30 Years of Fibromyalgia
I am 66
years old and began having symptoms of fibromyalgia over thirty years ago. I had
muscle pain, mostly in my shoulder, upper and lower back, and neck especially in
the last few years. I had difficulty keeping my arms up for more than a
few minutes at a time, to hold a book, play piano, or use a computer, without
experiencing pain.
In addition, I experienced problems which often seem to accompany fibromyalgia such as, difficulty sleeping, mental fogginess, frequent headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, flu‑like symptoms, muscle spasms, and a lack of energy. These symptoms were usually not severe, but taken together they interfered with my daily life. When I did feel more energetic, it was easy to overdo and the next day I would pay for it with increased symptoms. I had always been a reader but concentration became more difficult.
I have taken amitriptyline to help with sleep, and I took various NSAIDS for pain relief but nothing helped much. I had gastric bleeding after taking naproxen (Aleve). I tried to exercise regularly but it was difficult at times.
I assumed that at my age I would have to accept the aches and pains I was dealing with, but my husband encouraged me to try acupuncture. Although I was skeptical, we met with David Milbradt and he set up treatment regimen for me. Now I am an acupuncture "convert". I have more energy and am more mentally focused. I have read more books in the last few months than I had read in the past two years! I have been playing piano again, have been walking regularly, and my muscle pain and gastric symptoms have improved dramatically In addition, I have experienced a decrease in seasonal allergy symptoms and in discomfort from arthritis.
The atmosphere at the clinic is very peaceful and relaxing and the staff makes sure that I am comfortable. Thanks for my new "lease on life"! September 27, 2005 Janice W. RN, BSN
Fibromyalgia and Severe Pain
My
name is Brenda H. I came to Abundance Acupuncture in August, 2007 because I had
been suffering from fibromyalgia and severe pains for seven difficult years. My
body ached all over; I had sharp pains in both legs and in my neck and shoulder,
almost daily headaches, knee pain, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and
night sweats. Even though I was always fatigued and exhausted it was difficult
to fall asleep or sleep all night because of the pain.
I was so depressed that I cried myself to sleep hoping that I would not wake up in the morning. It was difficult to make it through my daily life. I was unable to play with my grandchildren or do anything fun with my husband like going for a walk or a bike ride. My doctor recommended that I only work one or two hours at a time for a couple days a week. Now I find it difficult to even remember how bad I felt about my life during that time.
I tried medications such as Cymbalta which made me feel like I was on another planet and Effexor which caused depression so severe that I was unable to move. I tried Ibuprofen for pain and many natural remedies and nothing made me feel any better.
I began to feel some improvements in my condition after the first treatment at Abundance Acupuncture and significant improvements after 12 treatments. At this point in time my condition feels 95% better. I can now function almost normally, I have much less pain, and I am able to work up to 30 hours per week. I can now play with my grandchildren and enjoy life, even though I still can’t over do strenuous activities. I have had significant improvement in other symptoms: my sleeping is much better, I am breathing better, and I have spurts of energy and the motivation to do more things.
During the treatments I was scared and nervous because of my intense needle phobia, but I did it anyway! The clinic is calm and relaxing and the staff is caring, friendly, and nonjudgmental. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because it has been life changing. It is one of the best investments I have ever made in my life.
Fibromyalgia
I
have had Fibromyalgia for many
years. I was in a lot of pain. My body ached all over. My arms and
shoulders ached so that at times I couldn’t
hold a book or newspaper up to read. My physician prescribed
amitriptyline for my muscle aches and sleeping problems. I would wake in the
night and couldn’t go back to sleep for two or three hours. I would get cramps
in my legs. My back and hips ached. I didn't get much relief.
I started Acupuncture treatments and after three treatments I had relief. I continue to feel better. I now can hold a book and newspaper without pain. I sleep better and have more energy. I can’t believe that I even take a nap during treatment It is very relaxing. David and staff are very helpful and accommodating I would encourage anyone who is suffering from pain to have acupuncture treatments. Every time I come in I think it's a Miracle! Marilyn C.
Fibromyalgia
My
name is Steve C. I came to Abundance Acupuncture in March 2008 because I was
suffering from fibromyalgia. I had aches and pain all over my body especially
in my lower back and thighs. The pain was also much worse after any type of
exertion. I had difficulty getting to sleep, woke up often in the middle of the
night, and I always felt tired and fatigued. Because of this I was also more
irritable than usual. I had this problem for two years and made it difficult
for me participate in any activity, even playing catch with my son. I was
unable to do any household maintenance or repairs.
I tried medications such as piroxicam, lexapro, ibuprofen, and aspirin to resolve these problems but only noticed temporary, mild pain relief and nothing more. I began to feel some improvements in my condition after two treatments at Abundance Acupuncture and significant improvements after one month.
At this point in time my condition feels 85% better. I now have no extreme muscle pain, I feel much more energetic, and I am able to do landscaping, yard work, and play with my son. I have also noticed significant improvement in other symptoms like having less sinus congestion and fewer headaches which is unusual for me.
During the treatments I felt very comfortable and relaxed. The clinic is great and the staff is friendly. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because it has helped me achieve an overall feeling of healthiness.
Fibromyalgia
My
name is Lori L. I came to Abundance Acupuncture in April 2008 because I was
suffering from fibromyalgia and was at my wit’s end. I had this problem for
over 15 years and had pain all over my body, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty
sleeping. I felt depressed and hopeless and had a very low energy level which
made it difficult for me to exercise, work in my flower gardens, or work on
household projects such as painting, cleaning, and redecorating.
I tried medications such as antidepressants, various supplements, physical therapy, and chiropractic to resolve this problem with some improvements initially, but never any great improvement that stuck with me. I began to feel some improvements in my condition after a month of treatments at Abundance Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 95% better. I now feel much better and I am able to do many things such as gardening and walking without suffering the painful affect afterward.
I have also had significant improvement in my sleeping and a much improved energy level. I just painted my living room without any ill effects.
During the treatments I felt calm and relaxed. The clinic is wonderful and the staff is warm and friendly. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone who suffers from a long-term condition because it is a great alternative from more and more medications and their side effects.
P.S.
I called to cancel an appointment when I had the flu and Margo said to keep the appointment – it would really help with the flu. She was right – it was amazing! I felt better immediately.
Fibromyalgia and TMJ
My
name is Marge and I have been a client of David's for several months. I was
diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and TMJ. I also had back and shoulder pain.
I have been going to doctor after doctor looking for help to ease some of these ailments, only to be prescribed medications that I can not take. I thought of Acupuncture for some time but did not know where to go.
I saw David's brochure at a Chiropractic clinic and thought that I had found my answer. After meeting with David and his staff I felt very comfortable with the choice I made. David treats you with a sincere concern for your well being. I feel better for having the experience of Acupuncture. My Fibromyalgia is better, my trick finger does not require surgery, and I see the chiropractor less often.
My treatments are almost done and I will miss going for them now that I am feeling better. Margo, Shari along with David made you feel very special. They were always friendly and helpful. I know where to go now for help if needed. Thank you David, Margo and Shari.
Marge S.
Relief from Lingering Shingles Pain
My
name is Carol T. I came to Abundance Acupuncture May 25, 2006 because I was
suffering from shingles pain. I had this problem for 6 weeks. I had pain in my
back on the right side and around my right breast and underarm. The pain was
horrible and at times I didn’t want to leave the house. It also caused fatigue,
difficulty sleeping, depression, irritability, and hopelessness.
It made it difficult for me to travel, go shopping, hold cards in my right hand, and above all to fully enjoy my grandchildren. I tried medications such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, a number of other medications, and chiropractic, but chiropractic seemed to make it feel worse.
I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after 10 treatments at Abundance Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 99% better. I now feel like I have my life back and I am able to enjoy my grandchildren, traveling, shopping, and playing cards again. I have also had significant improvement in my energy level, depression, and fibromyalgia.
The clinic is very professional and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and caring. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone who is suffering from shingles pain and would like to have better health.
ARTHRITIS ALL OVER
I wish to write
this letter to thank you once again for the relief your treatment gave me on my
worst day and continues to give me with each treatment. My problems when I came
to you were Arthritis in both knees, both hands, stenosis in lower spine, and
hip pain. I was really hurting all over. This all started in 1994. 1 had
become very limited in what I was able to do. This was very discouraging for me.
Prior to coming to you I had doctored with many specialists and a chiropractor. I tried many treatments and medications with no relief When I first came to you I was really in pain. After 3 treatments I received relief from my pain. Prior to my 5th visit I had severe pain in my good knee for two days. I didn't really think that I would get complete relief from this pain, but I did! On my 5th visit I was completely pain free. My first pain free day since 1994. HOORAY!! I could hardly believe it!! I was convinced I would never have a pain free day the rest of my life. I was wrong. I have had several pain free days thanks to David.
I now know and believe that I can be pain free for the rest of my life, regardless of my age. To be pain free changes your life. You are more positive about all the things you are able to do once again. It feels GREAT! You and your staff are very kind and committed people. You care about your patients. That is so‑o important. I wish I would have committed myself to Acupuncture much sooner. I will never be without it again. You are a GREAT TEAM!
Thank you to All of You from a Very Grateful Me.
Sincerely,
Jane F.
June 28, 2005