The War Cry
Current mood: 
contemplative
Parts of my Interview with THE WAR CRY, a British publication
Regarding my success battling PCOS, Migraines, and mood swings/depression with the EPC program (created by Ian Stoakes)
1. What was your medical condition? How long had you had it? What problems did it give you?
I have polycystic ovary syndrome and also suffered from migraines and mood swings (bipolar disorder).
I have most likely had PCOS since I was a teenager although I was not diagnosed until I was 22 years old (that was 11 years ago).
The biggest problem at that time was that I was never having monthly cycles. When a woman does not have at least 6 menstrual cycles per year the chances of uterine cancer increase. I had a period maybe 3 times a year at the most. I had also been gaining weight, despite attempts to eat right, diet, exercise more and more. I was very athletic yet I was gaining and gaining and nothing I did would stop it. As every year passed the migraines got worse as did the mood swings and depression. It was a vicious cycle... snowballing. Later I found out that I was also infertile and had likely never ovulated in my life up to that point.
2. How did you hear about Ian's work?
I was the President of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. Ian's books were presented to the Board of Directors of the PCOSA to read and consider introducing to our members as an option to treat PCOS. The PCOSA's spokeswoman went through Ian's program and had amazing results. There aren't any holes in Ian's theory. Anything that we could find that was questionable he had the answer to, and the answer was always backed up with science.
3. What made you decide to take the plunge and spend money on the blood tests?
I found myself having hope for the first time since being diagnosed with PCOS. Hope isn't something that I ever had because I was not only told "there is no cure" but also, there isn't hardly an acceptable, successful treatment. Treatments were drugs that had horrible side effects and for many, didn't work anyway, or shaving, having laser treatment, trying every diet imaginable to mankind. "Treatment" ended up being just another word for "Torture". As a volunteer with the PCOSA I watched women struggle with their weight, health, infertility, and miscarriages. On one hand, I knew I wasn't alone. On the other, I wished I was because I never wished that kind of suffering on another person.
4. How worried were you that you might be a victim of a scam? Did it cross your mind than Ian
might be like one of those old wild West quack doctors? Did you think it would be worth the risk anyway?
I was worried that it was a scam at first because it was "too good to be true". I did wonder if Ian was a quack. But I came to the conclusion that there had to be an answer out there somewhere, there had to be better treatments than what we had found so far.... and why wouldn't Ian be the one to have those answers? Who was I to say that he couldn't have the cure? The risk was some money, and even more-so, the hope and belief that something was going to help restore health and not let me down, again. When I considered dealing with being ill for the rest of my life I realized that I could leave no stone unturned. I also realized that I had a responsibility as an advocate for women with PCOS and other illnesses - to find out what this was all about and bring them the information if it passed the "smell test".
I think that Ian is in a place where he is a target to have stones thrown at him. But let's not forget -- "Ben Franklin was criticized for flying a kite in an electrical storm. President George W. Bush was criticized for declaring war on Osama Bin Laden. You will be criticized for making excellence your goal, sharing your faith, taking a stand, accepting a leadership position, not compromising your principles, speaking out or implementing change."
5. How soon after starting the diet did your condition improve?
Within days of doing a few things that Ian recommended I began to feel better. It was really surprising!
6. What symptoms have disappeared?
I went off my migraine medications and have had only 3 headaches. I have those 3 in the last 6 weeks, most likely due to lack of sleep since having a new baby. Before I took the medications I had migraines 5-6 days a week. The migraine meds made me feel "dull" and slow. They also caused more weight gain. Getting off of the meds was really great. This was an amazing improvement in my quality of life!
I ovulated for the first time without medication and conceived. I had a healthy pregnancy - no miscarriage, no high blood pressure, preeclampsia, no premature baby... all of which I had dealt with in past pregnancies. I slept better and woke up feeling more refreshed. My moods on Ian's program were like night and day compared to before. After having my baby I lost 30 pounds very easily.
7. Which symptoms remain?
I need to lose more weight to get to my healthy weight. I don't think this will be difficult at all. I can't think of any other symptom I have any longer!! I will have to have my cholesterol and other blood work done to see how well I am doing in those areas. I suspect it will be improved from last time beings I feel so much better.
8. What overall difference has Ian's 'treatment' made to your life?
In addition to feeling better and blessing me with a beautiful, healthy baby, the EPC lifestyle has given me hope, an answer to many prayers. I can't put into words how much better that makes me feel. It's like a huge burden has been lifted.
9. Do you believe Ian has found, as he claims, the cause of infertility?
I do believe that. To date, everything that Ian has told me has proven to be the truth. I believe that Ian is reaching out, trying to heal the sick, as he should if he has the knowledge to do it. I think that God has blessed him and he is trying to share that with the rest of us. I believe that it is his job to do so -- because if someone can help others to achieve better health, they have no right to keep that information to themselves.
Ian has helped me and quite possibly saved my life. Women with PCOS are at higher risk for diabetes and heart disease (which is already the #1 killer of women).
loved 
hopeful 
He is so adorable! 
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