Terrie had lived with the effects of bipolar and anxiety for decades. Her doctor treated her conditions with various medication, but nothing ever worked long-term. Eventually, she suggested to her doctor that she discontinue medication. Her doctor approved. A week later, she reluctantly started with Truehope. Today, she has a very balanced, grounded and peaceful life.
Here’s her story:
My new life began 28 June 2008 when I took my first dose of EMPowerplus. It has been tough at times, due to protracted withdrawal and Candida issues, but compared to the medication side-effects, it has been a walk in the park!
My earliest memory of crushing, black-hole depression was at age 4.5. I turned on the shower, plugged the tub, laid down and waiting for the water to cover my face. I remember imagining I was a puppy drowning in the surf.
At age 8, I discovered that self-mutilation (cutting, hitting) would give me relief. I was very careful not to get caught doing this and would use this method of coping throughout my life. My last episode was one week before I discovered Truehope.
Today, I am a free and well-balanced woman. The urge to self-abuse or self-medicate (alcohol) has entirely disappeared.
My first hospitalization was in 1976 at age 19. I was misdiagnosed with major depression. Tofranil, Stelazine, and Lorazepam are a few of the drugs I remember.
The correct diagnosis, rapid cycling bipolar II with anxiety disorder, didn’t come until 2004. Then came the “big meds.” The ones that could make me feel worse than any flu; the ones that caused vomiting, severe headaches, migraines, twitching, stuttering, amnesia, “froth-mouth”, trembling (both hands on the fork), hair loss, weight gain, vision problems, and on and on.
I was very medication compliant for 14 years, fully committed to feeling well and functional. I did research and was careful and consistent with all my medications. Since I had a history of sensitivity to even over-the-counter products, I began each new med at ½ or even ¼ dose. The medications failed miserably.
In May 2008, I was once again at the bottom of another emotional bottom.
I asked my psychiatrist what he thought about me trying to go off meds since nothing was working and they made me so sick. He said he felt there was really nothing to lose because it was the only thing we hadn’t tried. Finally, we had run out of new meds, old meds, and combination of meds. He said if I wanted to try titrating off he would support me in that. I did. (I later found out he expected I would need to be hospitalized shortly.) I’d reached the end of hope that there was anything that could help me. I wanted to at least “go out” with an un-medicated head.
In mid-June 2008, I had my last episode of self-mutilation. It was a bad one, the worst yet, but as always no one knew. (They lock you up for that behaviour.)
A week later, my best friend called me. She had heard about Truehope and begged me to call them. I was extremely skeptical; after all I had tried everything in and out of Western medicine for over 30 years. But, loving her very much and not wanting to disappoint her, I did call. What did I have to lose but a few bucks?
Ordinary vitamins give me a bellyache so the thought of taking loads of this EMPowerplus stuff sounded out of the question. I was already pretty certain I wouldn’t be able to take them, but like I said, I didn’t want to let her down, and she was so hopeful.
June 28, 2008 is the day I was reborn. That is the day I took my first dose of EMPowerplus. (Catherine, at Truehope, recently asked if she could consider me a success story. I laughed. No, I am a bloody miracle!)
Before I was on EMPowerplus, I had two speeds: fast forward and off. People now find me calm and evenly paced, yet energized and happy.
I don’t feel great, fantastic, or amazing; that was hypo-mania. I am off all psych-meds and feel right for the first time in my life. My doctors, pharmacist, friends, and family are all blown away. They can’t believe the difference in me and it keeps getting better.
In spite of my partner’s long term illness and personal financial concerns, I have a very balanced, grounded and peaceful life. I feel solid inside, able, capable, and full of hope.
Thank you!
With love and gratitude,
Terrie P.