Alternative therapy has benefited me both pre- and post-transplant

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with various alternative therapies. Not everyone will have the same response. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.

I’ve used alternative therapies my whole life to fill the gaps in Western medicine. Through trial and error and changes in my health, I’ve developed strategies to manage relentless symptoms, as well as some general wellness hacks.

While living with cystic fibrosis (CF), my lung disease was aggressive. I used medical treatments such as nebulizers, airway clearance devices, and medications. Sometimes, these interventions weren’t enough to clear the thick, sticky mucus from my airways, so I had to try other options.

I got creative with other therapies. I ran or used a stationary bike every day, which made a dramatic difference in my airway clearance. I saw a naturopathic doctor who administered hydrotherapy weekly, which was a great detoxifier and expelled a lot of mucus. I also took supplements, herbs, and nontraditional medications to thin the mucus and make breathing easier.

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While sick with CF lungs, I took a plethora of vitamins and concoctions to boost my immune system. I drank various tea blends and elderberry syrup, slept with onions inside my socks (true story), and ate cloves of garlic drenched in honey. These are just a few of the many weird things I regularly tried!

My continuous cough was hard and painful, leaving my ribs and back constantly sore. I’ve seen a chiropractor since I was young, and the sessions improved my pain, breathing, and overall wellness immensely. It also helped to stretch frequently. Staying active strengthened my sore spots, too. Despite the pain, I learned how to breathe through exercise and physical therapy interventions.

I also consider the methods I use to care for my mental, emotional, and spiritual health to be alternative therapies. I’ve seen a therapist on and off for several years through various health challenges and medical trauma. Implementing healthy boundaries, regulating my nervous system, and having solid support people keep my emotional reservoir full and are essential to my well-being. My relationship with Jesus keeps my spiritual health in check, and prayer helps me let go of what I can’t control (which, it turns out, is pretty much everything!).

Post-transplant methods

After my double-lung transplant nine years ago, my methods changed dramatically. I can no longer take many of the herbs, supplements, and concoctions that boosted my immune system prior to my transplant. While I no longer have thick, sticky mucus in my lungs, I do need to protect my immune system and manage other chronic symptoms.

Other interventions I’ve tried post-transplant include acupuncture, continued chiropractic care, and various vitamins. Acupuncture improves my sleep, helps regulate my nervous system, and strengthens my overall functioning, while my chiropractor now helps me manage chronic pain.

Lastly, on both sides of transplant, I’ve been vigilant about my diet. I eat healthy most of the time, which benefits my digestive system, contributes to reduced inflammation, helps me manage steroid-induced diabetes, and makes me feel better in general.

While alternative therapies aren’t often discussed in Western medicine, I’ve found a combination of both types of treatment to be helpful. I exercise caution by checking with my transplant doctor first to ensure nothing will harm my lungs, but I’ve learned that thinking outside the box is often key to developing the most effective treatment plan.

Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.