Laurie's Testimony
Eight years ago, prior to moving back to Hawaii, I was researching motorized wheelchairs so I could get around more easily. Some days I could only walk 1/2 block and I needed to rest. I have been on the guaifenesin protocol for 7 years now, and last May my husband and I fulfilled a bucket-list dream trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands! I walked an average of 12,000-14,000 steps per day. I was able to deal with the high altitudes of the Andes mountains (7000-14,000 ft) without any headaches (I suffer from chronic migraines in addition to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and Meniere's disease).
Me and Ken at Machu Picchu
I also enjoyed boat rides to snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Islands without seasickness (Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder, consisting of vertigo, imbalance, motion sickness, tinnitus, and hearing loss). Even two years ago I wouldn't have considered taking a trip like this.
Seven years ago Vicki mapped me, and my map was one of the worst she has seen. This was no surprise to me, since I was very sick and had been suffering for a dozen years. After hearing Annette at a newbie meeting, I was eager to give the guaifenesin protocol a try. Earlier in my nursing career I had worked where she worked, at Kapiolani Hospital, and I trusted her as a fellow nurse. Initially I was a low dose fast responder. That means that you clear quickly on a low dose of guaifenesin, and cycle hard. After a few years my clearing has slowed down. I eventually learned how to map others (we feel for lumps and bumps to gauge progress on the guaifenesin protocol), and watched as the clients that I mapped cleared more quickly than I was clearing. My progress continues to be slow but consistent. I am able to go to the gym, and work out on the cardio machines and do weights. I think I have cleared about 70% of my deposits. When I look back at how ill I was, it is amazing that I am able to do the things I do today! I think my biggest limitation is due to the Meniere's disease now, but I am able to do ceramics, sew, exercise my beautiful golden retriever, clean my own house, paint the walls, garden, take incredible trips, and most anything else I want to do.
The guaifenesin protocol is not quick or simple. It requires diligence, persistence, and patience. There is no other treatment that can help fibromyalgia sufferers reverse the symptoms as well as this does. I will forever be grateful to two wonderful women, Annette Kam and Vicki Mauck, who have dedicated their lives to helping others be successful on Dr. St. Amand's guaifenesin protocol.
Laurie