SUCCESS STORIES!

What is "Success"?

What do we mean when we say that treatment here at the center resulted in a successful outcome for a patient? 

Are we referring to longevity?  Or improvement in quality of life?  It depends on the patient's condition.  Whether it is a cancer patient, a child with food allergies, or a woman dealing with menopause, we think optimal quality of life as well as a healthier and longer life are achievable.  

What is our philosophy? 

What do we mean when we say we practice Integrative Medicine?   

Briefly, it means we integrate the best that conventional medicine has to offer along with the best, most effective Alternative Medicine therapies which may include diet, nutrition, herbal supplements, acupuncture, and intravenous treatments, among others.  

What do we mean by Complementary Medicine?   

It means that appropriate alternative therapies can enhance or complement many conventional therapies.  If a pharmaceutical drug is the best choice for a particular patient, we will use it.  If we think vitamins, minerals, herbs, or phytonutrients can better resolve a condition, we choose them.  Or maybe, a combination of these approaches.  

What do we mean by Mind-Body-Spirit?   

It means we treat the whole person, not just the physical body.  For example, we encourage patients to develop coping strategies to minimize stress, to meet with counselors, and to include bodywork, exercise and spirituality in their treatment plan.  

To further help answer these questions, we are posting some of our patients' success stories to show what kinds of experiences they've had at the Schachter Center.  Names are kept anonymous because of confidentiality, but we'll give a brief history and explain how the patient is doing.  Some patients have chosen to write their own story in their own words.

Patient Stories as told by our practitioners...

Patient #1 - What A Difference One Visit Makes

An elderly gentleman, age 79, came with a diagnosis of bladder cancer (likely Stage IV--not a favorable stage for those non-medical folks).  He had received one chemotherapy treatment from his oncologist and he decided further chemo was not for him.  "It almost killed me," he said.  

His cancer had contributed to a significant weight loss and decline in energy and endurance.  He weighed 115 lbs. at his first visit (he is 5 feet, 11 inches tall--rather slender!).  His appetite was down and he could only walk one block without having to rest from fatigue.  

The Schachter Center practitioners ( MD, PA, and Lifestyle Counselor) made suggestions about diet -  he was told to avoid artificial sweeteners and refined carbohydrates.  He was given a fairly extensive list of supplements with potentially more as his laboratory work and/or symptoms suggested.  

By the second appointment (4 weeks later), he reported an improved appetite, he had gained 8 pounds, and had been able to walk three miles without any problems.  We've suggested other possible therapies with our psychological counselor, our acupuncturist, and perhaps if and when the time is right, intravenous antioxidants.  (11/06/01)

Patient #2 - Integrative Medicine Is A Good Idea

A 57-year-old woman first came to our office last year.  She had been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and although surgery was attempted, it was not done at that time because the area was affected by extensive cancer.  Chemotherapy was suggested and she opted to do that along with a healthy diet which included fresh juices and a nutritional supplement program as outlined by our office.  

After she completed the course of chemotherapy, a CT scan suggested surgery might then be an option.  When the surgeon operated, he found there was no evidence of visible cancer and the lymph nodes were also negative showing there was no metastasis.  This occurred earlier in the year.  

She tolerated the chemotherapy well, maintaining her weight and energy, and was able to continue her normal activities.  This is a common observation of the patients who combine supplements with chemo (apparently in this case the supplements did not interfere with the chemo -- a concern often expressed by some oncologists).  

When seen about two months ago, she was feeling well, staying on a "clean" diet, taking her supplements, and had had a CT scan in September which showed no cancer.  She will continue to be carefully monitored by her oncologist---and by the center!  (11/13/01)

Patient #3 - When We Treat The Whole Person

This gentleman in his late 50's came to our office primarily to address a diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis C.  In our commitment to have decisions for treatment based on the whole "picture", a comprehensive history was reviewed and documented.  

His history included medications for high blood pressure for 10-15 years and our laboratory assessment showed evidence of mercury excess (the usual source of this toxic element is from certain contaminated fish and from amalgam dental fillings in the mouth -- the latter was evident on the physical examination).  A blood test showed elevated homocysteine, indicating risk for arteriosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries").  

He was put on a treatment program that included dietary recommendations, oral vitamin supplements, intravenous therapy, and a detoxification program for mercury.  

Within 4-6 months, his homocysteine became normal, he was able to slowly lower his blood pressure medication and get off of it altogether without experiencing an increase in his pressure.  His liver enzymes returned to normal.  He is feeling very well and will continue to monitor the status of the hepatitis C via laboratory tests, signs and symptoms, viral loads and periodic liver biopsies with his primary care physician.  He'll continue the mercury detox program with frequent monitoring of those levels through our office.  (11/20/01)

Patient #4 - One Woman's Defiance in the Face of Fear

Two years ago this “mom”, wife, and businesswoman developed severe fatigue, tingling in her feet, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, nausea, blurred vision, and eye pain. Testing resulted in a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The neurologist presented her with a number of possible medications for her symptoms.

She began to investigate alternative treatment modalities on her own; she became pro-active in respect to her own health. She began to work with a nutritionist who gave her hope along with suggestions about diet and supplements. He also addressed the bigger picture of her overall health, not just the neurological system. He evaluated her immune system and tested her for heavy metal toxicity. When he found abnormalities he either treated these or referred her for treatment. 

When she was first seen at our office the following year she had begun to feel significant improvement. However, she was still feeling tired, not sleeping well and continued to have blurring of vision.

Within three days of starting a specific liquid multivitamin and a liquid mineral, she felt an increase in her energy, the blurred vision went away completely, her sleep was much more restful, and the tingling in her feet began to occur much less frequently. 

She is now functioning very well and “in control” of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: she knows how to manage them if they occur. She has helped others along the way, sharing freely of her knowledge and experience. She has taken charge of her life -- Multiple Sclerosis is not in charge of her.  (11/28/01)

Patient #5 - Success Builds Upon Success

This woman came to our office for a Wellness Evaluation. She had already become committed to healthy eating, was exercising daily, and would not miss her Yoga or Meditation without good reason.

She had been given some nutritional supplements by other practitioners in the past (and had used some on her own), had been able to stabilize her weight and mood, and successfully gotten off medication.

After feeling very well for four years, she found she was going off the diet and some of the supplements with a subsequent weight gain and mild mood shift. She felt she might be perimenopausal and also wanted to be evaluated for possible hypoglycemia.  

We did some basic blood tests, adjusted her diet (and reinforced her commitment), reviewed her supplements, and made changes specific for her health concerns and symptomatology.

With these changes, she reported an increase in “energy and mental vitality.” She will continue her marvelous commitment to movement (exercise) and breathing (Yoga) and we will evaluate her nutritional needs as needed (monitoring  change in hormonal status and/or if any health concerns arise). With such a team effort, she will continue to build on her SUCCESS.  (12/04/01).

Patient #6 - Treating Heart Disease Without Surgery

Five years ago this gentleman, in his mid 60’s, decided to challenge his symptoms of angina (chest pain) and failed stress test with something other than the suggested cardiac catheterization and possible angioplasty. He began to educate himself about alternative treatments for heart disease and sought Chelation Therapy from this office.

He began a series of these intravenous treatments along with specific recommendations about diet, exercise, and therapeutic nutrients. He took prescribed medication from his cardiologist as well.  He did very well with this regimen reporting increased energy and diminished chest pain.

About 2 years ago he had a repeat stress test and was able to last the full protocol (as compared to 6-7 minutes in the past). About the same time this gentleman decided to slowly go off of his heart medications (he felt they were contributing to early morning fatigue). He has remained off them to the present and, indeed, has resolved the morning fatigue.  

Approximately 1 ½ years ago he added 35 treatments of External Counter Pulsation to further improve coronary blood flow. This drugless, non-surgical treatment has been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of blocked coronary arteries. 

He is now 70 years old and enjoys an active life without medication and without surgery.(12/11/01)

Patient #7 - When Medications Fail

After six months of feeling dizzy and nauseous (sometimes to the point of vomiting) with Meniere’s syndrome -- and with little to no response (or feeling worse) to a number of medications -- this woman decided to seek alternative therapy.

One of the goals of alternative therapy is to help without creating new problems with the treatment itself. Another is to treat the Whole or Gestalt. With these goals in mind several treatment modalities were suggested based on a comprehensive history and examination. With a combination of intravenous vitamin and mineral injections, acupuncture, and some changes in lifestyle and diet, this patient had relief of symptoms within 3-4 weeks i.e. no dizzy episodes nor use of medications since the first office visit.

Although this patient has had occasional, brief dizzy feelings since that time, they are much less frequent and severe and can be traced to certain triggering factors. She not only feels much better, but can better control her symptoms when they do occur.  (12/26/01)

Patient #8 - Food Allergies and Irritable Bowel Syndrome -- A Volatile Match

This gentleman presented to our office with a one-year history of intermittent loose stools and diarrhea. Tests had revealed diverticulosis (a common finding and a chronic condition) and he had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome -- a diagnosis used when nothing else shows up (i.e. ulcers, colitis, cancer, etc.). He was using medication rather frequently to keep stools under control and was anxious to address this bothersome condition.  He was also on medications for high blood sugar and high blood pressure.

Our tests revealed mineral deficiencies, a vitamin B12 deficiency, food allergies (severe to rice, wheat, and eggs), elevated homocysteine (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease), and excess levels of the toxic elements arsenic and mercury. He met with a nutritionist for aid in establishing a diet with his food allergies in mind.

He was given supportive nutrients both orally and by injection to treat the nutritional deficiencies and to promote healing of the gastrointestinal tract. 

With adherence to this protocol, he had relief of the loose stools (requiring much less medication), his blood sugar levels began to come down, and he was able to lower his medications for that.  His energy improved, homocysteine and B 12 levels improved, he lost weight, and his levels of mercury began to decline. He also had improved blood pressure readings. 

He now returns for periodic evaluations. At this time we talk about motivation more than education. He knows what to do -- he just needs reminders and reinforcement.  As for most of us, old habits can return rather easily. We also recheck tests as needed -- it’s great to feel better but also very nice to have a piece of paper as a visual aid as well as confirmation.   His retirement is better and better as he is able to feel his best. (1/2/02)

Patient #9 - Avoid Surgery With Acupuncture -- A Possibility? An Actuality!

This woman was told she would need both hips replaced for a chronic degenerative condition. In addition to this, there was some concern about the surgery itself because of a vitamin deficiency. She had heard about alternative medicine from some friends, so she decided to see if there was any hope of using alternative therapies instead of surgery.  

When she first came here five years ago, she was walking with a cane and on pain medications for the pain in her hip. At our center, she began to get acupuncture and trigger point therapy and after 3 treatments experienced relief of pain and was able to discontinue her medication. She was also given a vitamin program for her needs.

She did not return again until 3 ½ years later when she came for another series of acupuncture treatments and to resume appropriate vitamins. She had been able to remain off pain medications during that time period and was still walking fairly well.  

Recently a family member reported that she had now avoided surgery for 5 ½ years and was planning to come in for another series of treatments. If she does eventually need surgery, we will be able to support her through the procedure and with post-operative healing with vitamins and acupuncture.  (1/8/02)

Patient #10 A New Perspective On Thyroid Disorders

The current practice of conventional medicine involves laboratory “tests”. Often the decision of what and how to treat is based more on the lab report on a piece of paper and less on the body on whom the tests were done. In a practice like ours where the person’s symptoms and story are usually the most important information, time is dedicated to developing a thorough history. The recommendations regarding treatment try to include the whole picture (i.e., the history AND the tests).  

The thyroid gland is primarily responsible for regulating the general body metabolism and, if not functioning properly, can be a factor in numerous health disorders. The primary tool for evaluating thyroid function in conventional practices are the standard thyroid blood tests. No treatment is usually initiated without abnormal tests. complementary practices, it is customary to use information in addition to the tests to determine whether or not to treat.

After this rather lengthy introduction, I will now share one woman’s response to the evaluation and treatment of thyroid disorder based on symptoms and body temperature.  

This 39-year-old woman presented with numerous symptoms suggestive of an underactive thyroid: weight gain, fatigue, difficulty with memory and concentration (such that she had interrupted further studies in her profession a year earlier), diminished sex drive, cold intolerance, subnormal body temperatures, headaches, joint and muscle aches, and fluid retention.

Her thyroid blood tests were normal. However, in keeping with the philosophy of treating the whole patient and not the paper, it was decided to give her a therapeutic trial of thyroid medication. We first checked her EKG to assess heart status. Thyroid medication has a stimulating effect on the body and can be a potential problem if there is an underlying heart condition; also she was complaining of some chest pain with exertion. However, the cardiologist determined there was no underlying heart disease and we began treating her with medication.  

Her response to the prescription was dramatic. Within a short period of time, she began to lose some weight, her aches and pains diminished, she resumed her studies, her energy improved, she felt warmer and her body temperatures improved, her sex drive began to improve, and her headaches resolved…and her blood tests did not change!  

In this particular case the medication used was a special form of T3 (thyroid hormone) based on Wilson’s Syndrome (www.wilsonssyndrome.com); however we have also used a natural combination of T3 and T4 with similar results. But, no matter which avenue of treatment is pursued, the underlying philosophy is one in which we treat the whole story/patient, not just the test results.  (1/25/02)

Patient #11- A Happier Mom With“Major/Minor” Diet Changes

This mother of two young children came in tired, feeling easily irritated, and having difficulty losing weight since her recent pregnancy.  She wanted to feel better not only for her two children but hoped to have another child and wanted to be in the best of health for another pregnancy.  

A recent office visit with another physician resulted in the use of medications (a diet pill and an antidepressant) to treat her symptoms.  She had deliberately consulted with this practitioner who promoted himself as a doctor who focuses on diet; indeed, he made no mention of diet -- just prescribed medications.  This did not help with her tendency to feel irritable!  

Most of our patients seem to do relatively well with the guidelines of Dr. D'Adamo’s concept of the relationship between foods and blood type; Eat Right 4 Your Type is his book describing this approach.  Since this patient knew her blood type already (in most cases we have to order the specific blood test to check this), we suggested she begin to implement the suggestions for her type as well as begin a specific nutrient program based on her history.  

An appointment with a nutritional counselor was useful not only for information but for motivation (the latter becomes most important after the initial “teaching” session -- we all can use cheerleaders!).  She was asked to return in three weeks to review both our test results as well as hers (i.e. her reported response to treatment).  Within that time she began to make appropriate diet changes and introduced the supplement program.  

At the office visit she reported 70% improvement in energy and along with improved energy there was less irritability.  With elimination of wheat her bloating was better.  Now we continue the “cheerleading”; like many of us, it is too easy to return to old habits.  Now, she can comfortably plan for another addition to the family!  (2/1/02)

Patient #12 - History, Documentation, Relationship:  Keys In This Success Story

This 52-year old woman returned to us after an 11-year absence.   She was experiencing palpitations, extreme fatigue, unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, muscular aches and pains, throat burning, an irregular menstrual period, hair loss, and weight fluctuations.  These were similar to the symptoms she had experienced 11 years earlier when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  

At that time, her endocrinologist had prescribed thyroid medication (synthroid) and many of her symptoms greatly improved.  She'd also had benefits with a nutritional program that our office suggested.  She had remained on the medication until about a year ago.  She did okay for about six to eight months without the synthroid, but some stressful events triggered the onset of her symptoms.  

She sought our treatment before returning to her own primary care doctor. We had all her previous records and with updating we were able to quite readily diagnose her problem by her history, symptoms, and laboratory data and we began treatment immediately with the medication as well as oral and intravenous nutrients.  Because she also had elevated blood sugar and cholesterol along with the weight gain, she began to work with a licensed nutritionist and has found that to be extremely helpful.

At her most recent office visit, about five weeks after her initial visit, she said she felt "like a rejuvenated person."  Her digestion was much better, her energy improved, the burning in her mouth was gone, and her weight was down by six pounds.  She was feelIng so well she said she wanted to change her whole life and work in areas related to assertiveness and spirituality.  What a benefit it is to know our patients -- and to continue to write their stories.  (3/11/02).

Patient #13 - Dramatic Response to TAAT (Targeted Amino Acid Therapy) for Depression and Anxiety

Sarah is a 61 year old married woman who first came to this office in December 2006. After receiving medication for hepatitis C four years ago, she developed a major depression. She had tried up to 30 medications for symptoms of depression, sleep difficulties and anxiety with modest to no response (she did better briefly on two medications for the depression and did have some sleep improvement with a combination of several prescriptions). She had even tried ECT (shock therapy) on several occasions, but with no benefit.

Prior to the onset of this depression she had been an outgoing woman, active in her community, and the "life of the party". When we first met, she said she was sad, had no energy, reported no joy, lacked a sense of purpose, was anxious and "unsettled" and was sleeping  modestly well with the use of medication. Her husband and friends were very aware and concerned with the dramatic change in her.

Along with recommendations regarding lifestyle, a program of targeted amino acid therapy was begun after she did a urine test for neurotransmitters. This test showed low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine and elevated levels of GABA, glutamate, and dopamine. Specific amino acid formulas were begun to address these imbalances. Within 5 weeks she was like a new person by her report and that of her husband and friends. She said on a scale of 0-100 with 0 being the worst and 100 the best (as far as mood), she was now 75-80 (had been barely 50 a year before). Her memory was better and she was actively involved in her community again. She will be monitored closely with evaluation of symptoms and appropriate repeat testing (the latter will be done every 3-5 months or so). (10/3/07)

Patient #14 - Motivation Pays Off: Less Medication, More Skiing!

Ray is a 55 year-old father of 2 who came here in May of this year wanting to lose weight. His motivation for weight loss was primarily to lower his blood pressure and his cholesterol and to ski without discomfort. He was on a variety of medications (5 all total) and weighed 264 pounds. He was begun on a program of therapeutic nutrients and met with the nutritionist who gave specific dietary recommendations.

By September, he had lost 16 pounds, was exercising regularly, had no complaints of joint pain, could fit into his suits again, had improved energy and sleep and was able to discontinue two of his medications. He had tried to stop two other of his medications on his own, but was advised to resume these when his blood pressure readings were slightly elevated. He had been on medications  for his blood pressure for 15 years and may be able to lower the dosages with time. He will be monitored regularly as much for encouragement to continue his healthy lifestyle as to watch the objective parameters of weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

This is an excellent example of how effective lifestyle changes can be and of how a team approach can be used to implement and reinforce patient intentions -- so intentions become realities. (10/11/07)

Patient #15 - Mood Stabilization Allows Return to School

Janet is a 42 year old married mother of 3 who came in with a history of not feeling well for the past 5 years. She associated this with the use of ephedra to aid in her weight loss. Although she had lost a significant amount with this medication, she had not felt well since. She reported fatigue ("I wake up tired" "I go to bed tired"), headaches, dizziness, moodiness and irritability ("I'm nasty in the morning", worse premenstrually and "I can't stand myself"). Her local doctor was treating her for anemia and this was modestly helpful for her energy. Her diet history revealed very little animal protein (some eggs and up to a quart of ice cream at bedtime). She felt better with less animal fat and was fearful of regaining the weight she had lost 5 years before.

She was encouraged to add some protein to her diet choices, to discontinue all foods with added sugar (goodbye ice cream!), and to begin some nutrients to help manage her symptoms (chromium for glucose metabolism, calcium and magnesium for the pattern of premenstrual symptoms, a multiple vitamin/mineral, and certain essential fatty acids). When she returned 4 weeks later to review test results and discuss her response to recommended changes, she reported improvement in symptoms. She had less PMS, her energy was a little better, and she had less desire for sugar. Further recommendations were made based on the test results and her history.

Upon her return office visit in April (now a little over 2 months with eating more protein, less sugar, and using nutrients therapeutically), she was "90% better", with no PMS, no headaches, much improved energy (with a little late afternoon slump), and much less irritable. She was anxious about resuming her school studies, having had some challenges the previous year. However, she was planning to re-enroll in June. We started her on targeted amino acid nutrients to address imbalances in her neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin).

In June, when she was seen for a follow-up office visit, she was no longer experiencing the afternoon slump, had enrolled in school, and was feeling extremely well. Repeat testing showed improvement in her neurotransmitters. She will continue to be monitored periodically through office visits and repeat testing. (10/10/07) 

Patient #16 - Angry 10 Year Old on the Mend

Robert is a 10 year old who had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, allergies and migraines. He would often exhibit uncontrollable anger and had trouble concentrating. 

He was placed on a program of oral nutritional supplements to normalize his adrenal function. Food sensitivities were noted and his diet was adjusted accordingly.

After 3 months, his mother reported back that she now sees a "smiling and happy child in the morning". Keeping a food diary has enabled her to note the difference in Robert's behavior when he eats foods that he should avoid. Robert says he is doing well in school and finds it easier to focus. He feels more awake.

When he argues with his brother, it no longer escalates into uncontrolled anger, but remains at the level of normal sibling rivalry. He says he is now feeling great about 90% of the time. His sleep is better, he sleeps longer and wakes well rested.

Robert's parents are ecstatic over the changes that they have seen in him. There are still some periods of sadness and anger, but they are often related to the foods he has eaten, and when he has forgotten to take his medication. Headaches have also lessened in frequency. (3/3/08) 

Patient #17 - A Lifetime of Depression Lifted

This is a 42 year old man who had been depressed for as long as he could remember. He was a good student, never got in trouble, but had no happy memories. He had always felt gloomy, as if a dark cloud circled over his head. In grammar school, for instance, he remembered being constantly depressed, with a correspondingly low energy level.

A 34 year old, female clinical social worker developed fatigue and severe depression after the birth of her baby in 2005. Nobody would pay attention to her and she felt abandoned by the medical profession. It was so bad, that she and her family had to move in with her parents for 6 weeks. She had been prescribed antidepressants and showed some improvement. She was later put on another medication that was discontinued because it made her feel like a "zombie". She then started seeing another psychiatrist who diagnosed her with bipolar II and major depressive episode.

In the past year, she has been on Prozac, Lamictal and Lorazepam. 

At the time of her first visit to the Center, the patient was depressed, fatigued, didn't socialize, and was unable to sleep. She complained of poor mental clarity, memory loss, decreased libido and increased appetite. Her symptoms waxed and waned. Sometimes she felt better, sometimes not. Testing results showed her to be low in Vitamin D, with severe adrenal exhaustion and hormonal abnormalities.

The patient was placed on a healthy diet and nutritional supplements, including thyroid, iodine, and targeted amino acids. 

On April 8, 2008, her amino acid supplement program was changed to include relatively high doses of tyrosine, 5HTP and cysteine. By April 28, she reported remarkable improvement. She said, "I feel fabulous!"  We will continue to balance her neurotransmitters with targeted amino acids. (4-30-08)

Patient #19 - Mood the Best It's Ever Been

A 49 year old woman read Dr. Schachter's book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression and decided to come to the Center to seek treatment for depression, feelings of hopelessness, low energy and low libido, which had been bothering her for many years.

She had been prescribed various medications, including Cymbalta, Prozac, Zoloft, and Effexor, which she claimed did not help her. She'd also tried psychotherapy. She was currently on Synthroid and Cytomel for hypothyroidism and Ativan for anxiety.

On her first visit in January, she was given dietary recommendations and was placed on a program of nutritional supplements which included those geared to support her thyroid and targeted amino acids to balance her neurotransmitters.

Four months later, she reported that she was doing very well. She had more energy and said that her mood was "the best it has ever been."

We are continuing to monitor her progress and she has been instructed to lower her sugar and starch intake, to further increase exercise, and to replace her synthetic thyroid medication with natural Armour Thyroid. (5-6-08)

Patient #20 - ADD, Depression, Anxiety Greatly Reduced

This patient is a remarkable success story. He was brought here by his father almost two years ago, who found us on the internet while trying to figure out what was happening with his son. When he first came to us, he was living in a half-way house after having been institutionalized for the previous six months. He had been treated since childhood, for more than twelve years, with numerous psychiatric medications, mostly for ADD or possibly ADHD with stimulant drugs, and sometimes anti-anxiety or anti-depressive medications.

He elected to discontinue  those medications abruptly and then became psychotic with hallucinations and delusions. He was brought to an Emergency Room where he was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, rather than psychosis from drug withdrawal.

He was then put on a new series of medications and shipped to a state hospital. He unfortunately developed numerous side effects from the medications, including irritable bowel syndrome, body-wide pain, severe fatigue, burning skin, constipation and continued depression.

At the Schachter Center, he was placed on a nutritional program, one that we find particularly effective in patients with psychiatric issues. Central to this program is  targeted multvitamin and multimineral supplementation. He was placed on a gluten-free diet and thyroid medication. His psychotropic medications were gradually reduced, but he continued to experience severe fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain and sleep disturbances. As time went on, his medications were further decreased, he started to exercise, and his fatigue improved.

At 13 months after his initial visit, he had finally discontinued his psychotropic medications and things became considerably better for him. At the time of his last visit, 20 months after his first visit to the Center, he has become much more social, was exercising at the gym on a daily basis, had lost 35 pounds, and is now ready to start working again. He has no pain, sleeps normally, and has a normal energy level. His depression is still evident, but very mild. He insists that this continues to improve. He seems to be doing very well.  (1-30-12)

"At 4-years-old my son, Zack, was diagnosed with asthma.  For almost 5 years he suffered constantly through sleepless nights and days.  We tried a pulmonary specialist, allergists, and other doctors.  He was taking allergy shots for two years and on (inhaled) steroids for almost five years.  

John Reynolds, PA and Dr. Schachter started Zack on a vitamin program and took him off all wheat and tomato products.  Within two weeks I weaned him off all the steroids.  

It is now four months later and Zack is doing great and feels wonderful!  He has not had any coughing and has been totally free of all steroids as well.  For us it is truly a miracle after all these years of suffering with him.  We owe it all to the Schachter Center.  I can't thank you enough!  A world of gratitude, E.A." (6/17/98)

"When I came to the Schachter Center, I was depressed, tired, and had a lot of joint pain.  I had many food allergies and was very bloated and constipated.  

Dr. Schachter, Sally Minniefield, PA, and I worked together as a team.  They listened to me with respect and slowly over the past few years, they unraveled the mystery of my health problems.  

They discovered that I had parasites and that my immune system wasn't functioning well.  I had mercury and arsenic poisoning and my liver wasn't healthy.  My hormones were not balanced.  I was hypothyroid.  My digestive system was not producing the necessary enzymes to digest my food leaving me bloated and constipated most of the time.  I also had a very high iron count that could have given me a stroke or heart attack.  

I had been to doctor after doctor trying to find out what was wrong, but it was Complementary Medicine that found the answer.  Here, I was listened to with respect and they never gave up on me.  I was willing to do 100% of what I was asked because I trusted the people caring for me.  

I did not get better immediately:  my healing has been a process, and it is one that has many rewards.  Today I am happy, alert, and eating most foods.  No longer do I have joint pain, bloating or constipation.  I am enjoying life for the first time since early childhood!  J.C." (3/6/00)

"I'm a 42-year-old male who was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  I was told by the urologist and my primary care doctor that my options were surgery or radiation.  The recommendation was surgery.  I was told it needed to be radical.  I did extensive research on both conventional and alternative cancer treatment.  I chose alternative only since the side effects are far and few.  Surgery didn't guarantee the cancer would not spread.  MY PSA test was over 17, my Gleason Score was a 4.  

I decided to see Dr. M. B. Schachter since he is known for alternative treatments for cancer.  I followed his recommendation for diet, nutritional supplements, herbs, weekly vitamin C drips along with other intravenous treatments.  

It is now six months later.  I have no trace of cancer.  I am now going to have drips every two weeks and continuing with supplements.  I feel fine.  Thank you to Dr. Schachter and other staff.  I believe that cancer patients should have the choice to choose alternative treatment.  Being fried, cut, or poisoned are not the only options.  A.L."  (9/7/99)

"I sought help from the Schachter Center because I felt there had to be an answer to why I had constant intestinal discomfort and bloat beyond the "Stress Answer."  I was also always coming down with illnesses from colds, viruses, and even pneumonia!  

The individuals at the Schachter Center who treat me take their time in explaining to me what was going on in my body and what I needed to do with the help of a proper diet and nutritional supplements.  (I had a yeast overgrowth that was compromising my immune system).  

In just one month's time I felt healthier and with more energy than I had in over 10 years.  Now, almost one year later I can say that I have not had any infections.  I have become knowledgeable on what types of foods affect me negatively and manage much better a very healthy body.  Thanks to All, T.A."  (9/11/98)

"I have an arthritic shoulder with spurs that are very painful and limit the motion of my arm.  I tried chiropractic treatments which involved a form of acupressure. There was slight improvement, but not much.  When I went to Florida for the winter, a friend recommended an osteopathic physician who treated her for a very painful back condition.  I went to him for about four months and his treatment helped treat much of the acute painful movements.  His therapy also consisted of acupressure and massage of the muscular joints in the shoulder.  

While talking to Dr. Schachter about another medical problem, I mentioned my painful shoulder and he recommended treatments with the Electro-Acuscope machine.  I believe this machine sends electrical currents into the joint.  

I had about eight or ten treatments and the results were nothing short of miraculous.  I have practically no pain and about 90% more motion of the arm.  It's been about three or four weeks since my last treatment and there's no return of the acute pain I felt before.  R. S."  (8/2/00)

"I started suffering from angina pectoris in February, 1992 (at age 76).  An atheroscopy showed that my left descending coronary artery was almost completely blocked.  My cardiologist arranged for me to have the following series of operation:  3/17/92 -  Atherectomy (the "roto-rooter" procedure).  It was initially effective, but the pains started returning three months later.  7/6/92 -  Another atherectomy.  

Pains started returning three months later.  11/12/92 - Angioplasty (the "balloon treatment").  This eliminated the pains for only two and half months.  

I decided to try Chelation Therapy even though my cardiologist said there was no good evidence of its effectiveness and that it was illegal in my home state of Connecticut.  One of my friends had received chelation at Dr. Michael B. Schachter's facility in Suffern, NY, and he was pleased with its effectiveness, so I went to see Dr. Schachter and at his recommendation underwent thirty infusions with EDTA (the monosodium salt of ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid in aqueous solution).  1/20/93 - first chelation infusion.  Thereafter I had treatments once a week.  

The anginal pains became less and less frequent as the treatments proceeded.  My last pain was on May 28, 1993.  Now, at age 78, I'm feeling great and don't restrict my physical activity in any way.  I play tennis once a week.  Chelation is wonderful!  B. P."  (3/12/94).  

"Background:  First heart attack, 1968 (Dec.); Second heart attack, 1975 (Nov.); Double bypass 1976 (Aug.); Third heart attack, 1992 (Aug.).  Doctors recommendation:  Second bypass operation.  Refused due to my concern over safety of the public blood supply (HIV).  

A friend recommended Chelation Therapy (I had done considerable study of alternative therapies).  After evaluating same, I decided to try it.  Started chelation the middle of August, 1992; very pleased with results.  Example:  40 minute walk (rapid) in state park with one long upgrade.  This past Sunday (Jan 31, 1993), I walked it without stopping.  It had been approximately 14 months since I was last able to do it.  J. G."  (2/4/93).  

"Ten years ago I was diagnosed with DCIS, a pre-cancerous condition in my right breast. Conventional medicine prescribed a mastectomy or radiation and tamoxifan, even though I had no tumor. As a Registered Nurse, I was well aware that these toxic treatments were over-kill.

Fortunately, I found Dr. Schachter who came very well recommended. After a very thorough work-up, he determined the cause of the cancer cells to be high levels of mercury, cadmium and lead that were suppressing my immune system. I began a treatment of chelation treatments to detoxify as well as nutritional supplements and acupuncture to protect me and boost my immune system. I also had all my mercury amalgam dental work removed. Dr. Schachter also diagnosed my Wilson's Thyroid syndrome and treated me according to the protocol.

As a result of his excellent care and my adhering to lifestyle changes, including diet, supplements and chelation, I am much healthier and have not developed any breast cancer.

I am very grateful to Dr. Schachter and Sally Minniefield, PA-C, for shepherding me through to much better health and highly recommend their care to anyone."

"I spent years and years of suffering excruciatingly painful migraine headaches accompanied by vomiting, sometimes lasting two days. I sought help from conventional doctors and was told: 'You are a perfectly healthy woman who just happened to get migraines. There is nothing to be done except to take the drugs you are prescribed. Get used to it.'

I sought help from Dr. Schachter when he was located in Nyack, NY. After giving a comprehensive history and having extensive testing, I was put on a specific diet with oral vitamin and mineral supplements. Dolores, the nurse, administered a series of prescribed vitamin pushes which performed a miracle overnight. The headaches were suddenly gone, never to return. That was 22 years ago and I have not ever had a headache since. No headaches ever!

Fast forward: Today at age 84 I am full of energy, engaged in gardening and volunteer work in my community. I take no drugs except for Armour thyroid. No drugs ever!

Dr. Schachter treats the ' cause' rather than the 'symptom', while the choice of conventional doctors often seems to be the reverse. J.J." (9-6-11)

"I am a 51 year old woman with scleroderma. My first symptoms did not indicate this diagnosis. In fact, I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel because of the problems I was having with my hands and the test results that noted a mild case. As more symptoms appeared --  fatigue, arthritic-type aches and pains, tightening and darkening of the skin, increased blood pressure, poor circulation -- and began to accelerate, my rheumatologist then diagnosed me with scleroderma. 

My general practitioner initially recommended a blood pressure medication which would not only help my blood pressure, but also my circulation. My rheumatologist prescribed prednisone for the inflammation, but I could not stay on that indefinitely. Before long, so many medications were prescribed for almost every symptom I had, that my 'portfolio' of medications listed at the local pharmacy was ridiculous. I was so concerned about the side effects and the fact that I was being prescribed so many different things, I thought that there had to be a better way of dealing with this condition -- something more natural -- given the fact that there is no real treatment or cure for scleroderma other than toxic medications.

One day I heard of the Schachter Center from a local news channel and how the Center treats patients holistically with minimal pharmaceuticals. It took months before I contacted the Schachter Center, simply because the Center is located 60 miles from where I live and I thought it would be too far to travel. Well, after seeing that nothing was able to give me the relief I needed to function above 50% capacity, I decided that traveling a total of 120 miles was in my best interest in order to try something new. It certainly couldn't hurt since nothing else was working.

The first person to evaluate me at the Center was Sally Minniefield. She asked me what I expected to gain from the services the Center had to offer. I told her, 'relief'. I didn't expect them to 'cure' me, but if they could provide relief of my symptoms, I would be grateful. Well, she told me they could do that, and they did. Since being treated by Sally and Dr. Kopelson with vitamins and other supplements and nutritional education, I've gone from functioning at 50% capacity to almost normal, about 90% capacity; from being fatigued most of the time, to being fatigued only sometimes; from needing Tylenol or Alleve daily, to only a few times a month. My range of motion, circulation and stiffness have improved greatly.

Thank you, Schachter Center!" BJF (1-31-12)

This particular patient has written a wonderful success story, and because it is so remarkable, we are featuring it on its own web page here. (2-7-12)

"No one in my immediate family ever had cancer of any kind, anywhere. So when I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the tongue that spread to my left lymph node, I was devastated. Only two months after retiring at age 55, the only two questions were, 'How?' and 'Why me?'

The prognosis was poor and a semiglosectomy and removal of the left lymph node with possible left jaw amputation was the first recommended course of action -- a surgery that would have taken me from Tiny Tim to Frankenstein for the rest of my life.

However, I had known of the Schachter Center and their successes with respect to cancer and I immediately sought their advice and course of treatment. They advised me to avoid surgery, but they did strongly advocate the other medical norm approach which was chemo and radiation. Being fully aware of the adverse effects of that medical approach, they assured me that they would get me through it with the least hardship.

Dr. Kopelson and his knowledgeable staff prescribed a diet and a natural supplement regimen that got me through it with flying colors, so much so, that the regular doctors were amazed with my progress and results.

I was diagnosed on June 8, 2009 and by my 56th birthday in November, my PET scan showed the tumor and cancer were gone. The doctors said and still say to this day that my case was one of the worst and my recovery  was nothing less than a miracle -- a miracle at the Schachter Center." DD (2-23-12)