Chronic Joint Pain

I had high blood pressure (for which I was taking medication), high cholesterol, and had been on asthma medicine – steroids, inhaled prednisone and inhalers – since my diagnosis in 1990. However, the asthma symptoms had been there for about 10 years before I was diagnosed. The coughing associated with asthma has always been very embarrassing for me, but my biggest fear was that someday my asthma would get so bad I would have to be on oxygen like my mother. That was not the quality of life I was looking forward to, not to mention how confining it can be.

In the last few years I had visited more than 10 doctors (including a psychologist) all over the country. My persistent complaint was “my neck, my shoulders, my hips, my knees and my feet hurt.” I had chronic joint pain and it seemed that every doctor came up with a different diagnosis. I went from getting orthopedic inserts in my shoes to wearing an AFO (ankle foot orthotic) brace on my leg. One group of doctors wanted to do surgery on my knee. Another doctor diagnosed me with a degenerative disc in my neck and every doctor suggested some sort of surgery. I heard so many different opinions that I was confused, overwhelmed and became depressed. I tried to tolerate the pain but, it became almost impossible to walk my dogs, much less exercise, and I was using my inhaler four or five times a day. I always believed that I ate healthy, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. But it was apparent that my life had become an enormous chore. I just wanted my days and nights to be pain-free.

I started researching and searching for my own answers to my chronic joint pain. Someone had given my husband The China Study by Dr. Colin Campbell and he insisted that I read it. The book piqued my interest, and at this point I was willing to try almost anything. For about three months, I tried following The China Study eating plan on my own. I did see and feel a slight degree of difference in my chronic pain, but the eating plan had no affect on my asthma. It was at this time that I was introduced to some literature from Hippocrates Wellness. My husband was impressed with what he read and strongly encouraged me to investigate – after all, what could it hurt? Thus began my journey. I did not want to leave my family and home for three weeks, but with chronic joint pain constantly interfering with my life I felt I had no other choice.

The day before I left for Hippocrates I said to a friend, “I don’t want to go – but since I have to, I have decided that I am going to do everything they ask me to do, even if I hate it.” I was ready for some much-needed relief and praying for a miracle.

When I arrived at Hippocrates I was surprised at how willingly I embraced the program. I knew immediately I was where I needed to be. After my three weeks, I had lost another 19 pounds, my blood pressure (without medication) was normal, and my cholesterol went from 256 to 192! I was and continue to be completely off all my asthma medication and all prescription drugs. It is now seven months later and I continue to thrive on Hippocrates living foods with wheatgrass juice and green vegetables. I now enjoy spending one or two hours a day working out and walking my dogs. I am happy, my energy level is high and my days and nights are free of pain.

Thank you Hippocrates life is good!

Vol 25 Issue 3 Page 23