I remember when I saw Fibromyalgia for the first time. I mean really saw it. It was 1999  I was still in Chiropractic school and a class mates wife had been diagnosed. I remember how exhausted he looked everyday. He would share, “my wife had a good night last night” or “my wife had a bad night last night.” I remember that they had to move where they lived because she was losing the ability to do stairs, and was extremely sensitive to mold and mildew. He ended up failing several classes and I am not sure he even got his degree. This was the first time I realized the impact Fibromyalgia had on the entire family.

About a year later I met Mary Moeller the author of Fibromyalgia Cookbook; A Daily Guide to Becoming Healthy Again and other articles and books of overcoming Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.   This two hour lecture would change my life.  

For weeks I talked to anyone who would listen about what I had learned. Through her training I learned about  yeast and Candida and the effects on our health. I reported some of this information in an essay I wrote for one of our nutrition classes but sadly it would be about another 5 years before the professor would come into agreement with this information. This was the first lesson that even in Alternative, Nutritional and Holistic Health Care practitioners can be years behind scientific and clinical research.

In 2001 I began training with a pioneer in natural health and the nutrition field and would soon find that most of what I would learn would take even the Holistic Practitioners about 2-4 years to begin using these things. It was at these cutting edge trainings where I would begin to meet more and more individuals healed from Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia.  

From 2003- 2006 I began to see a large number of cases of Fibromyalgia at our Wellness Center.  We utilized some of the cutting edge therapies and treatments I had learned about.  The results were promising but disappointing. Clients would get 30-60% improvement in their symptoms, but if they stopped coming many times we would have to start all over. I didn't know then that I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

I worked harder and harder giving my patients everything I had until my health started to be affected  Not unlike many practitioners I was not caring for my body as I needed to. But this lessons would  give me an understanding how ones health could deteriorate without you really noticing.  

In 2007 my eyes became open to a missing piece of the puzzle.  It was a HUGE piece that I thought I had before but didn't. I began to incorporate this missing piece of the puzzle in 2008 and WOW did I start seeing healing after healing after healing. My practice soon evolved and I started working with clients from all over the world through phone consultation. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue syndrome clients have been the majority of my clients for the past 5 years.     

In 2010 I had a God appointed health challenge that would again give me great compassion for my clients and lead me to find another missing piece of the puzzle for them and me.  

I know that I know that I know there are answers for those suffering. Here is a message I would like to share with you from a woman who has recovered from the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus and much more. It is my gift to you that you too may learn some missing pieces of the puzzle for your health.
 

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Fibromyalgia Pain is a complex and unique problem with 100 or more different solutions. That is right– I said solutions. Maybe you are thinking I have tried everything; you don’t know what you are talking about Dr. Starr, there is no solution for my pain. I just have to live with it.

Well I would kindly like to disagree. In the almost 15 years of working in the health industry and meeting thousands of people in pain and hundreds with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, I have seen and continue to see more and more people break free of this diagnosis FIBROMYALGIA.

Maybe you have heard these horrific words from your doctor; “It is all in your head”, “You need to seek psychiatric help.” “I am putting you on an anti-depressant.” WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

Fibromyalgia pain is real and serious.

Why do Doctors write off this condition? I believe the reason is because it is a very difficult and challenging puzzle to solve that usually needs different and holistic approaches versus pharmaceutical drugs.

If you had a mechanical problem with your Porsche would you go to Cole Muffler or Wal-Mart to get it fixed? No, you would go to a shop that specializes in fixing your Porsche. Many times we go to a General M.D. or a specialist that may not be skilled in treating your condition. Don’t get me wrong, we need Physicians but they are not God. They have limitations in their knowledge and skill. One doctor said “I hope my patients get mad that there aren’t any traditional medical solutions, which they will go out and seek better ways of getting health!”

How can you find help with your condition?

1. Know the Result you want. Is it to reduce your pain, to get off medications, to be pain free. Know the result you want before looking for help.

2. Interview your specialist, whether it is a physician or natural health practitioner Here are a few questions to ask:

Out of all your clients what percentage of clients do you see that have fibromyalgia?

What percentage see ______________________ (the results you want to see).

How long does it take the average client to see __________ results?

At The Total Wellness Doc 65% of our clients have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and 90% of the rest of our clients have fibromyalgia type symptoms like joint pain.

Out of those who follow directions 100% get some sort of result including reduced pain, no pain, reduced medications, active lifestyle again, improved moods, weight loss, improved sleep and the list goes on.

3. Now Follow Directions

Once you have decided to work with a practitioner follow the instructions. Those who follow instructions get better results, plain and simple. Better yet those who follow instructions with a good attitude do even better.

If you need to drink a gallon of water then drink a gallon of water. If you need to reduce or eliminate your sugar, do it.

On a personal note I struggle myself with following directions. As I know most of you do. But when I follow my own health directions boy oh boy do I FEEL AMAZING! So I don’t know everything, all I know is if you want to improve your health then follow instructions.

4. Be Consistent

Many nutritional changes, supplementation and therapeutic techniques will take time to start to make changes in your body. Give it at least 6 weeks before you make a decision. If you are still skeptical I encourage you to have an open mind and get results. Some of you will need a consistent 6 months to regain your health. Just don’t give up.

*Healing takes time, energy, and money*

Time: Understand that getting healthy does not happen overnight. Many of you took years to get in this condition and it will take years to fully recover.

Energy: Some days it is going to take all the energy and willpower you have to keep with it, whether it is preparing a special meal or getting the exercise in you need. It may mean letting go of some responsibilities or hobbies to devote to your health program.

Money: Getting healthy will have costs. Most reputable practitioners or products are not getting rich on you. But in the case of Fibromyalgia it will take an investment to get better. Set aside a health budget and understand if you choose to use natural medicine and nutrition that it will most likely not be covered by your insurance.

Out of all the sufferers reading this I know some of you will not want to take the time, energy, or money it takes to get better. Others will do partial programs or get on track for short periods of time. It is all okay. We are each individual and have the right to make choices.

At the Total Wellness Doc we don’t judge your commitment level. None of us is perfect nor do we want to be. But if you are ready to get healthy, make some strides in your health, then we are here to serve you.

We have a special gift worth $197. A 4 part audio series and Action Guide about Fibromyalgia and how to affectively deal with sleep, anxiety, pain, energy, and much much more. Plus if you are registered at www.thetotalwellnessdoc.com you will receive a bonus audio that will shock you. I am not going to tell you what it is yet. Stay tuned.

 

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.