Omaha Woman Takes Control of Her Well-Being

Omaha Woman Takes Control of Her Well-Being

From Alternatives Newsletter May 2007

Eight years ago, Jan Walker’s problems were so severe she ended up at Mayo Clinic for tests.  “I was physically not feeling well at all,” said the Omaha substitute teacher. 

“Doctors found nothing wrong so they prescribed an antidepressant and a synthetic estrogen,” she said.  Problems persisted several years later, still without any diagnosis.  “I went into another episode of extreme fatigue, anxiety, total lack of appetite – during which time I lost 55 pounds in three months – insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and repeated sinus infections and allergies.  I was so ill I couldn’t live alone for three months.  I now know my problems were a combination of menopause, thyroid and adrenal problems.”

Walker said she began to achieve healing when she became a partner in her own health care.  “Dr. Ryan and her staff made me feel like I was a partner in my health and well-being, not merely an obedient patient who was just to do as I was told without question,” Walker said.  “She made recommendations about safe and high-quality supplements that I needed. 

“Dr. Ryan put it all together with the right kind of tests for estrogen/testosterone/progesterone/DHEA and transitioned me from synthetic estrogen to natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy custom-made for me.  Also, she confirmed that I have Hashimoto Thyroiditis so I now take Armour Thyroid medication for this condition instead of the synthetic Synthyroid.   

“As a former family practice physician, Dr. Ryan has both medical knowledge and expertise in natural, gentle solutions to my problems.  I feel a lot better now,” Walker said.  She described total healing as a triangle where all the pieces of the puzzle must fit.  “That triangle is spiritual, emotional and physical.”