A.P. is a 39 year old female with various digestive complaints including bloating and gas, rectal hemorrhoids, blood and mucus in the stool, urgency and abnormal stool consistency. The patient was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2006 and has been doing conventional treatments since then; however, symptoms were not completely gone. These symptoms were also causing nervousness and anxiety because they affected her lifestyle.
Tests: In-office exam, Genova- GI Effects stool test
Results: In-office test showed adrenal fatigue, autonomic dysfunction, sympathetic dominance and low blood circulation. The initial GI effects test (July/12/2018) showed intestinal dysbiosis, a potential bacterial pathogen and elevated intestinal inflammation including calprotectin, which is a marker of inflammation associated with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Protocol and outcome: Patient was given a protocol addressing the adrenal dysfunction as well as the inflammation, potential infection and dysbiosis. The protocol included acupuncture as well as supplements and Chinese herbs. The goal was not to treat ulcerative colitis but instead, treat the patient in front of us and the underlying problems. Around the end of October 2018, patient was reporting no symptoms. A follow up GI Effects test was done in December/9/2018 and it showed no potential pathogens, no dysbiosis and lower levels of inflammation including a normal level of calprotectin. Patient continues on a maintenance protocol and additional dietary and lifestyle changes and will do a follow up GI Effects in 3 months.
Dr. Yarilis Vazquez, ND
SOPHIA Natural Health Center