Have you ever wondered about the difference between a conventional and compounding pharmacy? Well, over thirty-five years ago, I had my opportunity to see the difference, up close and personal. We all know pharmacy’s history, including compounding, parallels the history of civilization. For me, it all started around 1981 after I came back from a California medical center. They specialized in conditions conventional doctors and hospitals couldn’t solve what ailed this mystery lady! With my sister’s continuous prayers and love, she called one day saying, “I found the right doctor. Get on a plane. I will meet you at the airport!” Feeling a small glimmer of hope along with desperation, I hopped on a plane. I then entered a whole new world of healthcare. With the help of Dr. William Currier, MD, he was one of the courageous integrative pioneers in the use of compounding medicines. He also partnered with specialized labs and nutritional supplement companies to treat mystery ailments like my own.
By the time I started on his prescribed regimen, I was already in a degenerative spiral of the spine and jaw, along with being prediabetic, jaundice, and allergic or highly sensitive to any variety of foods and chemicals. The pain level became unbearable. With specialized testing, I learned my stomach provided little or no hydrochloric acid to help break down and assimilate proteins and fats. I was basically starving to death. I went from 175 to 114 lbs! I was losing muscle and was also unable to produce the amount and types of digestive enzymes needed from the food I ate. The doctor wanted me to stay in California for six months. With tears missing my husband and two young daughters, I braved going back home with a comprehensive list of disciplines (clinical nutrition, exercise, stress management) for the next seven years! I also had regular doctor phone consults for the first year! One can only imagine the battle I had with insurance companies over medical necessity letters and the household budget that was stretched beyond recognition!
Here’s the good news though. . . I won because of my doctors’ and compounding pharmacists’ encouragement to get what I needed over the years. I am now 80 years old and still counting! Yes, from the time I was 36 years old to now, the regimen continues, thankfully with much more flexibility with the food I eat and less supplements to swallow or rub on, whether it was by pill, potion, or lotion! The degenerative spiral stopped years ago. Many of the ailments, including thyroid, hypoglycemia, and arthritis have been well managed as I age, with others like osteoporosis completely reversed! My husband would always tease me that I had more doctor, lab, and pharmacist friends than usual friends! For that I am forever grateful. In my senior years in Boerne and the Texas Hill Country, AnniesRx’s Dr. Sumners and his staff have been my advocates who continue to educate and serve my medicine and nutritional wellness needs. They are always there when I call or visit with my many questions and possible options.
May your wellness journey also be filled with faith, hope, and love alongside these healthcare providers. . . dedicated to helping families celebrate life by achieving optimal health and wellness. For those who wish to know more about my wellness and faith journey to regain my life and health, my story, In Daddy’s Eyes, is available at most online booksellers.