wo boils and my leg muscles would swell, stiffen and cramp. My left leg and foot fell asleep all the time. I constantly moved to help the pain, and I used my leg muscles as little as possible. Traveling was torture. I couldn't lie down or sit. I could walk flat-footed, bending my knees as little as possible, my feet pointed straight ahead. Walking on hard surfaces would bring on the problems immediately. Getting dressed was a major challenge. Though I could still walk, my hip joints had begun to ache and cramp. I soon reslized that walking was also becoming a problem. Meanwhile, my mid and upper back also began to hurt, so that by 3 a.m. each morning, I could no longer lie in bed. Needless to say, my emotions were unstable and troublesome.

I saw neurosurgeons, pain specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, naturopathic physicians, kinesiologists, etc. MRI's and x-rays showed some spinal problems, but nothing which justified surgery or furnished explanations for the suffering. I reluctantly resorted to drugs sporadically in order to sleep a little. As a born again Christian, I prayed for healing. Consequently, I grew spiritually, and understood that my loving Father might plan to use me as a handicapped person. If that were the case, I was willing to be willing, and to get on with God's plan.

Then, in April of 2005, I heard a young doctor being interviewed about an upper cervical procedure that freed the brain stem. I felt strangely hopeful, and prayerfully called for an appointment. The receptionist, Lucia, was kind and encouraging as she scheduled my first visit. In the warm, friendly atmosphere of the clinic I felt welcome and loved. I prayed, "Lord, please give this kind, competent doctor permission to help me." And He did. with my first adjustment, sitting and reclining became easier. I lowered my dosage of Neurontin immediately, and within two months, I eliminated it altogether. I began to notice that I could "get away with" positions and movements that had been impossible. The changes were subtle, but relentless. The anxiety caused by constant avoidance tactics began to lessen, and I found emotional strength. I began walking again, and now walk for 30 to 45 minutes a day - fast! The vision in my right eye changed from 20/25 to 20/20. I pick up things from the floor by bending my knees instead of bending my back. I finish my shopping instead of giving up and going home. I sit at weddings, funerals and church services, instead of standing at the back. My left leg is waking up. A knee problem I've had since childhood is disappearing. All this happened in 6 months. Of course, there are still areas which are healing, but the worst is over. Dr. Conicello has a sign in his office which reads, "Healing comes from the heart of God." I thank God for leading me to this skillful, caring doctor, and for using his hands and heart to change my life.