Tough Decision … Bright Future! Alternative and Complementary Medicine
By Karen Roberts

Tera Bodo, a registered nurse, has made some pretty difficult decisions in the last year. One of them included her three-year-old daughter, Makayla Bodo. Little Makayla was a premie and was born with a few birth defects. She has a tracheotomy (an opening in her windpipe to help her breathe). She has a number of other conditions that required many medications.

Makayla also has acid reflux and is developmentally delayed. She had chronic ear infections and frequently vomited due to the reflux.  Stress and worry on the family was high. Since Makayla’s immunity was very low, the family kept her inside quite a bit. Makayla was also very familiar with hospitals.

“The last straw was when Makayla was diagnosed with histiocytosis,” said Tera. “The doctor wanted to give her chemotherapy.” Histiocytosis is the abnormal increase in the number of histiocyte immune cells. Makayla’s histiocytosis appeared as a small lesion in her mouth. 

“I felt like we were poisoning her with all the medications,” said Tera. “And she wasn’t getting any better. I wanted to try a naturopath. I found Dr. Meschi’s name in Amerikidz.” Dr. Meschi is a board certified naturopathic physician.

Makayla began seeing Dr. Meschi last summer. Makalya has made tremendous strides. She is off her medications except for one nebulizer medication. A nebulizer sprays medication into Makayla’s mouth in a fine mist.

“The first day we saw Dr. Meschi, Makayla threw up all over his floor,” said Tera. “He has done so much for her. Makayla is on herbal medicines, and we changed her diet to all organic foods.”

“Since birth, Makayla was put on medications for supposed severe acid reflux. My thoughts were that the vomiting was due to some moderate food allergies,” stated Dr. Meschi, PH.D., NHD, CNC. “Also attributing to the vomiting was a chronic ear infection, and as a result, she had tubes inserted into her ears to attempt to drain the infection out.”

Tera believes in the whole naturopathic approach—so much so, that she is also using it for her health.

It’s not been easy. Insurance does not cover the cost, but Tera is willing to work an extra shift to cover the cost.

“I am just flabbergasted at how well my daughter has done,” said Tera. “There’s been a huge change in her immune system, her energy, and her cognitive abilities.” Makayla’s lesion has also decreased.

Tera’s husband was not very supportive in the beginning, but he sees the changes and now supports Tera’s decision. Makayla’s pediatrician is also supportive. However, the gastrointestinal physician was not supportive.

“The family is not under as much stress,” said Tera. “Makayla is not in the hospital as much. We can go outside now, and the family can do more things. We don’t have to worry as much for Makayla’s future.”

Parents should be cautious. Become informed about your options for health care. Research all options and discuss your plans with your physician. Ultimately, you are responsible for your health care and that of your family. Your decisions must be based on careful research and thoughtful consideration of the risks involved when you go against the advice of your physician.

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