C.F.
C.F.’s story is something I am all too familiar with, having heard it from many patients and members of this community. Her turnaround is remarkable. – Dr. Perlmutter
In my family, and within my group of friends, I had always been the “bright” one. In 2001, in my early 20s, I was on the path to a great career and had a lifetime of success ahead of me. However, problems with concentration and my memory, which I had considered photographic, began to appear, to the degree that I knew something was wrong. I didn’t feel like myself. It progressed over the year until 2008, when everything just went downhill. My whole body was swollen, and I had an extremely high water retention level.
I couldn’t function anymore and was unable to form complete sentences. I would get lost, forget my name and wouldn’t know what was going on around me. Tasks that were once easy became unbearable, and life was so confusing that I spent a lot of time at home, unable to function. I was admitted to the hospital on 5 separate occasions as I was genuinely, unwell but no one knew what was wrong. As time progressed I noticed that even my vocabulary was eroding! I was a professional and people noticed.
My mind and body just switched off. Brain fog would set in and I would just shut down. The doctor thought I had FMS, but said there was basically nothing to do. But we didn’t think it was FMS. My husband was convinced it was something else, and supported me all the way, especially when I spent much of my time in bed unable to walk.
We slowly noticed that by not eating bread and sugar I would be well, if I ate a piece of bread or a cake the complete opposite would be true. I became better but still I felt unwell and had days where I was very unwell. I went to a dietician who helped me read labels, and completely excluded gluten from my diet. In addition I had a full check up my doctor, which noted that I had a vitamin D deficiency (less than 1/3 of the minimum level recommended). I immediately started vitamin D supplements, eating lots of vegetables (including lots of broccoli, vegetables and olive oil) , excluding diary and miracle of miracles…..I am back!
After 3 months now I really see the change. I can think clearly, recall past memories and I haven’t worked like this in years. I am working two jobs now, where before I couldn’t even keep up one. I have no symptoms at all and I am so accustomed to my new diet that shopping and cooking is easy and includes many ingredients you recommend.