I share my story to help anyone who may be challenged with similar health issues and to let people know that recovering your health can occur. My Western diagnosis includes Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Interstitial Cystitis. I have had illness throughout most of my life, however, the intensity of my pain and problems started six years ago, after I took a recently banned herb, Ma Hung (Ephedra), a high level stimulant for energy and weight loss. I was exercising at a high level and eating a mostly soy diet. I was also leading a high stress driven lifestyle.

I have researched almost every disease, seen well over 160 different practitioners, both holistic (Chiropractors, Chinese Herbalists, Physical Therapists, Biofeedback specialists, Naturopaths and even several Medical Intuitives) and Western doctors, including visits to UCLA, Stanford, The Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and The Scripps Clinic in San Diego.  I have seen numerous experts in almost every specialty (Gynecology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Psychology, Orthopedic, Allergy/Immunology and Endocrinology). I have taken hundreds of drugs and endured just as many tests. Eventually, I let go of all of this and followed Matia Brizman’s work and I am now feeling better. It took some time, but has been well worth the journey. She is truly the most competent, intelligent, compassionate, health professional I have had the privilege to work with.   

During my research I found that other people’s health histories helped me tremendously.  

My Health History:  

At age seven, I got a kidney/bladder infection that eventually caused scar tissue in my urethra and right kidney. An incision was made in my urethra. I was treated with antibiotics. During my teen years, I used acne antibiotics like tetracycline and other drugs like Accutane, for years. I had tremendous menstrual cramping so I began taking high dosages (800 – 2400 mg, 4-6 times a day) of Motrin (Ibuprofin). I continued taking these large amounts until 2 years ago. At age 17, I also started a vegan diet, consisting mostly of carbohydrates and no FAT. As a result, from all of this, in my twenties, my health spiraled downward.  

I had chronic problems with Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Thyroiditis, weight gain, low energy, bladder infections, and Bacteria Vaginosis/yeast infections, brain fogginess and flu like symptoms. I started to have cuts and fissures in the vaginal/anal area and I also contracted HPV (Vaginal Wart virus). I also got pneumonia, which may have led to the development of my Epstein-Barr virus. Doctors wanted to operate and put me on more antibiotics. Eventually I got a noid on my throat and saw an immunologist who said I had extreme systematic Candida/yeast throughout my body. The yeast was probably caused by past antibiotic use and the high carb vegan diet. I also saw a Gynocologist who performed a Laparoscopy for Endometriosis. 

In 1999, after taking the herb, Ephedra, I started to have tremendous bladder, lower back, thigh pain and pelvic pain. I continued to take the Ehpedra for several months, not knowing that it could be a cause. Doctors said I had Bacteria Vaginosis and I took antibiotics like Zithromax and Clyndamycin. I got better, but eventually the antibiotics did not work. This started my research and desperate search for someone that could help me. I contacted Dr. Fugazzotto, a microbiologist, who believed that the main etiological agent for Interstitial Cystitis was Group D Strep bacteria. I continued to show positive for these bacteria and took many antibiotics, including Augmentin, which eventually made me very ill.   

I continued trying many other antibiotics, antidepressants and drugs for Interstitial Cystitis, like Neurontin. Most of these drugs masked the pain and made me feel worse. I had tremendous side effects from the drugs. After being diagnosed for Fibromalgia, I went to see an expert, Dr. St. Amands in Los Angeles. His protocol involved taking the drug Gufinesian. However, I felt that this was only a Band-Aid. I wanted to get at the real cause of the problem, not just keep it at bay. I saw several doctors for Vulvadynia (painful vaginal area) and several pelvic physical therapists to relieve the pain. I had every test done including a Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Cystoscopy, Nuclear Body Scan, Potassium IC test, MRI’s, X-rays, Ultrasounds and many blood tests for ANA (Lupus/Scleroderma), cancer, microbacterial infections, vulvar biopsies and more). The tests showed little helpful information and all the modalities were not working. 

I finally found out about Matia Brizman’s work and I started to see her at least 2 times a week. I was hopeful and skeptical at first. She said it would take a while, but believed she could help. After about a year, I continued to have deep aching pain in my lower back along with tingling numbing pain in my legs and pelvis along with urethral burning. I stopped seeing Matia for 6 months, continuing to explore other practitioners, diagnoses, and remedies. Things got worse. I returned to Matia and have stayed with her now for almost 4 years. I follow her diet and herb regimen, stopped taking high dosages of Motrin for cramps and slowly my pains have decreased. I still have some tough days, especially around my period, but overall I feel like I am returning to full health. Matia was the only one who truly supported me through all of this. She did not give up and told me I would get better and I am.

 Unfortunately, too many women and men have these diseases and I meet them each day. I tell them my story and refer them to Matia. Some want to get better and others are scared to try a new path. I am thankful for her dedication to help those who suffer from these conditions. I hope that this information given is helpful to anyone suffering similar illnesses.