Complex Chronic Disease

Many patients come to our clinic with a diverse array of symptoms. These symptoms may be concerning, bothersome, or deeply debilitating. Their cause is commonly unknown or, at least, not well understood. The majority of our patients have seen many specialists without answers, or received diagnoses that still do not feel right before visiting us. Blood or other laboratory tests may have been unable to confirm a true causative factor, or painted a muddy clinical picture. Some have been told, “you just need a therapist,” or “it’s all in your head”.

Mischa Grieder, ND - Naturopathic Doctor
DR. MISCHA GRIEDER, ND

I am comfortable working in the role of medical detective. The science is constantly evolving, and I enjoy staying up-to-date on the latest research and treatments available both in the US and in Europe. Putting the pieces together with my patients, and then watching them regain their health, brings me a lot of joy.

Complex Chronic Disease

Common diagnoses given to patients with CCD:

Complex Chronic Disease Diagnosis
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS)
Lyme Disease & Other Chronic Infections
Fibromyalgia
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Mast Cell Disorders (MCD)/ Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Mold/ Biotoxin Illness
Gastrointestinal Disorders

*Note: This is not a complete list. Every patient presents differently.

Inspired by BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre’s definition of CCD

How do we define Complex Chronic Disease (CCD)?

Complex Chronic Disease Definition
  • Causative factors are not well understood
  • Symptoms can manifest differently among people with the same diagnosis
  • Multi-system chronic inflammatory patterns are present
  • The disease state persists longer than 6 months
  • Symptoms can evolve or change over time
  • Longer duration of CCD can lead to other health complications
  • Patients have unique needs, disabilities and functional limitations
  • Calls for individualized treatment plans
  • May require multiple healthcare providers
  • Impairs relationships, employment, career goals, mental health, etc

You Are Unique

My Individualized Treatment Plan

I have been a patient of Dr. Grieder’s since 2015, when I was diagnosed with Lyme. Dr. G was so supportive and understanding…

Conditions Treated

Complex Chronic Disease

When we carefully and attentively address each stressor contributing to CCD, we liberate the body’s own healing capabilities. If we only focus on killing Lyme disease through antibiotic therapy, we ignore all of the other stressors contributing to the disease state. The patient might experience an increase in negative symptoms and imbalances, or a serious setback in health. When we weave all of the pieces of CCD together—however—the chance of a full restoration of health, and the speed at which that healing happens, greatly increases.