I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in my mid-forties. I developed insomnia, fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, and all the symptoms that collectively pointed toward a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Frustrated, I tried to make sense of the situation. Development of chest pain and heartbeat irregularity suggested something more than just fibromyalgia, but a cardiac catheterization showing clean vessels and normal labs for cholesterol, thyroid, and blood chemistries just added to my frustration. None of the symptoms added up, and my medical colleagues were just as puzzled as I was.

 

I began to search outside conventional medicine. With no other solution to turn to, I steered away from conventional medicine and changed my healing methods. I began shifting my focus from unsuccessfully searching for a diagnosis towards health restoration. I became extremely vigilant about my diet, adopted a moderate exercise regimen that my condition allowed, practiced meditation, and learned yoga. I’d always had an interest in natural healthcare and began studying and experimenting with herbal supplements known to have restorative value. Thankfully, these experiments started to work; my health began to gradually rebound… until the tick bite.

Was it Lyme disease?

It was a warm July when a tick bite developed into a full bull’s eye rash. All the symptoms I had been experiencing for years came in spades. A Lyme test strongly indicated Lyme disease. I discovered a protocol for using medicinal herbs in massive doses to combat Lyme disease. People around me thought I was crazy. But I took a leap of faith… and I got better. Within three months, I felt human again. By six months, life seemed normal once more.

 

Thirsty to learn more, I devoured everything I could about herbs for medicinal use and health restoration. I read books, studied remedies used for hundreds of years, reviewed clinical studies, attended conferences, and spoke with other professionals well versed in complementary and alternative therapies. I developed a deep appreciation for the difference the quality of ingredients and therapeutic doses make in determining an herbal supplement’s effectiveness. Everything I learned I applied to myself and my clinical practice. Over the years, I gained a deeper understanding of which natural health solutions work. The rewards I’ve gained through my personal journey of health and wellness have been worth it.

 

Life forced me into doing something extraordinary. I have been able to share what I’ve learned and see how it benefits others. The knowledge I gained is different from what I learned in medical school, but I am a living testament to its significance. I created RawlsMD to be a reliable destination for health and wellness information. I don’t pretend to offer miracle cures, but I believe motivated individuals who want to maintain or regain their health will find the resources on this website to be life-enhancing.  

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