I have autoimmune disease which has seen me diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and cramp fasciculation syndrome. This left me with constant cramps, muscle spasms, restricted joint movements, very restricted diet, weight loss and muscle wastage.

I am under the care of a gastroenterologist and a neurologist and medications are Mesalazine, Azathioprine, Infliximab infusions and prednisone. Diagnosis has involved multiple colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, EMG, biopsies, weekly blood and stool tests. Treatment also involved hospitalisation for hydrocortisone IV’s.

Despite all this treatment my condition was showing a gradual decline and a total colectomy was being “seriously considered”.

I had success with Acupuncture years ago with individual muscle spasms so I researched the practitioners available and found Dr Vitalis the most qualified, knowledgeable and accommodating of my disabilities. My first visits to Dr Vitalis were hard for me, as these conditions had seen me housebound. Just the short walk from the car to his practice was a slow painful exercise.

After 8 months of treatment with Dr Vitalis my ulcerative colitis is in full remission, I can tolerate a far better diet, I am gaining weight, infliximab infusions are at half dose, no more steroids, monitoring is down to bloods every 8 weeks. Cramp fasciculation syndrome symptoms down to – Mornings need about an hour’s movement to get full mobility, but no cramps or spasms. Symptoms are all but absent during the day, giving me full mobility. Evenings will see some muscle fatigue and joint stiffness depending on how active my day has been. I walk every day now, up to 4 kilometres, mow the lawns, wash the cars and sleep at night now.

Doctors and specialists have been supportive of the acupuncture treatment. I would recommend any person to give Dr Vitalis a call. Acupuncture doesn’t give instant relief like high dose steroids do, but has given me slow, steady control back over my body and does not interfere with traditional medical treatment.

Mark Ostermeyer