FFC Patient, Lisa Davenport as seen on Oprah, with Dr. Oz
In a recent episode of Oprah, one of FFC’s patients, Lisa Davenport speaks with Dr. Oz on her struggle with Fibromyalgia and describes some of the positive changes she has experienced as a result of treatment for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
November 5, 2007 is a day of history that many of us will remember forever. That day Dr. Mehmet Oz, America’s Doctor, validated to Oprah’s audience that not only does fibromyalgia exist, but we don’t have to live with the agony. Solutions for our pain do exist.
As a patient at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center and an avid fan of Dr. Oz, I have met so many wonderful people after appearing on the YOU: Staying Young show. This show touched so many lives. It provided a glimmer of hope for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients. I would like to share with you what I consider the “keys” to my success:
- My life manual is YOU: Staying Young. (I recommend reading YOU: The Owner’s Manual and YOU: Waist Management). These books provide a foundation for your knowledge on how the body works. You can also log onto realage.com for your “real age” and great information about all the Real Age Programs.
- I follow a treatment plan set by the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center. (I also recommend reading From Fatigue to Fantastic by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum). Dr. Teitelbaum’s book provided so many answers to my previously unanswered questions. Fibromyalgia is truly in your head….but not the way you think.
- Fuel your body with high octane food which includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea and water. I do my best to stay away from low octane fuels such as sugars, high fructose corn syrups, and hydrogenated fats. These low octane fuels not only rob my body of energy, they also increase my pain.
- My exercise regiment includes daily walk(s). Depending on how I feel, I try to walk at least once or twice a day with my pedometer. I also do a combination of Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi two to three times a week. My workouts also include a segment of relaxation.
- I treat myself with a 30 minute neck and back massage on a regular basis.
- I reduce the stress in my life as much as possible. It is virtually impossible to live a stress free life. You can make smart choices to help make the stress more manageable.
- Take one day at a time. Each day brings a new beginning. Stay focused on the here and now and not the past.
- Find a Happy Medium. I am still learning my current limitations. I have an abundance of energy. Finding a happy medium between my energy and what my body can accomplish without pain is extremely important.
Last but not least, thank you Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum for all of your time and dedication to this illness. Because of your unselfish devotion, you have paved the way for a new beginning for us. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Oz, Dr. Roizen, and Dr. G for giving me back my life. Thank you!
- Lisa D.
Click here and read about Lisa’s weekly struggles and successes she has experienced