Little did I know on August 18, 2007 my life was going to drastically change…..a change for the good…a true dream come true.
 
I attended a YOU conference with Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen in Philadelphia.  At the conference, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask Dr. Oz his position on Fibromyalgia.  (A subject that had haunted me for years, not to mention the villain that took up residency in my body).  He hesitated a second or two before answering and then replied “Exercise, Exercise, Exercise”.  He also told me to see him after the conference.  He said he would give me a name of a doctor that specialized in Fibromyalgia.    He also mentioned during the conference that he and Dr. Roizen had a new book coming out soon.  They were looking for couples that were interested in participating in their new program with the possibility of being on an upcoming show on Oprah.  I anxiously provided my name and phone numbers, never thinking that I would be offered an opportunity of a lifetime.

On August 20, 2007, I received a call from Ann Lofgren at Harpo Productions.   She was very much interested in hearing my story, especially with having Fibromyalgia.   A few days later, my husband and I received a call from Ann congratulating us that we were selected to be a part of the YOU:  Staying Young Program. 

On August 27, 2007 we had blood work taken by BioPhysical.  A few days later, I received a call from Dr. Oz.  He told me that he would be putting me in touch with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Medical Director for the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers.  I was absolutely ecstatic.  I had a phone consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum.  Dr. Teitelbaum provided me with so many answers to questions that were previously a mystery.  His true desire to help was a refreshing change from the “dead ends” that I had arrived at so many times before.  That day I received a glimmer of hope after 7 years of headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, frustration and anxiety.

September 12, 2007 I had extensive blood work completed by Quest in preparation for my upcoming September 20, 2007 appointment at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center in King of Prussia.  Upon arriving at the center, we were met by Stephanie Subbio.  Stephanie immediately made us feel at ease.  All of the staff….Catherine, Beth, Wendy and Lori are absolutely wonderful.  They are compassionate individuals with true dedication in helping Fibro and Chronic Fatigue patients.  My husband and I met with Dr. Garabedian that day.  What a wonderful doctor.  He, too, filled in so many puzzle pieces that had been missing.  I had so many underlying issues that normal blood work taken in the past hadn’t revealed.  Thyroid issues, five viruses looping, and an alarming low natural killer cell provided an ideal nesting place for the fibro.  Dr. G explained to us that fibromyalgia manifests itself as a musclosketal issue but is actually a neurohormonal issue.    His extensive knowledge combined with his compassion in a subject that some believe doesn’t even exist, makes him a one-of-a-kind.
I have been working with Dr. Garabedian and Staff for approximately 6 weeks.  I have been receiving weekly antiviral intravenous treatments along with my treatment plan of oral medications.  The changes that I have seen are truly remarkable.  Changes that I didn’t believe could ever happen. 

I have been on the YOU:  Staying Young program for approximately 8 weeks.  Fueling your body with healthy food is an absolute must.  Another crucial part of the YOU:  Staying Young program is walking.  I start each day with walk.  Walking is a key ingredient in getting and keeping the hypothalamus engaged as a part of the treatment plan for the Fibro.  An added bonus of the walking is weight loss.  I had gained some 30+ pounds over the last several years with the fibro.    
I am thrilled to say that I feel absolutely wonderful—full of energy and 99.9% pain free.  I am forever grateful to Dr. Oz, Dr. Roizen, Dr. Teitelbaum and Dr. Garabedian for giving me my life back.  My once gloomy and uncertain future is now healthy and bright.  A DREAM COME TRUE.

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