"Dear Dr. [insurance company Regional Manager]:

I have been a patient in the [insurance company] system since 1989. During this whole time I have been treated for fibromyalgia. At times, I have given up, as well as many of my health care providers, in finding answers as to how to deal with this pain. I have been on more medication than anyone I know and gone the circuit of physical therapy and specialists over and over.

In the late 1990s [insurance company] offered me the choice to see you for an evaluation. My meeting with you was monumental in that I finally felt as if someone understood this pain and could help me begin a road toward self-management. Since I live in Maryland, I chose to attend the Chronic Pain Management Program in Rockville. I finished the course and chose to go back for a number of classes that specifically were geared toward my needs. I know that at any time I can go back for a refresher and feel the acceptance and understanding in that program. Finding I was not alone with fibromyalgia was a big step. I gained confidence and self-awareness of my own body and learned a number of techniques to use to strengthen my muscles. But most of all, I made a connection with Dr. A.C.

Dr. A.C. has been treating me for well over a year, going on two years, I think. I believe firmly that her approach and communication with me has made me a more knowledgeable patient. She has taught me a great deal about my body and its needs, as well as educated me each time we meet on holistic healing. I have seen her for acupuncture and alternative medicines and find great relief! The acupuncture works extraordinarily well, I believe I am a poster child for my rapid, remarkable response.

Last year, Dr. A.C. referred me to Dr. MaryLee Esty for passive biofeedback and Emily Perlman for physical therapy. Again, I found myself making leaps and bounds in my progress toward living a more productive life with fibromyalgia. I can tell you, quite literally, that during my treatments I came away pain-free! This is something I haven't experienced in years. There were periods, during my time with Dr. Esty, that I could walk, exercise, move, sleep and function as if I never had fibromyalgia! I can't tell you how many times I cried just from the relief of the awful pain. During this time I was able to significantly reduce pain medication and completely alleviate all anti-anxiety medication. (The relief from the anxiety was a surprise to me). This program should be an active part of the Alternative Medicine Program for [insurance company]. Nothing in over 22 years, has helped me as much as Dr. Esty's treatments."

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