JS's Story: GERD, Acid Reflux, Panic Attacks

I began working with Russell in February, 2007. I had just turned 50 and I was under a great deal
of stress and in addition my hormones were changing.   I began having panic attacks and GERD.
However, I didn't really know what was wrong with me.  I could barely get food down. It felt like
there was a big block in my stomach and I had acid reflux.  In addition my panic attacks were
causing heart palpitations and difficulty breathing.  Luckily my husband found Russell's name
somewhere  and I called him.  Right from the beginning, Russell walked me through all the steps I
needed to take, including suggesting I see a GI doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. The GI
doctor did an endoscopy and confirmed that I had GERD.  He told me that I should take some
stomach medication.  I asked him how long I would be on it and he said possibly the rest of my
life.  Also, he gave me a list of things I could eat such as dry cereal.  I didn't like the idea of being
on medication and I don't touch most of the foods that the GI doctor recommended.  I was
terrified and pretty desperate. I must have been one of the most difficult clients that Russell has
ever had.  

Even though I'm a Psychotherapist, I had never experienced panic attacks myself.  Russell had
to deal with my fear which manifested as resistance to some of his suggestions.  Russell was
incredibly patient and caring as he walked me through this healing process.  After several weeks
I began to get some relief. I was able to get food down more easily and the reflux began to
subside.  After a month or two the symptoms were gone.  A year later, I again had another bout
of panic attacks and GERD, but this time not as bad. I contacted Russell and he patiently
checked in on my diet and made suggestions.  Again I got better. Recently I had a bout of
constipation that Russell helped me get through.

Russell's program is fantastic. He is very well informed about functional nutrition, and how
lifestyle and emotions affect people.  In addition, he is a wise, kind, and gentle person.  Russell
has educated me so well about a whole foods diet, that a friend of mine who is a holistic health
counselor is impressed with how much I know. Thank you Russell. You saved my life.

JS
Psychotherapist in Vermont
updated in March, 2011
Russell Mariani
Digestive Wellness Counselor
Author,
Healing Digestive Illness
The Center for Functional Nutrition
Assisting in the quest for better health through better nutrition since 1980
The statements or information on this website have not been evaluated by
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