Disease Proof

The following story was written by Rosario P. who lives in Clifton, New Jersey.

In March 2004, Julisa developed a rash and after consulting several doctors, it was treated as poison ivy with topical medications. When the problem persisted, we took Julisa to St. Joseph's Hospital in Patterson, NJ. Following many tests, including kidney DNA, she was diagnosed with stage-four lupus (end stage), and placed on immunosuppressive drugs and steroids, including prednisone, creating very difficult side effects for a teenage girl. Desperate for alternative treatments, Julisa's mother and I searched the Internet for lupus information and found Jill Harrington's book, The Lupus Recovery Diet. The book credits included Joel Fuhrman, M.D. and we made the first appointment in August 2004.

Dr. Fuhrman explained the benefits of natural, balanced nutrition and prescribed a completely plant-based diet to cleanse Julisa's system. Of course, we were very skeptical that a diet could have such a drastic impact on her condition.

About the same time we took Julisa to a kidney specialist at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, who told us that she was facing kidney dialysis and placed Julisa on the national kidney transplant list. We struggled with the options facing her and the family. On one hand, Julisa would endure a weekly routine of dialysis sessions and eventual kidney failure, if a transplant wasn't found. On the other hand, she (and the family) would have to completely change eating habits -- no more pizza or cheeseburgers -- to comply with Dr. Fuhrman's program, and we weren't sure it was going to work.

Under Dr. Fuhrman's care, we finally decided to stop all Julisa's medications and treat her lupus with a plant-based diet. April 2005 testing revealed absolutely no trace of lupus in Julisa's system. Her kidney function has improved dramatically and continues to return to full function. Julisa recently celebrated her "Sweet Sixteen," with a healthy future and junior year in high school ahead of her. We all take every opportunity to tell other lupus patients and anyone we know about the miraculous results obtained from Dr. Fuhrman's nutritional approach. We are so very grateful to Dr. Fuhrman.

I have been diagnosed with lupus for almost three years. I have been in and out of hospitals each year since due to complications, including surgeries and costly tests. I am so tired at times, I feel like giving up. A lot of what I go through I keep to myself because my family doesn't understand. Currently, I'm off work and seems all I do is "nothing" which conincides with how I feel. I want help and I've read so many stories about the "miracles" of the right diet. Please help and share your knowledge.

I have significant experience in utilizing nutritional excellence as a therapy for patients with lupus. Not only have I witnessed improvements in many patients, but quite a few have had complete remission of their condition. I wrote a newsletter about my nutritional protocol for lupus (November 2004). It will also be helpful for you to read my book (Eat To Live) too. You can order it from the store at drfuhrman.com or you could join the member center, where you get the e-book of Eat To Live and access to all newsletter and the "ask the doctor" forum too. Once you do a little homework and ascertain this approach is something you want to pursue, you should call my office and set up an appointment or phone consultation for me to speak to you directly. I could also put you in touch with lots of other lupus patients that have recovered or significantly improved their conditions that can give you some extra moral support. warmest wishes, Joel Fuhrman

My friend also the same problems and have been diagnosed with lupus for almost three years.

My friend also the same problems and have been diagnosed with lupus for almost three years.

L.Bills

Take courage and know that God is with you. Our prayers are with you and your family.

I think your site is very nice and fantastic bog about health care system. I appreciate for your work.

I have a daughter with lupus. Is it possible for me to contact Rosario P of Clifton, New Jersey directly or to have her contact me?

I have been living with "Lupus like" symptoms for 3 years and each year it has been getting worse. I am on my 3rd opinion RA and numerous other specialists (total of 13) with the same results "You have an autoimmune disease but I don't know exactly what it is". At first it was just joint pain (not the actual joint but the area) and this was every single joint in my body to include my throat. Half of my voice box becomes paralyzed and I tend to sound like Minnie mouse. I still have the joint pain, knodules appear when they want to 2-3 times a week, lesions on my hands, feet, my hands now become numb and burn, the back of my legs tingle and sharp pains and I can't sit longer then 10-15 minutes. I am on blood thinners due to Antiphospholipid Antibody, I know have Leukopenia Anemia and on and on! Talk about giving up! Almost. Sed Rate usually around 126, ANA Titer 1:1280, Complement C3 28, Complement C4 <8, Immune complex C1Q Bind 7.0. I am scheduled to have a Sero Nerve biopsy this Friday and I've already had a lymph node biopsy done (normal). I have pages and pages of tests that I have not mentioned and they say that it looks like Lupus so I'm going to treat it like Lupus. I've taken Steroids with ugly side effects and every other med you can imagine. I think it's time for me to try something else instead of going to the Mayo clinic because I do not have the funds for that trip. I am desperate to have my normal life back. I can't imagine what a full day without pain even feels like. But I'm willing to try something besides RX's.

My question is if there is no cure for Lupus, why do the doctors give meds for this condition? From what I've read through the internet, medications only suppress the symptoms. The predinisome that they prescribe causes damage to your kidneys, and have other major side effects. I was just diagnosed with SLE, Shrinking lung Lupus. The Lupus is effecting my lungs. I am very short of breath and none of the medications I have taken not even steriods, have given me any relief. What do you do?

I was diagnosed with lupus today. I was told to change my diet which does not include salt. Are there any recipes out there for diets without salt since I have been eating salt for over 40 years? Thanks in advance

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

I was at a women's fellowship group yesterday and we were watching a Joyce Meyer presentation when she referenced this powerful scripture. It has stayed with me all night and this morning, and here I am posting it for you. Let the words speak to your hearts and I wish you all a peace about what is happening with you. I am taking medicine because of the results I got through a ANA test but really, I feel great and wonder why the heck I am taking the medicine. At this point, the scripture I just posted is what really feels real to me. My heart needs to be at a happy point...and as it is getting there, I will have a breakthrough. I mean, really what is an autoimmune disease/disorder...? Could it be all associated to our own self image and not being happy within...to the point we make our selves sick? Well, no more of that for me, I am beloved by my Lord and Savior and he will continue to show me the light as I go through all this. God bless you all!...Maybe I'll check on you all again...'Cause everything is going to be alright.

Working towards a happy heart,
Mari

hi i also have lupus. i have not taken stroids i started to see a md who is a holistic medicine, i am getting slowly better. hey i look at it as what do i have to lose. it's worth a try. i am only 47 and have kids at home. i also have two grandsons. i can't give up. i have to keep working on getting better. also it helps to put some of your dreams into play. i'm getting on a plane and going to my sisters wedding. in vagas july. i can't do heat. scared of planes. and i', planing a cruse to mexico jamicia and i have to fly to houston to catch the ship. but i'm takeing ice packs. because i have been so sick for 20 years. i'm fighting back. life is a gift. and my advice is live your dreams... i maybe resting losts on these trips. but i'm going. if i have to sit with blocks of ice on me to keep me cool. i will i can still enjoy some things. so people get out there andsee something ...but watch out for your flares. rest and good food helps... thanks from montana

I am trying to help my sister who is suffering from Lupus and appears to be too depressed to help herself. It is unclear to me what solution you propose. Can you clarify for me please. thanks