels more compassionate and thoughtful, but it’s not a quick fix, it takes a lot of work, and it’s not for everyone.
If you’re considering functional medicine, my advice would be to go in with your eyes open. Know that it will require time, money, and a lot of patience. Be prepared for the ups and downs, and don’t be afraid to question whether a particular treatment is right for you. Most importantly, remember that your journey is your own, and whether through functional medicine or another path, you deserve to find a way forward that works for you.
A more detailed look at my first experience here: My First Experience with Functional Medicine: A Hopeful Beginning, A Confusing End
Do you have any experience with Functional Medicine? I would love to hear your success stories!
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