Melissa Dow
Dear Ms. Harper,
I wanted to email you and thank you so much for the way you have helped change my life. I have suffered from Crohn’s disease for over 14 years. These last one and a half years have been the most difficult of my life. Like yourself, I have been on numerous therapies including sulfasalazine, asacol, high doses of prednisone, budesonide, Pentasa, Cipro, Flagyl, and Imuran and finally Purinethol (6 MP). All of these medications instead of controlling my Crohn’s disease have caused me to have worse and even life-threatening side effects.
July 1, 2004, I was hospitalized for a blood clot (transverse sinus vein thrombosis) in the back of my head and underwent an emergency mastoidectomy because I had an ear infection spread to the mastoid bone and they felt this might have caused the blood clot. The symptoms developed 3 days after starting Purinethol. However, because my doctors warned me that a flare of my Crohn’s disease would be very serious now that I was on Coumadin (blood thinning medication), it was suggested that I continue the Purinethol despite the fact that my symptoms only appeared after taking the drug. Unfortunately, my immune system became so immunocompromised, I have required intravenous immunoglobulin treatments every 4 weeks up to the present to build it up. In October of 2005 I had lost nearly all of my hair and had such horrible nausea and pain that I sought a second opinion after CT scans and ultrasounds ruled out a stomach ulcer. The second doctor after reviewing my blood work and symptoms said that I was on the verge of pancreatitis and suggested that I stop the Purinethol immediately. Within two weeks of stopping the drug, I began to feel much better. However, at this point I wasn’t sure what to do. I prayed very deeply for an answer. The doctors wanted me to go on yet another chemotherapy (Methotrexate) or begin Remicade treatments. Given my past reactions and sensitivities to drugs, I struggled to figure out what to do. It was at this time that I felt inspired to read your book. I admit that I bought it 3 years ago and unfortunately, I had put it aside. However, I knew that I needed to read it from cover to cover and really understand your story. I’m so thankful that I did. I devoured your book in a day and immediately began applying macrobiotic principles. I went to the library and checked out all the macrobiotic cookbooks they had. I also ordered several books from Amazon.com.
It is now New Year’s Eve 2005 that I’m writing this and I know that miracles exist. Since starting this diet, I have been able to lose 20lb that were near impossible to lose before this. I have had more energy and feel more peaceful and thankful for my blessings. And, best of all I have stayed in remission with my Crohn’s and was able to reduce or get off of most of my medications. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you for having the courage to share your story and provide a way for people like me who have only ever dreamed of a life without Crohn’s symptoms to make this a reality. However, I also know that prayers are answered and it has also been through the grace of God that I am doing as well as I am. My husband and daughter are also beginning to eat this way and are amazed at how good food tastes when it’s cooked in a natural, wholesome way.
I can never say thank you enough!!!!!
Sincerely,
Melissa Dow
Centerville, Utah
