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Ptak Wellness Success Stories 7
Spinal Fusion
This one is from yours truly about a new patient who came in this week. I tell this story and share the ones above because the theme is basically the same. These are situations that an educated brain would say that only mass quantities of drugs and surgeries can help. But thankfully I see things differently. And I guess what I am saying is that we all probably know someone out there who feels that their situation is hopeless and helpless. They have been to them all and they have done it all but I must say there are no limits to what we can overcome if we are allowed to be in a safe place which promotes healing.
So a 37 year old female comes in on Wednesday of this week at her wits end. She has had 3 lower back surgeries. The first to fuse L4/L5 and L5 to sacrum. The second 2 to try and fix the first one. She is still miserable and getting worse. You should see these films she brought with her. They must have weighed 15 lbs. easy.
Her history is that she grew up with Chiropractic. At 8 years old her Chiropractor told her parents that she had a spondylolesthesis ( slippage of L5 on sacrum) which was an incidental finding in her case and never to worry because it was stable.
Then comes an auto accident 1987. Taken to emergency. They see the spondylo on x-ray and say they must fuse her spine. She tells them the accident did not cause it she has had it all her life. She asks they call her Chiropractor in Boston and he will tell them about her spine. She tells me that they literally laughed at her. She is caught in a weak moment and they do surgery based on her x-ray findings. She tells me she has not had one pain free day since. 13 years of hell.
She now takes 5 different medications multiple times per day. She has been to Chiropractors (her most recent was some guy here in LA that treated her vs. adjusted her for 2 years and no doubt contributed to her present downfall), acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapist, orthopedists, physiatrists, a psychiatrist and neurologists.
They all want epidurals and a 4th surgery. I freaked out. Her acupuncturists says it is all in her head and she needs to think differently since it is only a muscle problem. Her last Chiropractor did all this stupid stuff to her with weight belts and weight training and a special torque bike to lose weight. It hurt her. Orthopedists want epidurals and surgery to fuse L3 to L4. So do the neurologists and physiatrists. I am not sure about her psychiatrist who has her on antidepressants.
One of her teachers who is a member of our practice has been trying to refer her to our office for the past 3 weeks. I finally called her and spent 1 hour with her on the phone before she remembered her Chiropractic benefits from her Boston days.
Well to shorten this up she limps in. Can hardly stand. I adjust her upper cervicals and L3. I do flexion/distraction on L3. She gets up and most of her pain is gone. She sleeps through the night for the first time in 13 years and does not take a Vicodin for the first time as well. Comes in day 2 still doing incredible better. Walking tall, slight pain and spasms. She does not have to crouch down every minute or two from her tremendous pain. Adjust, flexion/distraction and off she goes doing great. I await her return today for visit 3. My concern is that she has been so abused for so long by so many she will talk herself right out of these positive experiences as merely a fluke. I hope she gets lots of great spouse support.
She cancelled her acupuncturist forever. Cancelled the epidurals and no way surgery. She spent her first reasonably pain free day telling her doctors her experience in our office and canceling all procedures. Not one thought what she was about to embark on was a good idea. Let alone safe.
We will keep you posted.
My Whole Family Is Healthier
As the mother of 2 young boys who seemed always "sick" and on some kind of antibiotic, I was ready to try something new. I wanted to help them build stronger bodies for better health, but I just didn't know how to break the habits of illness and medications. I decided to try Chiropractic at the urging of a friend.
Well now I understand how the brain, spine and nervous system work together to send messages to and from the organs, thus creating a body that works at its best without interference. What a difference this knowledge and care have made not only in our children, but also in myself and my husband!
We have never been healthier, our attitudes are more positive, and we are sleeping better. My husband no longer suffers from excruciating leg cramps, we both get a full night's sleep, and are able to fight off illness much better now that we are receiving Chiropractic care.
Now that I am pregnant with our 3rd child, I've noticed how much better I feel this time compared with the last 2 pregnancies. What a difference!
Thank you Chiropractic and thank you all so much for giving us a healthier way of living!
Temple, Scott, Sam & Seth Graham
My Overall Health Is Better!
I feel like I have recently re-discovered Chiropractic. For a long time I suffered with stiffness, pain and soreness in my neck and back with weakness on the right side. This was a daily health problem. It interfered with my ability to exercise, walk and relax, and I took over-the-counter medications to help alleviate these problems.
I had experienced some positive Chiropractic contact several years ago, and after my son started receiving regular Chiropractic care, I decided I should return to Chiropractic and let it help me again, too.As a result of my now regular Chiropractic care my overall health has improved, I am more flexible and I have better balance. Another plus happened recently when I had the flu. My Chiropractic adjustments helped me feel better and recover faster.
Thank you!
Frances M.
"You are one in a billion"
Talon was calmer and told me he felt better after seeing you, in spite of the tears. Thank you. You are one in a billion. I have great admiration for your clarity and unique vision. Now, if I could just wrangle my husband David in to see you...hmmmm.
Thank you again for this morning
"It's hard to live in Florida when your Chiropractor is in Santa Monica"
Thanks for your daily inspiration! Here are two thoughts that a friend passed to me this morning, I thought I'd pass along to the WisePtak.
'The past does not equal the future' - Tony Robbins
'Live out of your imagination, not your history' - Stephen Covey
Thanks also for being one of the driving forces guiding me to LA. It's hard to live in Florida when your Chiro is in Santa Monica.
We are Pregnant!
I just want to say thank you so much. My husband and I have tried for several years to get pregnant. I had heard how Chiropractic was helpful for women who were pregnant and I had read something once about a Chiropractor in Northern California who had helped a women with a pregnancy/infertility problem. But I never in my wildest dreams ever expected Chiropractic to help me.
But after just a few months, Oh my god. We are pregnant. I will keep up with my wellness care, I promise. God bless you Dr. Jeff
~G & P
A healthy little girl
Well its been 6 months now that I have been coming to Dr. Ptak with my daughter Micki who is now 4 1/2. One of my friends had been urging me to take her to Dr. Jeff for months before I finally gave in. I just never could understand how a Chiropractor could help Micki. She had real medical problems. Micki was seeing her doctor for kidney and bladder problems. She does not have back pain. She suffers from frequent headaches, has a sleep disorder and suffers from eczema.
When I finally realized that Micki was not improving with her medication I finally went to an orientation at Dr Jeff's office. Well it all made sense, and I did feel different after I was adjusted that first night, but my 4 year old daughter ? I just didn't know what to do.
Well we came back the next day and Dr. Ptak checked her spine and adjusted her. He told me that he could feel where her nervous system was being interfered with and that was why she was having all of these many problems. Well one thing was certain Micki loved her adjustment and really enjoyed her visit. So we came back. Each time Micki would laugh and each time she seemed to feel better.
After a few weeks she was finally able to sleep through the night. She was never able to do that before. She has not complained about her headaches and has not developed any new patches of eczema and the older patches are slowly disappearing. The original problem with her bladder /frequent urination has greatly improved. Her kidneys are functioning much more efficiently. We have not had the need to go see her pediatrician since we started Chiropractic (we went weekly).
I have also noticed that Micki's overall outlook on life has improved. She seems so much happier and seems generally much more relaxed and confident. A mom just knows these things. I have no doubt that my daughter will continue to improve both physically and mentally with her continued care. Thank you all so much. You are all one in a million.
~ Micki & Morgan (Micki's Mom)
An ounce of Prevention
I just want you all to know that Chiropractic has done so much for me as far as maintaining my health and wellness from a preventive standpoint. I to started Chiropractic due to a spinal injury. I have kept up with my care now for 5 years. Not only is my back stronger then ever but I have had much less sickness over the past 5 years. When I do feel run down or like I am coming down with something I bounce back in literally one day.
I have more strength and stamina, my attitude is much more positive and I have a tremendous amount energy to tackle my days. My stress-filled lifestyle is so much more under control with my weekly and sometimes bi-weekly adjustments.
Thanks Ptak for assisting me in experiencing the Power of Chiropractic.
~ R.M.
Amazing Healing Experience - No More Cancer
With permission from Dr. Marilyn we are cleared to tell you her amazing healing experience. Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer of her cervix/uterus in early 1999. Her medical option was surgery as it was determined her condition was quite advanced. So advanced that her doctors were extremely concerned about her and frankly scared her to death. Determined to heal on her own she began Chiropractic in February of 1999.
Her determination came from within. Her faith was built on actual proof after her husband, granddaughter, son, and a son's friend all healed from a variety of ill health while under Chiropractic care in our office. Since beginning her care Marilyn has been a very out spoken proponent for Chiropractic. She has referred countless families for well care, and postnatal care. She has referred more newborns then anyone I know. I have been a guest speaker at several of her college and high school classes about Chiropractic.
At my insistence Marilyn went for a follow-up evaluation last week. Guess what - NO MORE CANCER - COMPLETE CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. Throughout her Chiropractic care Marilyn continued to work her normal work schedule. The power of innate. The power to alter matter from within. Without drugs, without chemotherapy, without radiation and without surgery. Just no interference.
I am continually in awe of the universal power which is exists within each one of us.
Thank you Marilyn for sharing your story with us.
Stay strong. Pass it On!
Car Accident Recovery and much more...
I have been a patient of Dr. Ptak's on and off for 14 years.
When I first starting seeing Doc, I was 17 years old and I was in a horrible car accident. I thought then that Chiropractic was just to eliminate my pain. And it did over a period of time. But through the years I have come to realize the wellness concept of Chiropractic. My all around health has improved. I am able to deal with the stress in my life much more easily. I sleep better. I never get headaches anymore. I find that I am able to focus and think more easily and clearly. I am much more active and my eating habits have improved.
I just feel better all the way around. The world looks brighter. Thanks Doc.
Dana R.
Feeling Better and Better...
Hi Doc! Just a brief report -- I was sitting Indian style tonight, chanting Daimoku, so happy to be surrounded by many good and caring chanting buddies in someone's small and humble gohonzon room and I realized, wow how straight and alive my precious spine feels. And strong. I feel so many parts of my body coming back to life. Liberated life force is indeed a wondrous thing. Thank you doctor for your happiness sharing.
Kathleen S.
Baby Fever Gone...
I just have to share this experience with anyone who will listen. My 4 week old son developed an acute lung infection with congestion this past Thursday morning. Out of nowhere Jackson's temperature reached 102.8 and climbing. I could see how difficult it was for him to breathe. I held him and took him into the shower all day and all night to steam his chest. It did not help.
Friday morning his fever hit 103 degrees and I took him to his pediatrician. He and his nurse practitioner were so concerned at his high fever that they wanted to admit him into the hospital right then. They told me how such a high fever was dangerous in an infant under 2 months. They said it is not as dangerous when they are older the 2 mos.
I am not sure why but I left there and drive directly to Dr. Jeff's. He had already checked and adjusted Jackson's spine once after the birth so I just had to have him check Jackson. Jackson is my third child, and my to girls, myself and my husband are all patient's of Dr. Jeff. I just could not recall any of my kids having this much trouble this early on.
Well Dr. Jeff happened to be standing by the door when in we walked. He could tell something was up with Jackson. He took him from me and went directly to an adjusting table. Dr. Jeff checked his spine, found his atlas bone and his sacrum were subluxated. He adjusted him and wow! Jackson responded almost instantly. His eyes opened and he squirmed about. Dr. Jeff did some cupping over his lungs on his back and sent us home.
No sooner did I arrive home, I checked Jackson's temperature it had dropped to 98.3 in less then one hour. His breathing was labored but I felt hopeful. Dr. Jeff told me to call him that evening and again on Saturday morning and forget that it was the Labor Day weekend. Dr. Jeff and I spoke on Friday night and he told me to call in the morning and that he wanted to check Jackson at his home. I really did not want to disturb him but he insisted. I reminded him that I did not want to expose his child to Jackson but he said not to worry.
Jackson finally got some sleep Friday night and his temperature stayed at 98.3. On my way to Dr. Jeff's on Saturday I stopped in to see my pediatrician because I wanted him to be aware of what transpired over the last 24 hours. Both he and his nurse practitioner were ecstatic about his sudden turn around but could not understand why I took him to my Chiropractor. I gave them Dr. Jeff's phone number so they could talk and went to Dr. Jeff's house for his next checkup.
Jackson's atlas was in a much better position, his sacrum held the adjustment and Dr. Jeff adjusted his atlas once again. We stayed in touch the rest of the weekend. Dr. Jeff assured me his infection would clear and that since infant's cannot cough it up and out it would take about three weeks. I felt so much better hearing that. Even though I have 2 other children it is amazing what you can forget when a child becomes ill.
I that Dr. Jeff from the bottom of my heart for his love and caring, his dedication and his efforts. As an aside my 3 year old daughter, the middle child, was playing doctor on Saturday night with her older sister and when we all said you want to be Dr. so and so. Melinda said "NO. I am Dr. Jeff."
Jeff again thank you so much for who you are and what you do. Thank you Patricia and Ian for letting us into your home and into your family.
With Love,
The Rozelle Family
Healthier than Ever...
I just want to say a quick thank you Dr. Jeff and staff. Thank you for your commitment to our lives and for your no nonsense approach toward health and well-being. I have been to other Chiropractors over the best 12 years. But never have I been told "the story" before. No wonder my neck pain comes back.
Well I have been seeing you for 9 weeks and, are you all ready for this, I have lost 14 pounds. I am exercising. I am eating healthier then I have in many years. I meditated twice this week. I am a NON-SMOKER now after 15 years (day 9). I released my not so wonderful relationship with my fiance after 2 1/2 years. I am moving forward. And yes my neck pain is gone and I know its gone for good this time. I am sleeping better and I feel energized. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect anything like this. I just wanted my neck cracked that first day.
What will come from our next 9 weeks God only knows. But I am ready. Thanks for telling me the story. Thanks for taking a stand for my life. Thanks to all of you at Ptak Life Center. You all have truly given me my life.
May God continue to bless and watch over all of you.
Your most grateful and outspoken advocate,
Sherry H.
In Africa
It is so lovely to hear from you on a regular basis. Your affirmations continue to give us inspiration. A breath of America right here in Africa and we appreciate it.
Bless you all.
From Maureen & Gareth
A Testimonial Poem
History is 70 year old man who has been experiencing excruciating deep thigh/femur pain for many, many years. He traveled up from Mexico at the insistence of a friend and has lived in her home for 8 weeks. He has been walking with a cane for over 1 year. After 8 weeks of Chiropractic care inmy office, Charles is pain-free and handed me his cane for safe keeping. He leaves for home today!
- Dr. Jeff
Poem
I took the pain to my HMO.
They said, "Take two Tylenol and call us next year."
I took it to my orthopedist.
He offered me two new hips for the price of one.
I took it to my podiatrist.
He trimmed my nails and gave me the boot.
I took it to my neurologist.
He got on my nerves.
I took it to my my dermatologist.
He skinned me, but it didn't go away.
I took it to my herbalist.
He handed me an acorn and said, "Eat this."
I took it to my acupuncturist.
He stuck me for a couple hundred.
I took it to my psychiatrist.
He said it wasn't in my leg, it was in my head.
I took it to my proctologist.
He just gave me a pain in the butt.
I took it to my paleotantric faith healer.
He didn't believe me.
I finally took it to Dr. Ptak,
Who hooked me up to his leatherette rack,
And just when I thought my bones would crack,
He took away the years of pain.
And - just for good measure -
He took my cane.
-----C.B. Griffith
Ensenada, Mexico
