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Dear Dr. Stoll, HappyGal, and everyone,
I am happy to report to you that I have been virtually free of back pain for several months now. As you may remember, I was suffering from debilitating lower-back pain which had been progressively taking over my life for over one year. My MRI showed a bulging disc at L5-S1, and physical therapy and chiropractic had given me mixed to moderate results, none of which lasted for more than a day or two at a time. The pain began to interfere with every part of my life. I had a difficult time sitting, which meant less work, and less driving. Exercise was nearly impossible most of the time. Household chores were painful to perform. There was even a time when I could not open a window without suffering quite a bit thereafter. In addition, the pain was becoming more severe. Eventually, as you may have guessed, getting out of bed was a task I could not handle on a daily basis. That's when I stumbled across you guys.
By the time I began asking for advice here and devouring the archives, I had begun to experience daily, almost constant pain in my knees. Pretty soon the pain spread to my hips, thighs, back of the knees, radiating down to my feet, and even the groin area. All of this in addition to the back pain. I was convinced that my body had undergone some sort of change and would never be the same again. The depression had washed over me like a tidal wave.
I was living quite cautiously at this time, as you can imagine. I didn't travel at all. Work hours were reduced to almost zero, and for many months absolute zero. My body atrophied as a result of my fear of doing almost anything. The doctors offered me little help aside from the PT and continued to prescribe me pain killers which I outright refused to take.
I began to read the archives here, everything I could get my hands on regarding my condition and LGS, bracing, fibromyositis, chiropractic, herbology, vitamins and supplements, skilled relaxation, whole foods, and much more. I asked question after question, and got amazingly detailed responses from Dr. Stoll, HappyGal, ChironDave, and others. At the end of every message, Dr. Stoll added: "Let us know what you learn."
Here, then, is what I've learned.
1. I've learned to do skilled relaxation. On Dr. Stoll's recommendation, I read "The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook", learned Autogenics, and practice it twice a day, every day. There are often things I'd rather be doing, but the benefits of skilled relaxation have proven to be astounding.
2. I've learned that when exercise hurts, underwater exercise hurts less. One of the first things Dr. Stoll pointed out to me was that underwater aerobics would be ideal for my condition. I joined a gym with a pool, and began a swimming regimen. I started with only 10-15 minutes, 3 times a week. It still hurt after the activity was over, but I was strengthening my muscles and getting the benefits of aerobic exercise, which I believe have contributed to my overall well being. I am now able to do impact exercises again, as well as weightlifting, several times per week, for 25-30 minutes at a time with almost no pain interference whatsoever. I suspect that this progression is due more to the skilled relaxation than anything else.
3. I've learned that the whole foods diet is the way to go. Every specialist advised me that weight loss would only help in my fight against back pain, but it was Dr. Stoll who pointed out that eating 98% whole foods may not be enough to drop the excess inches. The other 2%, he said, could be holding me back from shedding significant pounds. Through regular exercise and 98% whole foods, I managed to lose approximately 8 lbs. before "hitting the wall". Through regular exercise and 100% whole foods, I have lost an additional 12 lbs, bringing me down to 198.5 lbs., and counting. I cannot overstate the significant difference which the "other 2%" has made. In addition, my digestion has improved, as well as my regularity. I also have more energy, and an overall good feeling almost all of the time. I never get indigestion, stomach aches, nausea, or acid reflux, which are all problems I've experienced in the past (I was eating "whole foods" back then too: Whole pizzas, whole pints of ice cream, whole bags of potato chips).
4. I've learned that stretching helps. I never knew what stretching was until I began talking with physical therapists. I saw people stretching at the gym, and holding their stretches for a few seconds. Now I do calf stretches, hip stretches, hamstring stretches, and lower back stretches for 30 seconds each side. It helps with pain, and stiffness, and for me was the first step towards becoming active again. It also feels great when done properly. After HappyGal offered me the suggestion of listening to my bodymind in determining how much or how little to stretch, the results of my daily stretches have been twice as rewarding.
5. I've learned that there is nothing structurally wrong with my back. A bulging disc is no big deal. When my chiropractor explained that many people are running around with my exact problem and aren't even aware of it, I knew that the true cause of my pain must lie elsewhere. Of course, this served as a beautiful correspondence when Dr. Stoll suggested that my hidden trouble was bracing, the result of excess stress-effect storage in the hypothalamus (I hope I got that right).
6. I've learned to calm down. Pain and other problems which result from bracing tend to get worse when you worry over them. This is because the stress which caused them is now being multiplied. This alone is a big reason why I was able to make leaps and bounds after simply being convinced of the fact that my condition was being caused by bracing. Once I stopped thinking about my "dreaded condition", it became easier to conquer. Of course, the allopathic monopoly does not help here. Countless times I was told "not to do" this or that, to sit carefully, walk carefully, sleep carefully. It was some kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. I'd be scared to fall asleep on the couch, and then I'd wake up the next morning in pain. Now I sleep in strange positions all the time with no repercussions at all. Of course, once again I suspect that the skilled relaxation has alot to do with this. Probably the whole foods and exercise too. Are you seeing a pattern yet?
7. I've learned that ice and bracing don't mix. Many "experts" recommended ice. I tried it many times. It made things worse. Heat helped tremendously. When you think about it, it makes sense. Heat relaxes you. Their intentions were good. Lesson learned here -- listen to your bodymind! (Thanks, HappyGal!)
8. I've learned to take EFAs, Ester-C, calcium, magnesium, and a daily multivitamin. These are self-explanatory, and can all be read about in the archives here.
9. I've learned to devour the archives here. Once you begin to realize that everything relating to the bodymind is interconnected, you develop a hunger for more information. In addition to topics related directly to my condition, I've read about second hand smoke, sunscreens, detoxification, chelation therapy, holistic dentistry, water purification, cortisone, gallstones, and so much more. I will continue to do so until I have read everything here. Then I'll start again. It's exciting, and empowering. It's also great fun to confuse and anger the family physician by discussing the topics which you've memorized!
10. I've learned the value of massage therapy. I used to think massage was some sort of physical luxury for wealthy hedonists. Now I realize that it is a safe and effective weapon in your preventative care arsenal. Moreover, it is an immediate way to alleviate many aches and pains which result from a variety of causes. And of course, it is ideal for bracing. I've also learned that certain health insurance carriers offer good deals for massage therapy. Most importantly, through reading HappyGal's website cover-to-cover, I have learned effective techniques to massage myself when it is inconvenient to get to the CMT.
11. I've learned the value of chiropractic. Although I must admit, I do not understand it. Check out the archives!
12. I've learned that wellness is a process. I still get aches and pains. Headaches, jaw aches, neck aches, and some pretty strange stuff once in a while. However, I continue to practice the 3-legged stool and read about as many different things as I can. I am confident that over time I will be able to rid myself of these conditions through whole foods, exercise, and skilled relaxation.
13. I've learned that Dr. Stoll is a true altruist. Many different people in healthcare fight for many good causes. I see them in the street, or on TV. Some fight AIDS. Others fight breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, or leukemia. Dr. Stoll fights them all. And he does so on multiple fronts. If you're not sure what this means, read his book, "Saving Yourself From the Disease Care Crisis". As I have stated before, the debt we owe him is huge. I for one pledge to help get his books into the hands of everyone I know.
Once again I would like to thank you, Dr. Stoll, for helping me to reclaim my life. As always, I hope that all is well with you and your family.
Thanks for reading.
Your friend,
Abe F.
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
Excellent post Abe.
My life was forever changed after seeing Dr. Stoll way back in 1981 in his clinic in Lexington, Kentucky.He is indeed a pioneer.
Marian
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
To help others on this board..
Silver Fox!
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
Hi Abe,
I believe that Bill will archive your post for posterity.
Congratulations on your success!
In Reply to: Re: Now its your turn.. posted by Steve [3019.1399] on July 05, 2006 at 07:06:56:
nm
In Reply to: I think he already has and very eloquently! nmi posted by Sally [1945.1192] on July 05, 2006 at 08:18:31:
I agree, but that's only one post. There will be others who don't read this that will need help.
Silver Fox!
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
Hi Abe,
I just wanted to chime in and say how much I enjoyed your post. It's always wonderful to hear testimonials because they continue to confirm what we already know but still love to hear: 3LS works!!! On a personal note I just wanted to tell you how beautifully you write and how your ambition, drive, and intelligence shines through. Keep up the great work and here's wishing you pain-free days.
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
Hi Abe,
Wonderful! I'm so happy to hear of your success. Thank you for your testimonial. Hearing you makes me so glad that I am helping here, have spent so much time and effort writing "Recapture Your Health" with Walt, and creating my website. :o)
Congratulations!
Best wishes,
Jan
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
I know I have no right to ask that, but I would love to read this post again--it's motivating--and surely Dr. Stoll wouldn't object, right?
Your "whole pizzas, whole pints of ice cream, whole bags of potato chips" comment made me literally laugh out loud!
Good for you, Abe!!!!
In Reply to: Re: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Happygal [2062.2732] on July 05, 2006 at 20:26:43:
Hi Jan,
As I'm sure you know, you have been a huge source of inspiration and knowledge for me during difficult times. I feel like I refer to your website constantly. The amount of information there is overwhelming, let alone the fact that every single bit of it is actually practical!
Thank you for your kind words.
Your friend,
Abe
In Reply to: OUTSTANDING!!!!!! (Yes, please archive in the testimonials!) posted by Michele 2 [3899.1602] on July 05, 2006 at 23:25:15:
Michele,
Thank you so much, and glad I could make you laugh!
Your friend,
Abe
In Reply to: "Let us know what you learn" posted by Abe F. [4815.2450] on July 05, 2006 at 04:27:39:
Thanks, Abe!
Your testimonial is my reward. You can be our "poster boy" for the benefits of serious wellness!
I hope your real life story will help others understand the benefits of immersing themselves in the 3LS and inspire them to commit themselves to give it a try.
Congratulations. You now know that all the effort is a really good investment.
Namaste`
Walt
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