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Are surgeons becoming more aware of and open to complementary healthcare methods? Do you see this trend increasing among patients?

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complementary healthcare related to surgery

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Topics (Tags):

Complementary Treatments Complementary And Alternative Medicine Surgeons

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Complementary Treatments X Complementary And Alternative Medicine X Surgeons X

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Answers (4)

member4136 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 10 / 18 / 2011

The surgeon I used for my breast cancer was definitely not open to alternative methods. He would become somewhat irritated and angry at me when I didn't jump through the conventional hoops that he wanted me to. Every time I see him (which isn't often now) he also mentions how I didn't elect chemotherapy and the cancer can go to my brain, bones, lung-he never mentions how well I am doing even without the chemotherapy. But---when the last biopsy came back with no more cancer in my breast he also couldn't explain how that happened. Hopefully more surgeons will allow patients to make their own decisions and not chastise them for deciding on other options.

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SheldonFeldmanMD (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified) ) - 10 / 19 / 2011

Yes, I believe that surgeons at many centers have growing awareness and interest in CAM(complementary alternative medicine). Helping patients prepare for surgery using mind-body techniques such as meditation and audio relaxation tapes is become fairly routine. Additionally patients are becoming more proactive in assuming responsibility for their care incorporating other modalities to ensure rapid healing.

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member9444 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 10 / 20 / 2011

Thanks Dr. Feldman. I agree with you that patients are becoming more proactive. I look forward to seeing more hospitals integrating CAM therapies into their oncology and recovery units.

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DrAttai (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified) ) - 10 / 23 / 2011

I agree with Dr. Feldman's answer - there is no question that complementary techniques can help put a patient in a better physical and mental state prior to undergoing therapy, and can help manage the side effects of therapy. Just as we have come to appreciate the importance of proper nutrition, exercise and sleep in the maintenance of health and prevention and treatment of disease, I think that CAM will also play an increasingly important role in disease prevention and treatment.

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Latest Activity: 10 / 23 / 2011
Views: 284
Followed By: 4 members