Helga’s Story

Just as I turned 60, I was diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic with Fibromyalgia and was told my only hope was to take narcotics and addictive painkillers on a daily basis. It was supposed to ease my pain and I was desperate for relief, so I tried several different types of painkillers, none of which my body could tolerate. In the end, I was told there was nothing further that could be done, no help to be had, no miracle drug to ease my pain. I lost hope and resigned myself to learning to live with this horrible illness as best I could.

Unfortunately, at this point living meant that I would primarily be confined to a chair for most of the day, rarely moving so my joints didn’t become inflamed and intensify the muscle pain in my body. At night I tossed and turned, unable to get a refreshed sleep. I became more depressed and unable to participate in a normal life, let alone my old life.

Before getting sick, I walked daily and was an avid swimmer, but landscaping was my passion. So much so that I ended up with a showplace yard. My friends constantly requested my advice and wanted me to help with the digging, hauling of rock and planting of their own gardens. I was in my element and I loved it! Then I got sick and soon my health deteriorated to the degree that I was unable to care for my beautiful gardens. I was devastated. It only got worse as slowly my health continued its downward spiral and eventually I could barely take care of my own home. On a good day, I could do one, possibly two chores, but on a bad day, I wasn’t even able to cook. If you suffer from Fibromyalgia, you know the hopelessness and despair of which I write about and have suffered through.

After some thought, I decided to join a Fibromyalgia support group where I was able to express my frustrations with others that understood what I was experiencing. I also hoped that someone might know of something that would help me get healthy again. The very first time I attended, there was a presentation given by a representative of a fibromyalgia and fatigue center. Little did I know my life was about to turn completely around.

Ever the skeptic, I went home and shared with my husband what I had heard and he encouraged me to try the center. I traveled to the Pittsburgh Center in Pennsylvania and was instantly impressed. During my initial visit, they did extensive blood tests and I immediately liked the staff physician. Since then, I travel once a month or more to the center to get infusion therapy, modify my prescriptions and dosages, and pick up supplements that the doctor recommends. After just two months of treatment, I started to feel better, despite the fact that I had to undergo a hysterectomy. In fact, I breezed through the surgery; a result of being fortified by all the supplements given to me at the center. I began to feel like myself again and could tell my old pep was coming back.

After six months of continued and consistent treatment, I feel 100% better. I am so grateful to have found the treatment center and its amazing physician and supportive staff. I have my life back, just in time to work my beloved garden again. Its early spring and I have tons to do out there, but most importantly; I have the energy to do it. But first, I think I will go for a dip! Life is good all over again!

Before Treatment Muscle Pain Depression Unable to sleep After Treatment “I feel 100% better. Life is good all over again!”