Debbie Moore
Kings Beach, CA
Chronic Viral Infections, Lyme Disease, Chemical Toxicity

In January of 1995, I had surgery on the nerve in my left foot. Five days after surgery I started experiencing pain in my right big toe radiating up to my legs. I was diagnosed with gout. Not satisfied with that diagnosis I went for a second opinion. The physician, after examining me, immediately contacted my surgeon and said, “...this girl has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD).” RSD is a disease of the sympathetic nervous system where a false message is sent to the brain that you are in horrific pain. It feels as though your flesh is being torn away from your body by animals. I went from being an aerobics instructor to being bedridden and on a bedpan.

From January 1995 to January 1997, I received nineteen nerve blocks and countless drugs to try to control the pain. I could no longer wear shoes or socks and couldn’t bear to even touch my foot. My life was over. I became suicidal but couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my family. My doctors just kept increasing my medication and I was told there was no cure. I knew the Sierra Integrative Medical Center was my last chance. After a thorough examination and laboratory testing, my test results showed that I had Chronic Viral Infections, Lyme Disease, Chemical Toxicity and multiple allergies. I only had 25 percent blood flow to the left side of my head and body. One of the physicians at the Clinic, after spending an entire afternoon with me said, “I haven’t given up on anyone and I’m not going to give up on you.” I was placed on a five week, custom-made treatment program. During the fourth week, I could walk without a wheelchair. When I returned home I continued to improve. Not only could I put on shoes but at Christmas time that year I wore heels! It was nothing short of a miracle. I also achieved my personal goal of walking on the beach with my daughter, holding her hand. That thought still brings me to tears. I wake up each morning and wonder if my recovery will hold--and it has. Today I clean and cook and run a daycare. I bicycle eight to twelve miles. I went from being a walking zombie to being pain free and enjoying life. I believe in the Clinic. I have my life back, thanks to the Sierra Integrative Medical Center.