Stephanie's Testimony

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As a teen and young adult, I envied my energetic sisters and friends. They engaged in extracurricular activities and worked in addition to their usual daily activities. My schedule required allocating time to my daily activities which included sleep from 9:00 p.m. to at least 6:00 a.m. Unlike my peers that studied all night for exams, my studies were well-planned within a strategic schedule. More of the same ruled my career as special education educator.

Thirty plus years later, an orthoscopic operationresulted in my experiencing a great deal of unexplained pain and fatigue. A host of other symptoms, namely "brain fog" made everyday activities a challenge. The anticipated four- to six-week recuperation ended after three months thanks to prescription pain medication. Six months after returning to work, I was able to be weaned-off the pain medication.

At age 53, I experienced no relief from the highly irregular bi-weekly visits to my primary care physician(PCP) and numerous prescription pain medications for my increasingly painful joints. A month later, I awoke to extreme body pain and all of my nerves were firing.I drove myself to my PCP's office without a scheduledappointment. Multiple tests were ordered, an appointment to see a neurologist was scheduled and a prescription for Vicodin was filled. Everyday activities such as driving and working was impossible. Yet, I amthankful that my PCP believed me and took my health condition seriously. At my second neurologist appointment, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and Lyrica was prescribed. Two hours after taking my first pill at bedtime, I awoke to cease a fire of nerves and significantly less pain. I called my then boyfriend, he was told, "I am in heaven".

Two years later, I retired at age 55 with full benefits. Given life circumstances, including increased fibromyalgia symptoms (fibro fog and flare-ups), I needed to focus on myself. Shortly after retiring, I became aware of the Informed Fibromyalgics on Guaifenesin (iFOG) meetings via a MidWeek ad. After my initial skepticism, I attended an iFOG meeting. It was so encouraging to hear from Annette Kam, Vicki Mauck and other participants about fibromyalgia, the guaifenesin protocol (GP), and their improved health and quality of life. I was mapped and began the GP.

Within four months, my soft, flaky and peelable nails were hard, the protocol was working! Within a year or so, my energy increased, pain and required hours of sleep decreased, and I was able to do gentle yoga. Travel was much more enjoyable. Thanks to myimproved health, three years after beginning the GP, I was successfully weaned-off of Lyrica. Given my improved health, my PCP said, "Just continue to do what you've been doing."

I maintained attendance at the supportive and uplifting iFOG meetings. In addition, I was elected to and serve as a member of the iFOG Board of Directors. Fortunately, Vicki mapped me regularly to determine my status and gave me helpful advice. I, too, became a mapper thanks to her support. Sharing what I have learned and supporting fellow fibromyalgics is very rewarding.

The GP provides me an unimagined quality of life. The impossible became possible. I was able to work again. Traveling was more enjoyable and productive. In 2016, after three months of training for the 2016 Honolulu Marathon, I was able to run 25 miles a week(I never ran before). Unfortunately, my training came to a halt due to a breast cancer diagnosis which resulted in surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I tell my doctors it was easier than having fibromyalgia! Three-months after completing the year-long treatment, I began training for the 2018 Honolulu Marathon. Two weeks shy of age 64, the long-awaited day finally arrived. I was choked with elation and had to hold back happy tears as I approached the finish line. I FINISHED in 7 hours and 35 minutes! This person with fibromyalgia on guaifenesin CAN run/walk 26.2 miles, walk up and down stairs and go to dinner that evening! Better yet, in 2019, I lead a Honolulu Marathon Clinic group and everyone was a finisher! Life is so much more meaningful, beneficial and rewarding with the effective use of the GP. I wish you the same improved health and life.