Erika Pearson -
Most people do not know what Lupus is; actually most doctors do not know what Lupus is. However, for Lupus patients the disorder remains a bizarre, cruel disease of unknown cause, with an unpredictable prognosis and symptoms that are difficult to explain. Lupus is intermittent, recurrent, and can destroy both the will to live and the ability to cope in those afflicted by it. Lupus can threaten life and prevent functioning as a normal human being.
I woke up each morning with considerable dread not knowing how I was going to make it through my day. I had two beautiful little girls that I should be enjoying, but this cruel disease prevented me from being sincerely grateful for all of my blessings. The greatest anguish I had was how my disease was affecting my children. Once, when my eldest daughter was in preschool her teacher called me to inform me that she was crying and sharing with her classmates that her Mommy was dying. Because of my failing health and the affect it was having on my children and other family members I became consumed with my death; I felt so useless and because there is no cure for Lupus my situation seemed hopeless. Luckily, I have always been a strong-willed individual so I always refused to play the "sick-role". I always forced my self to be the "perfect" mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend; however, because of Herbalife, I no longer have to force my way through another day.
I just wanted to share with you the results I have attained since I began taking these "life-changing" products. I was diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Hypo-Thyroid Disease 12 years ago. I have endured years of excruciating arthritis, overwhelming fatigue, chest pain (pleurisy & pericarditis), chronic cluster headaches & migraines, chronic UTI's and kidney stones, alopecia (hair fell-out by the handful) and mouth ulcers.
Well, of course, this meant I took a myriad of 13 medications. I also submitted to 3 treatments of chemotherapy to make my Lupus go into remission; which were not successful. While, this helped some of the symptoms it also created numerous side effects and there wasn't anything that alleviated my chronic fatigue. I was also subjected to numerous ER visits and hospital stays.
I have been on Herbalife products since December; I am currently experiencing my first remission since being diagnosed in 1990! Within days of starting this incredible program, my energy level soared! Within a few days, I felt more alert and alive than I had in years! Since starting these products I no longer have any chest pains due to pleurisy or pericarditis and I have not had a cluster headache or migraine. The only time I get a headache is when I pull my ponytail too tight; my hair has stopped falling out and it is actually growing! My arthritis has been minimized considerably; I no longer have severe morning joint stiffness and no longer take Morphine for the pain! The best thing is that I actually have energy now! I can't begin to explain how the increased energy has changed my life, but it does bring tears to my eyes... tears of joy because now I have the energy and stamina to keep up with my girls. As a matter of fact, the other night I was actually wrestling with my daughter; by their laughter and smiles on their faces you would have thought I had taken them to
Now,
Regarding my weight loss; I have lost all the weight I put on with the high dosages of steroids 45 pounds over the past year, but I did it the hard way - exercise and a personal trainer. I wish I used Herbalife (much easier and faster); however, since I have started the products I have toned my body considerably and have lost several inches. At 5'7" I now weigh 125 pounds; which is less than what I weighed as a senior in college! The products continue to help sculpt and tone my body. I now have more energy and I am healthier than I have been in years.
I love these products; they have changed my life!
In addition to my Lupus going into remission, I no longer have asthma and my allergy symptoms have diminished considerably. I no longer have a bleeding ulcer and my blood sugar, thyroid and hormones are balanced all without medication. Can you tell that I am excited! Actually, I am ecstatic!
When I was originally diagnosed I was told I would be lucky to experience my 40th birthday. Well, in July I turn 39 and Herbalife has given me the best birthday gift ever . my renewed health! I not only feel healthy . . . I look healthy! No more puffy cheeks or weight gain from the steroids. I no longer have dark circles under my eyes from the overwhelming fatigue. I actually look very young for my 39 years! These products are awesome! I now know that with these products I will live a long healthy life!
Along with the incredible results I have attained with Herbalife products; the business opportunity has also contributed to my wellness. The idea that with my diagnosis I lost my health, my physical fitness (I was an amateur body builder), my vitality, my income and my independence; created such a "pit" of depression that it literally consumed me. Now, with my regained health and an awesome business opportunity I finally have HOPE! Thank you Herbalife! Stay tuned for an incredible income testimonial because this is just the beginning!
The following is my daily Herbalife routine:
LUPUS/FIBROMYALGIA
DEPRESSION - from living with a chronic illness for 12 years
HORMONAL BALANCE: Lupus is believed to be associated with a woman's hormonal balance.
MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS
NOTE: Originally, I was unable to take the Green/Beige or Herbal concentrate because the Ma Huang aggravated my Fibrocystic Breast condition, but once I added Herbalifeline the cysts have virtually disappeared. So now I gladly use these products to increase my energy levels, which is essential for Lupus and Fibromyalgia patients. Also, I have found that I need to use the Formula 1 Green because the carbs provides additional energy. When I tried the Gold program I noticed a significant decrease in my energy, but when I switched back to the Green the energy returned.
Update as of 7/22/2002
To add an update to this testimony by being on the products...
Update as of October 16, 2002
Just thought I would drop you another note to tell you I placed 1st Runner up to Mrs. International in August and was a Preliminary Aerobic Fitness winner.
I haven't been in a gym in over 4 years!
It was all attained by using the product.
Contact Pamela (please don't overwhelm her - she gets a lot of requests.)
My name is LaDona Yerian-Bouchard. I am 25 years old and have been suffering from on-going problems associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus since 1993. Last year I was in the hospital 9 times and was diagnosed with kidney nephritis. I was told that I needed Cytoxan treatments, which is a form of chemotherapy.
During the course of my Lupus I was bedridden, needed a cane to walk, lost most of my hair, was anaemic, and suffered from pleurisy, pericarditis, and chronic fatigue. Due to the medications I gained 50 pounds, lost all my muscle tone, and developed a hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Of course now I needed more medications to cover-up the effects of the other medications. On top of all of this, I was a nutritional wreck.
Lucky for me, my husband and I were invited by Tony & Leona Williams to an Herbalife get-together hosted by Darcy & Russ Trostad. We listened to the testimonies and were very overwhelmed. We decided that I needed to start on the nutrition supplements. At this point I was not concerned with losing weight, but with getting my body back into shape nutritionally.
I noticed the results immediately. Within two weeks I had more energy, and my lungs were totally clear. Within one month, I was no longer anaemic and I was not losing any hair. It felt so good to finally feel good!! And due to the Herbal Aloe Juice I was able to stop taking my medications for my reflux.
The results have continued to be amazing! I have been able to cut down on my prednisone from 60mg to 10mg. I am no longer taking my anti-depressant or my sedative. I am also able to physically function at a more normal capacity. I am able to play a little basketball, to ride my horse, and exercise! AND! No more chemotherapy!! These may seem insignificant to you, but to me they are accomplishments that make me feel like I am conquering the world!
I consider myself living proof that these products work! Without Herbalife, the Williams' and the Trostads' I do not know if I would be here today!
Herbalife has not only given me my life back physically, but it has given me back my self-worth. You see, I was fighting for disability benefits because I could not be gainfully employed or even continue with my education. I felt worthless. However, thanks to Herbalife, I am able to be involved with a business in which I can work my own hours, with my own strategies and be my own boss! I CAN use the products; I CAN wear the button; I CAN talk to people!
I can not thank Mark Hughes & Herbalife, Tony & Leona Williams, or Darcy & Russ Trostad enough for these products and this opportunity. I only hope that I can influence someone's life the way they have influenced my and my husband's life.