I was a technician for Telkom Ltd. Previously G.P.O. for 30 years. Between 2003 and 2006 I fell off a ladder on three different occasions. During that time I suffered from lower back pain and was treated with anti-inflammatories. I also suffered from allergies to dust, mite and grass, as well as having high cholesterol and high blood pressure, all of which were treated with prescription medication. I had severe pain in my feet and had seen a podiatrist who said I had flat feet and made orthotics for my shoes and cut off callous formation on both my feet on a monthly basis. I previously had a bunion operation. After 2 years of being treated by the podiatrist, his conclusion was that I should spend less time on my feet and suggested that the only long term solution would be that my work put me in a position that would not require me to spend too much time on my feet. I consulted my GP who then referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon at the Sports Science Institute. He suggested having a metal bar made for under my shoes which I found unacceptable.
From October 2006, I had pain from my head to my feet on the left side of my body and could not lie on my left side. On 1 November 2006 I saw an Ear Nose and Throat specialist for my allergies and he wanted to see me again at the end of November. It was then that he referred me to a GP to deal with the pain I was experiencing. He sent me to a physiotherapist. I attended physiotherapy sessions for two weeks in December 2006 but it did not make any difference. I immediately went back to the GP and he referred me to a neurosurgeon. On 21 December 2006 an MRI was done and I was told I needed a neck fusion of C6-7 vertebrae. The operation was done on 28 December 2006. I was discharged on 30 December 2006 wearing a neck brace day and night.
On 17 January 2007 at my follow up appointment I still had pain and discomfort and was given pain killers. With time and more follow up appointments and more X-Rays I had more pain and discomfort and my medication was changed. I was still wearing the neck collar 16 months AFTER my surgery and the pain killers did not help. My neck was stiff, uncomfortable and I had pain in my arms, neck and legs. I was lying on a continental pillow and two normal pillows at night to try to get comfortable. It was painful to look after myself and I was slow and careful with all my movements, I could not walk further than 400m and the pain prevented me from sitting. I could not stand for longer than 10 minutes and slept for less than 2 hours at night.
In May 2007 after the neurosurgeon examined me, his findings were that I was not fit to continue with my work and that even further surgery on my neck or lower back would not improve my symptoms. In October 2007 after an Incapacity Investigation by Telkom, I was found to be permanently disabled and I was medically boarded. This experience left me feeling depressed, angry, disillusioned and totally sceptical of the medical profession.
I started DIRECTED PRESSURE POINT TECHNIQUE on 22 April 2008. The day after a session I felt tired and exhausted and had to rest that whole day. I experienced a lot of changes like my legs, under and on top of my feet, my spine and neck itching a lot. Sometimes I felt like vomiting and choking in my throat but it was very interesting for me. My lower back felt sore and pain went into my groins and my appetite disappeared for a while. Sometimes my lungs felt “blown up” and I had warm flushing pains in my hips. I also experienced pulsing pain in my knees, elbows and bladder and my stomach, chest and feet were sore. It felt as if my body was “coming together”. Even my gums were sore at some stage and my neck scar was very itchy. I was reassured that these effects were not unusual with Directed Pressure Point Technique and were the body’s way of healing so I wasn’t worried. I just rested and listened to my body.
It has taken time and I have been very patient to see the results. The body needs the time and space to recover and function properly. Sometimes I felt as if I were cut off from the world because I couldn’t enjoy myself with others, going out or even at home.
I started removing the collar which I had worn day and night for 18 months since surgery, for a few hours a day. After 2 months of Directed Pressure Point Technique I didn’t have to wear it at all during the day. After 3 months I slept without the night collar and was feeling that my neck turned much easier. From 28 July 2008 I was without my neck collar completely. The pain in my legs, arm, feet and hands had improved significantly. My feet are much better and the calluses are getting smaller. From the beginning of June 2009, I was able to sleep on one normal pillow and don’t need to be propped up any more. I have a normal night’s sleep and only get up to go to the toilet. My posture has improved. My feet have changed position; they don’t turn out so much anymore. My stomach has become flatter. Another thing that I am happy and over the moon about is that I am no longer on any allergy medication and my blood pressure and cholesterol medication is significantly reduced. I don’t think prescription drugs are beneficial to any living organism.
I feel much better and I feel as if I am getting better all the time. I am in ongoing treatment and know that I am going from strength to strength.
I am always interested in reading articles about medical advice and seriously question them. I also listen to medical programs on the radio and have phoned in several times to ask questions and challenge what they are saying. Needless to say I have been put on hold or have not been given satisfactory answers. I have approached my medical aid and attended the annual general meeting to ask why they do not pay for treatment like Directed Pressure Point Technique which is beneficial and is the only treatment that is helping me. I am still waiting for answers and one day hope I will get them.
Yours sincerely
John