Arthritis-No Pain, Medication

After getting a fever, I developed reactive arthritis (ReA), not rheumatoid arthritis. ReA is an autoimmune condition associated with inflammation in the eyes. It can destroy the cartilage in the joints by attacking the immune system, and in most cases it’s caused by a bacterial infection. My health deteriorated and my level of frustration with the medical team quickly escalated. The results of the blood tests I requested were not positive. The doctors recommended taking more drugs, but again I refused and decided to visit a homeopathic doctor, who said I would be able to eat anything I wanted, but to make sure I was taking high quality supplements. I trusted him, yet was not about to eat just anything, so I followed a diet predominantly composed of fish and vegetables. My health began improving with a healthier diet. It was a motivation to keep me pushing forward on my path toward healing.

I continued taking steroids for almost two years even though it wasn’t helping, but I got progressively worse. The paralyzing pain spread immediately from my feet to my knees, hips, and back—basically all throughout my joints. The timing couldn’t be worse. I was diagnosed with reactive arthritis three days before starting my first job. Recently graduating from school, I was set to begin my career as a nurse. Although the pain was severe, I chose to work about 75 percent of the time. I took the pain drugs at work every four hours just to get through the day. Having a busy work schedule, sometimes I forgot to take the drugs and ended up loading up on extra pills when I remembered I missed my scheduled dosage. I became very ill and needed to sit down for half an hour to get myself together and alleviate the dizziness and fatigue. I decreased my work schedule to about half time and decided to find an alternate approach to healing.

The homeopathic doctor insisted that I stop taking the steroids and gave me anti-inflammatory pills, which helped during the summer months, but autumn and winter became very difficult. I read about healthy diets and decided to become vegan. During March of 2007, I read a book written by Anna Maria Clement. I called the person featured in the book who lived in Stockholm for more information. Interestingly enough, he was Anna Maria’s father. He told me that she was arriving in Stockholm from Florida the following day for a lecture and that she would call me. It was so cool! I attended her lecture with my mother and learned that eating living food was the right way to go. As she spoke to the group, I felt like she was talking directly to me—feeding me information that I craved my entire life. It was as if I had been sent an angel to save me.

I was unable to attend the program at Hippocrates at that time, so I conducted my own research. During the summer of 2007, I went to a living foods center in Sweden and learned a lot about live-food nutrition. I knew this diet was working right away because once I started eating living foods the pain dissipated and I was able to stop taking the prescription drugs. I told my doctor about the exciting transition. She didn’t understand my method of treatments and became angry, resulting in conflicts in our relationship. I asked her to respect my decision and assist me in the process of detoxification. She addressed my issue gravely, insisting that I take an intravenous drug once a month. They use Remicade in Sweden, which supposedly targets inflammatory disorders. Of course, I refused. Then she wanted me to have chemotherapy. I said, “absolutely not!”

I continued eating raw vegan foods and transitioned off the medicine, but was still concerned about getting proper nutrition. Realizing that I must take an active role in my healing process, I signed up for the three-week program at Hippocrates in March of 2009. It was the best decision I have ever made. I called one of my doctors and she couldn’t believe the transformation. She looked at my blood work and was amazed. Although she still doesn’t fully believe in the live-food diet, she was very impressed with the results. I remember one of my doctors saying that my condition was chronic and that I would be on medication for five or ten years, having to increase the dosage each year. It’s been three years and I feel great!

Currently, I’ve stopped taking the last of my medications and can go back to work at least 50 percent of the time. I’m so happy! I started acupuncture treatments, which also help a lot. I discovered that eliminating sweet fruits reduces the level of arthritis. Prior to my visit to Hippocrates, I couldn’t do anything physical. I couldn’t even dream about exercising, swimming or even going to the sauna. During my stay at Hippocrates, I began to partake in normal activities again, and now, eight months later, I can do practically anything I want. It’s amazing! I have attained a much higher level of peace. I occasionally feel tingling in my fingers because I am still detoxing, but it’s not an issue. I believe that the mind and body are closely connected. Aside from the live-food diet, I know that staying positive will ultimately keep my body healthy and feeling great. A diet based on living foods is the main reason I completely eliminated the pain medications and prescription drugs.

I am so happy and grateful to the profound teachers at Hippocrates, especially Brian and Anna Maria. It’s just an amazing place. My dream is to attend the Health Educator Program at Hippocrates and work there as a nurse and Health Educator. I just love it there!

Vol 30 Issue 1 page 18