Lisa's Story: Ulcerative Colitis

My life has completely changed since I first spoke to Russell about 7 months ago. About 4 years ago, I got very sick while I was pregnant with my first child. When I was 7 months pregnant and again at 9 months pregnant I suffered from what I now know was severe Ulcerative Colitis flare-ups. At the time I was in so much pain I thought it must be labor, however, the doctors told me it sounded like a bout of IBS.

After my flare-ups died down, I had a healthy son and hoped I didn't get sick again. But I did get sick again and again and again. Three years ago my symptoms were comparably mild but over a year they developed into a serious disease.

I saw my GI doctor, had a colonoscopy, and was told nothing was wrong with me. I tried the homeopathic route which was the only thing that worked but then that stopped working. I felt progressively worse and worse over the course of 7 months. I started to experience painful diarrhea every day, 5 times a day, with intense cramping and bleeding. My GI doctor told me that “some bleeding” isn't a problem. This developed into frequency that increased to 15-25 times aday, a lot of bleeding, spasms in my colon, an almost constant urge to use the bathroom, and unbearable cramping. I insisted this was not IBS and that my doctor conduct another colonoscopy on me. He did and I was finally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. That night I started Asacol and (anti-inflammatory) enemas and I woke up the next day feeling dramatically better. But then, 2 weeks later I got another flare-up. This time my GI doctor thought it was a stomach virus but of course I knew it was not. I searched for a doctor who would take my insurance (this was shockingly difficult) and finally found someone new.

He was surprised at how my first doctor treated me and seemed to have a much better understanding of inflammatory bowel disease. But I kept getting sick and he just pumped me with medicine. Every day I was taking 18 capsules of Asacol, antibiotics, acid reflux medication and anti-inflammatory enemas. And while some symptoms went away, new issues started. I was in chronic physical pain, had low energy, developed anxiety and became depressed. My doctor suggested medication for anxiety. This was not working for me so I was on a search for a new or alternative way.

The only way I was not in pain was when I practiced Qi Gong. I found Russell through a referral by my homeopathic doctor. I called him and felt better
after our first conversation. I started his program and felt immediate results in my energy level. The colon cleanse had it's ups and downs but the downs were nothing even close to what I experienced with my flare-ups. His program took a lot of self-discipline, focus, and commitment; much harder than popping pills. I also experienced many challenges during the cleanse, including nightmares, sleeplessness, emotional ups and downs, doubts about what I was doing, having good days and also bad days.

At many times it was extremely difficult to abstain from certain foods and beverages, especially while socializing. But with Russell's help I stuck to the program. Although it has been a winding road, I am now feeling the best I've felt for the longest amount of time in over a year and a half. It has been 5 weeks and I have energy, my spirits are much higher, my diet has expanded to almost anything I want (in a lot of moderation), and Russell has taught me about foods and how to eat in a way that will make me feel good. Aside from his recommendations with diet and supplements, Russell is a tremendous coach whose support, guidance, understanding, and sincerity have profoundly impacted my life. Although I am not 100% better, I'm getting there and every day I am thankful for having been introduced to Russell - he is the MOST influential person in my life during 2011!

Lisa in Los Angeles
June, 2011 (age 32)

Here’s an update from Lisa in 2012

Hi Russell,

I decided to go through with the colonoscopy for my own peace of mind. I had it last Monday and my GI Doc said my rectum is almost completely healed and there was only minor inflammation on the right side of my colon which he admitted could have been caused by the bowel preparation for the colonoscopy. He didn't see any inflammation on the left side. And higher up everything looked good. I am mostly symptom-free and feeling good. I am so glad this long ordeal is finally over! Couldn’t have gotten here without you Russell. Thank you!

Lisa in Los Angeles
April, 2012 (age 33)

Here’s an update from Lisa in 2017

Hi Russell!

It's been a very long time since last we spoke but I wanted to let you know that I went to the GI for my annual appointment and had a colonoscopy a couple months ago. She said that I have zero signs of disease and that I am in deep remission. There is no sign of disease in any cells anywhere and if she hadn't seen the images from my previous colonoscopies she would never believe that I ever had Ulcerative Colitis!

I'm still in shock (in a good way of course).

I owe it all to you and your teachings. I have worked so hard over the years to get this condition all under control and I can't thank you enough for the life changing guidance you provided so that I could really learn how to heal myself.

It works. I did it. I healed myself!

All the very best to you!!!

Lisa in Los Angeles
December, 2017 (age 38)