"I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 21/2 years ago by a rheumatologist. I had spent a good 2 years going through various tests and complaining to my PC. He would tell me to come back in 6 months if I didn't feel better. I was not satisfied with his answer and would return in 3 months. T that point, he would say, "Everything looks fine. Why are you here?" So, I would repeat my symptoms once more. There was a lot of pain in areas that did not make any sense, headaches, and terrible confusion. But the most debilitating of all was the constant fatigue and sleep or no sleep patterns.

I have always been a fairly active person. I needed and wanted to work part time. I left a good job 5 years ago thinking at "my age" I could no longer take the pressure. No matter how few hours I worked, I could not keep up with the pace.

After many tests, the rheumatologist finally diagnosed fibromyalgia and put me on Prozac for fatigue and depression. I refused this medication for 3 months, but finally gave in. After 6 months, I did see a difference with the depression. For over a year, I paced myself…crash sleeping late afternoon and evening, back to bed at 8:30, pushing all the time or going to work on 3-4 hours sleep. All I got from my doctor was another prescription.

In May a friend called and said, "Joyce, you must go see David Sollars. He is an acupuncturist and specializes in fibromyalgia." It was like the heavens opened up for me. I have done reading and research in this field and knew that at least it was not going to harm me. David set up a treatment plan of acupuncture and herbal medicine designed specifically for me. My overall condition has improved greatly. The pain has decreased at least 70%. I may nap once a week and am able to stay awake until 10 and do things rather than vegetate. I am spending more time with my grandchildren, which is a joyful part of my life and do not refuse many invitations. I am gradually learning to go to work without the fear of my condition showing physically or mentally. I recently went away for a 3-day vacation. In the past if I pushed myself to do this, I would have pain for at least 5 days and, of course, totally uncomfortable during my stay and certainly not the best of company. My most recent trip consisted of shopping, swimming, fishing, boating, and walking. Most of all, I had so much fun and felt so good to be doing what I wanted and be a part of my life and those that I love.

So now that I am seeing results, I do not have to wonder…am I really getting better? I am beginning to think I have had fibromyalgia for many years, but I really don't care because I truly believe in the near future my health will be as it should be. I am so thankful to David Sollars and all his staff at FirstHealth for their help."

J.S., Merrimac, MA