Utah Natural Medicine

Bertrand's new treatment plan which I'll detail tomorrow.

Today was Bertrand's first appointment with Matthew Burnett, a naturopathic doctor at Utah Natural Medicine. In many ways, it was just like any other doctor's appointment: there was an obscene amount of paperwork, an exam, some blood work (you know Bertrand can never escape blood work)... But, something remarkable also happened: Dr. Burnett actually read the huge stack of papers I filled out! I don't think that has EVER happened before! (Is that sad or what?) I wish I'd taken more time and care with the answers, but I'm a bit jaded when it comes to medical forms. I wasn't about to get a cramp in my hand for no good reason.

I'm not going to lie. It was nice.

Dr. Burnett actually read what I wrote and listened when I spoke. He also spoke to Bertrand and was respectful--talking through the exam with Bertrand and including him as much as possible. (That's pretty much the straightest path to cool points in my book.)

All the weird symptoms*--which I'd mentioned to other doctors since Bertrand's birth but been assured were "normal" or "normal for a special needs child"--got dredged up. And FINALLY someone agreed with me that they were NOT NORMAL and it was not acceptable to ignore these symptoms--to "sweep them under the rug"--because Bertrand is a special needs child.

Hallelujah? Rejoicing? Well, maybe I'll admit to a little happy dance, but, like I mentioned above, I am kinda jaded when it comes to the medical establishment--no matter how granola. If/when I see results, then we'll talk. But, wow. I'm not sure if I can't believe it's come to this? Or if I can't believe it took me so long?

We've put Bertrand through hell, but all this guy wants is for Bertrand to get a finger prick, get some head massage and drink some smoothies**? I'm down with that. And, for the record, so is B--he now likes smoothies. :)

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*The weird symptoms include but aren't limited to the lack of tears, the blue sclera of his eyes, repeated styes, cold hands/feet, constipation, and more.

**The terms head massage & smoothies, for craniosacral therapy, detoxification and protein, vitamin and mineral therapy, are a gross simplification, but I don't think Bertrand cares enough to tell the difference.