When all seems lost, there's PFS!

Read this true life story about a woman who woke up one day paralyzed from the waist down. Health practitioners, healers, doctors, even psychics were unable to help her...
by Jill Wohlfeil
Manager, Community Relations Humane Society of Southern Arizona

October 11, 2001 was probably the most traumatic day of my life. The day before I felt strange tingling sensations in my legs and muscle spasms in my back--the next day, I got out of bed stood up and then collapsed on the floor. I was paralyzed from mid-chest down. Panic stricken, I dragged myself across the bedroom and living room to get to the phone to call 911. I only had use of my arms to pull myself along and believe me, you never know how heavy your butt is until you have to drag it across the house! Some of the paramedics gave an immediate diagnoses of Multiple Scleroses--more panic--my blood pressure was soaring. I was taken to the hospital where they asked a million questions, took blood, did an MRI, then admitted me.

During the three weeks I was hospitalized I was subjected to thousands of questions, saw dozens of doctors and was subjected to tests nearly every day in between occupational therapy (which taught me how to use the wheelchair I was in, make my bed, get around in a kitchen and do laundry) and physical therapy (which was mostly stretching and some mild exercise for my muscles). I had four MRI's which fortunately ruled out Multiple Scleroses, nerve and muscle testing, volumes of blood work, and an angiogram. The latter test disclosed a "collapsed artery" inside my spine which cut off blood supply to the nerves in my spine causing the paralysis. At last, a diagnosis "spinal cord infarction" -- and there was nothing they could do. After three weeks I was sent home with a prescription of outpatient physical therapy which I attended three times a week.

I returned to work after discharge from the hospital and it took all my energy just to get through the day and try to take care of my home and pets. Physical therapy was draining and there was little progress. After a few months I was able to use a walker. Then, I was discharged from physical therapy and told to "walk my butt off" as often as I could, that this was the only way I would regain use of my legs. I tried to follow this order, but found I was more and more exhausted week after week. One doctor I was seeing told me to "listen to my body" and if I was tired, to rest. For the next several months I sought help through other health practitioners, healers, doctors, even psychics. Each person was sure they could help me more than the last and every bit of advice I got was contradictory, and still, there was no notable progress. Eventually I graduated to walking with a cane and a brace on my weaker leg. I was still exhausted and some days it was very difficult to get around. One day, a caring co-worker mentioned that she knew of someone who might be able to help. Although very skeptical and tired of all the promises of help, I agreed to see Bert Seelman.

My first meeting with Bert consisted of lots of questions, then being told that my nutrition was shot and my body didn't have the nutrients it needed. Nutrients?! I was trying to regain use of my legs, who cared about food! Bert agreed to work with me and asked if I was willing to commit to an eating program and mineral and vitamin supplement regimen. I told him I'd do whatever it took to walk normally again. This routine progressed to include exercises -- my weak leg was exercised the most and I'll never forget the day when I could lift and push weight with it. It seemed like a miracle. I stuck to my eating program (with just one little slip-up!), supplement regimen, and training with Bert. In just 3 weeks there was notable difference in the use of my weak leg and my overall well being. Bert then began to include electric stimulation to our routine to re-connect the nerve pathways in my leg to increase function and sensation. Bert told me that things would get worse before they got better and I might experience more pain before healing. While this was true, I started seeing such amazing results it didn't matter. My resting heart rate went from 96 to a low of 69, I had fewer muscle spasms in my legs--especially at night, I started sleeping more soundly, I was more mentally alert, I had more control of my leg, I was able to stand longer and walk better, I had more sensation throughout my legs, and most of all -- I had HOPE!

Bert has been diligent in analyzing what my body needs and monitoring my progress on a daily basis to determine each next step. I know that very soon I will be able to throw away the cane and brace and walk as normal as before. I owe my recovery, my renewed spirit, and more than I can every repay to Bert for all he has done for me. In just 8 short weeks I have gained more recovery and more knowledge from Bert than I had from the other doctors, physical therapists and other healers in the previous 15 months. I will be eternally grateful not only for the physical recovery, but for all that I have learned about how to care for my body to keep it healthy throughout my life. Thank you Bert!