It feels like someone has taken a razor blade and made several slices in your vagina; THEN poured acid inside the vagina. The burning feels as if it’s bubbling; this burning is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I also developed pain down my right thigh and leg. 

Eventually, you feel as if you are going out of your mind. You feel as if you have reached a dead end; so that is when I went to Boston, Mass. with my husband Steve, my good friend, Mary Eanes, who is a Physician’s Assistant, to a world renowned GYN, that diagnosed me with VULVODYNIA which is an incurable disease. Dr. Stewart recommended the following: Go back to California, find an excellent Pain Specialist and have him prescribe a strong pain medication.  

After coming back to California it took me 5 more months before I could bring myself to seek out a “Good Pain Specialist”. I was I guess fortunate to find a good pain specialist; he was extremely cautious at first, until he got to know me. Know me means to find out I DO NOT have an “addictive personality”, before he prescribed Oxycontin.  

I cried the day he gave me the prescription; I went to my friend P.A. Mary Eanes at her office and pulled her out of taking care of other patients to ask, “Mary, I have never in my 53 yrs ever taken anything stronger than an aspirin. What should I do”? Mary asked how much pain I was enduring. I told her I felt as if I was losing my mind with pain and Can’t concentrate, can’t cope. Mary said, “That is your answer -you do whatever you can to make your life bearable.  

Along with taking the Oxycontin came deep deep depression, along with no hope after visiting 28 doctors. I became bedridden 95% of the time. Never leaving my house; avoiding my friends, avoiding my family, never wanting to talk with anyone; paranoid to drive even up the driveway. In fact, many times when I had to go to the doctor, 30 miles away, I called my Mother to talk to me on my cell while I drove to the doctor, talking calmly to me until I reached the doctors lobby. There was also extreme anxiety, and life was so so stressful.  

Clothing also became a problem. I could not wear any type of pants; just sweats that are loose fitting. I thought my life as I knew it was over. I tried to commit suicide 3 times. I felt like I was a complete failure to GOD, myself, my husband, my children, my grandchildren, my parents, my brothers and the rest of my family.  

When I was needed the most when my father (daddy) was so…sick and dying, I was paralyzed to help one of the most important persons in my life. Daddy meant everything to me and I was in so much pain and in the darkest days of my life, when he needed me the most. I live with that guilt every single day of my life.  

I know Daddy knew and he understood and he forgives me.  

And then along with all the pain and the depression came another challenge. In January of 2005 Steve moved to Florida, so he could fly bigger equipment, and to be able to finish his career flying international. I gave him my blessing, although I knew and daddy knew it would be a huge strain on our marriage. In fact, daddy warned Steve of the hardship he knew the Florida move and separation would put on our marriage. Daddy was a wise man. Our marriage did indeed start failing. Steve could not take the constant crying, the depression, the complaining of the pain. His wife that used to be independent, strong, in good shape and self-sufficient was now gone. Then in the fall of 2008 I was told I had another lump in the right breast and was told it was cancer.  

Finally on February 6th, 2009, GOD answered my prayers. That February day Lexi (my granddaughter) had came over to visit and play. When she came upstairs to kiss me good-bye, Lexi said,” Ninna will there ever be a day when you don’t have to take all that medicine and be able to play with me like you used to”? Lexi kissed me and walked downstairs so Papa could take her home.  

I laid there for 15-20 minutes thinking about what Lexi had said and that my marriage was heading for a divorce after 31 years. I HAD TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT after lying in bed for 8 yrs.  

I got up and walked downstairs, started the computer and googled; “RAPID DETOX”. GOD was there to guide my fingers to click on “Florida Detox”. After investigating several other detox places, GOD kept me going back to Florida Detox. They were truly the answer to all my prayers that I had been praying for the last 8 years.  

Steve and I flew back there on April 25th, after Steve practically pulled me out of bed, with the help of Paula Grady of Florida Detox begging me to get on the plane. She promised me a new beginning.  

I checked into the hospital at Florida Detox on April 27th, 2009 with the hope that this would truly be a turning point in my life. And it truly WAS the beginning of a new life. I was assured that Dr. Sponaugle and Dr. Moritz and the wonderful nurses and staff would never abandon me and to this day they have stood by their word.  

On Monday, April 27th at 9:00AM, Steve and I walked into Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, where Florida Detox is located. Stephanie painlessly drew 7-8 vials of blood. Then on to the seminar that Dr. Sponaugle presents to the new group of us that are there to be detoxed along with our loved ones. The seminar is 5-6 hours of information that for some goes completely over our heads. Me for one. Luckily, Steve and I have been able to attend to more seminars and they finally started to compute. What an unbelievable amount of informative information. I taped it twice so I could listen to it again and again.  

After the seminar it’s up to the 7th floor to get checked in and say our goodbyes. On Tuesday morning at around 6am, I was put under anesthesia and the next time I remember is Wednesday morning. And although I was so tired and all I wanted to do was sleep, we were encouraged by the head nurse and “Comic Relief” to walk, hold our eyes open which both were extremely hard to do.  

Something was different on Thursday when I woke up. There was NO MORE BURNING and I was HAPPY and felt like the old Glenda! I would like to share a story with you that Steve told me with tears in his eyes. On that Thursday when Steve said he got off the elevator on the 7th floor, he heard me laughing and cutting up with one of my fellow detox patient and Steve said; “When I heard you laughing, I just SMILED.  

Was it a miracle or was it GOD? I chose to think it was GOD that had sent me to this wonderful place. GOD has given the doctors and nurses at Florida Detox the knowledge to know what my body was lacking and what it desperately needed. It has been almost 120 days since I have had any burning or pain.  

The answer is, in part, hormones. We women can lose estrogen from birth control pills and as we get older we lose estrogen. We need estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and dopamine to make us happy and serotonin to make us rest. If our bodies are not able to make these hormones then we need to get them through other means.  

Florida Detox & Wellness Institute is there for you if you have a drug to detox from and they are there to heal you from whatever health problems you might have.  

Women with Vulvodynia are not one treatment fits all; but Florida Detox is there for you now and for as long as you need them. They will find the answer!!  

I have been blessed with a wonderful family for which I love with all my heart. Thank you to the ones who stood in there with me and I pray this email will give the ones I failed an understanding of what the last 8 1/2 yrs have been like for me.  

One other thing I would like to mention to all my women friends and family- please purchase the book “Women Screaming To Be Heard,” by Elizabeth Vliet, MD. This book is the single most helpful book I have ever read that would be helpful to you whether you have health issues or not. You can purchase this book on Amazon.com used. [http://www.amazon.com/Screaming-Heard-Hormonal-Connections-Suspect/dp/0871319144/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254807719&sr=8-1]  

I know each and every one of us has our problems and health issues and I want you to all know I pray that GOD will be there for you like he has been there for me.  

GOD BLESS  

Much Love,  

Glenda 

September 19, 2001 

Dear Dr. Sponaugle, 

I am a very grateful parent. My adult child, Tricia had her 28th birthday last week. I will try to tell the story that took place the last four years. I pray this will help others decide if Florida Detox is part of the answer to the life controlling problem one is seeking freedom from. 

During the last few years I was alarmed every time I talked to Tricia. How close to death she has come. Tricia has a painful shoulder injury. During the last four years doctors prescribed pain medication, the strength increased to the addictive opiates. Tricia came to me two years ago and said the pain medication was out of control. She went into a detox hospital for seven days. Ten days out she relapsed. Five months ago Tricia was out of money, her addiction was costing about $1,600 a month, and decided to ask for help again. She found a pain management clinic and made an appointment for the next day, the next two months were expensive and the injection-able medication for the detox from OxyContin would be for to six months. Tricia’s doctor made the decision to change Tricia to methadone, much less expensive. Tricia decided to go to a long term detox treatment facility to put her life back together but the methadone was very hard to detox from. The doctor at the long term rehab facility suggested a rapid detox for Tricia. 

I went on the Internet and started to study the facilities. I had been told of experiences from family members who went to a facility in New York, a 24 hour in and out, the patient was basically on their own. I was praying and asking for guidance from God. I found Florida Detox, gave the office a call and spoke to Rose, the concern and care she permeated helped me with the questions we had. 

Tricia had the procedure two and a half months ago. The staff thoroughly screened Tricia for the detox procedure. We felt confident with Dr. Sponaugle and his staff, you would think Tricia was the only patient with the time and care Tricia received. Every step of the way we were given information, medical assistance and emotional support. The procedure went as explained, about 4 hours, then Tricia was taken to the Telemetry floor, where she spent the next two days, the next morning Dr. Sponaugle released Tricia and we stayed at a nearby hotel and kept in touch with Dr. Sponaugle. The next morning was Sunday, Tricia and I went to the morning and evening service at a local church, the afternoon was spent resting. Monday morning we returned to the hospital for a conference with Dr. Sponaugle to go over after care for the next few weeks. Tricia went directly into the long term rehab program. She is half way through and I will never forget the phone call in which Tricia stated “I must have been so out of it Mom!” My daughter has returned from the hell of addiction. 

The after care by Dr. Sponaugle is an ongoing treatment with his detox patients. He has Tricia on a pain medication for her shoulder that is not addictive. He walks his patients through the six months after care. Each patient is treated with their special needs, Dr. Sponaugle monitors the physical and mental needs. I can assure you that you are in the very best hands with Florida Detox. I must also add that Dr. Sponaugle is a born again believer and trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to discern and give care for his patients. 

There is a Loving God to help in a time of trouble and He hears your cry for help, however you have been brought to this letter, I pray that you know it is by a Loving God, who has a plan for your life. 

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 

Grateful mother
West Palm Beach, FL 

Dear Dr. Sponaugle, 

I apologize for not writing to you sooner, but I guess that speaks to the success of your program that I have been so busy getting on with my new life. It has now been three weeks since you detoxed me and I can’t believe I am the same person that you saw just a short time ago. My journey seems to be an all too familiar story that took me from a ‘normal’ physically active person, who was prescribed pain medication from my family doctor, to a three-year dependence that left me a thoroughly broken man. After being diagnosed with a skin disorder inside my mouth that resulted in open blisters that were so painful that I could barely force food into my system my doctor gave me Vicoprofen fro pain relief. Two years and several doctors later the Vicoprofen wasn’t yielding the pain relief as it did earlier and I found myself taking more to try to lesson the pain. It was about this time that my life took a dangerous turn that led me to a hell that only people who have experienced this situation could understand. About one year ago a different doctor prescribed what he referred to as a new medication that would help me ‘considerably’; the name of the drug was Oxycontin. 

At first Oxycontin worked effectively and there didn’t seem to be any problems. However after about four months I noticed that I was continuously increasing the amount and frequency of the medication to achieve the pain relief that I originally received. I was now in a place that I have come to know as ‘oxy hell’. My doctors did not understand the type of dependence that this drug creates and I found myself constantly worrying about how and when I would be able to refill or get a new script. I graduated to taking 200 milligrams a day and I woke up every morning with what I now know are withdrawal symptoms. Until I took my morning ‘fix’ I would shake uncontrollably and felt as if I would crawl out of my skin. My original condition, which started this mess, was dissipating and I knew that I was in big trouble after I “tried to reduce the Oxycontin gradually as my doctor had instructed. This left me in a state of failure and depression that was serious enough that I was contemplating actions that I don’t care to remember. I was now at the end of my rope. 

For some unknown reason while sitting at my desk one day I decided to go on the internet to look up Oxycontin to see if there was any additional information on this drug and what I found saved my life. Not only were there other people suffering as I was, but some of the stories were identical. This led me to search a little deeper when all of a sudden your web site popped up. I read with great interest the testimonials and treatment methods performed at your facility and how successful you have been. I was so excited that there might be an answer, however there was one big problem; being Jewish how could I go to a treatment facility that advertises under the name Christian Detox. After a great deal of reflection I decided to make the call. I am not an extremely religious person but I do believe in fate and that everything in life happens for a reason. Rose answered the phone and explained to me that your program was indeed a spiritual one however it would not be sacrilegious for me to undergo the treatment nor would you or your staff push anything unwanted upon your patients. I was sick and needed help, once I figured this out nothing else mattered. 

My wife and I discussed the situation and we concluded that it was time to get on a plane and head to Florida. We arrived on Thursday and I was greeted by Rose at the hospital that afternoon. She immediately made me feel welcome and for the first time I finally found someone who understood my pain. Rose explained the procedure and continuously comforted me about my decision from a medical and religious standpoint. After a few tests I met with Dr. Sponaugle. God puts people in your life for a reason and Rick Sponaugle has most certainly changed my life. The detox began on Friday morning and I really don’t remember much after that until Saturday when I noticed that the sick feeling was gone. As I stated earlier only those affected by these drugs can comprehend the relief that I felt, I was free. Aside from a little diarrhea and feeling a little light headed I felt fine. In Saturday evening I was released from the hospital and went back to my hotel room for a couple of days of recuperation. It was this time that I really found out just how dedicated and inspirational Dr. Sponaugle is! 

We had several long discussions about life and spirituality over the phone, and yes even in my hotel room when the doctor stopped by to check on me. Life is an amazing journey and until now God was always a question mark with me, but now I know that there is a bigger picture and I can’t ignore it anymore. I can’t begin to thank you and your staff enough for the kindness, understanding and guidance you have given me during our brief time together and because of your efforts I now have a life free of bondage and misery. I know we will continue to communicate with each other and we look forward to our visit with you in the spring. Until then I wish you and your family all the best, and if you ever need any additional testimony on your unbelievable and life changing work, please don’t hesitate to call. 

Sidney – unknown 

This card of thanks is written with the deepest thanks, respect and appreciation my heart can send. My husband, Sidney, told me how caring and wonderful a doctor you were but even more so was what a religious man you are. 

I know Jehovah God had a hand in which hospital and treatment area my son was to go. When my husband told me you prayed for him (Corey/Casy/Gary?) I knew for a fact then you were “Heaven Sent.” I too believe in the guidance and the power of prayer! 

With utmost Thankfulness,
Verna and Sidney 

“For seven years I had a chemical dependency on the prescribed drug klonopin which my former P.C.P. prescribed. Even though I was on a supposedly low dose of .50 mg a day, I incurred terrible side effects, and trying to get off the med was impossible. In these years I saw countless doctors to try and help me get off the klonopin with no success. Every day I felt like a zombie, being disoriented, spacey, dizzy, feeling “off-balancey” and listless, all due to the prolonged use of klonopin. Also, due to klonopin, I was experiencing loud noise in my left ear known as tinnitus. This was constant and made it hard to sleep, concentrate, and function. Unfortunately I tried numerous times to stop using klonopin with the help of my doctors but the withdrawal problems (i.e. trembling, shakiness, severe sweating, etc) made doing this impossible. After suffering for seven years I realized no regular doctor could help and I needed a qualified drug rehab program to help change my life.  

I went on the internet to locate a professional drug rehab program and read about the Florida Detox center in Tarpon Springs, Florida. I was impressed with the information provided and decided to give them a call. I spoke to Paula, the patient consultant at Florida Detox and told her my story. Paula told me that Florida Detox used scientific, up the date methods in helping patients humanely and successfully get off addicting drugs and alcohol, and that they could definitely help me. Paula mentioned that Florida Detox offers a fully integrated treatment program that balances brain chemistry and nutritional deficiencies. After talking to Paula I started to believe that someone could help my addiction to klonopin and decided that I definitely should give Florida Detox a try.  

When I arrived at the Tampa airport there were continued signs of hope that I made the right decision. Florida Detox offers transportation service from the airport, train station, etc. to Tarpon Springs as part of the detox program. When the driver arrived to transport me to my hotel I had a nice conversation with him. He indicated how successful the rehab program at Florida Detox is and said that “everyone who leave the facility feels much better”. By saying this it made me feel better. The next day I arrived at Florida Detox which is located at the Helen Ellis Memorial hospital. The first day of the program I listened to the speech given by Dr. Rick Sponaugle, the medical director at Florida Detox, which was very informative. Dr. Sponaugle mentioned how brain chemistry and hormonal imbalances play a major role in drug addiction, and correcting these imbalances can go a long way in helping the patient. I was very impressed with the passion and knowledge that Dr. Sponaugle showed at the lecture, and my confidence in the program grew even more. During the lecture Dr. Sponaugle introduced a woman who started the program one month earlier. She mentioned her experience at Florida Detox and how she had a dependency problem. In the beginning of the program she had a very pessimistic attitude and truly thought the detox was a waste of time. After only a few days, though, she experienced tremendous improvement, and after only one month she was back to normal with no dependency program, felt great, and couldn’t thank Dr. Sponaugle enough. I was encouraged and hoped that the same scenario could happen to me.  

That same day I did some blood work and eventually spoke to Dr. Moritz, the physician at Florida Detox. He was familiar with my dependency to klonopin and believed I was a good candidate for the detox program. He mentioned a few times that “I would get better” and that much of my dependency problem was due to brain chemistry. Later that day I was assigned a room at the Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital and met the medical staff from Florida Detox. The staff explained in detail the detox procedure and answered any questions I had. In a short period a time I found the staff very knowledgeable, professional, and caring, and this made me feel more comfortable since even though the first day was optimistic, I still was scared.  

The second day of the detox program I became somewhat tired and groggy, but the medical staff indicated this was expected. They were always there to help and were attentive to all my needs and the detox was going well as planned. When I woke up the third day I noticed a huge improvement! That spacey, drugged out, disoriented feeling was gone, and I was not listless. Also, for this day, there was no tinnitus. I just couldn’t believe such improvement happened so fast after all those years of suffering. My next two days showed continued improvement and I couldn’t have been more pleased. As an added benefit, the program included two massages which I found very relaxing.  

On my final day at Florida Detox I had my exit consultation with Doctor Moritz and Elaine, the nurse practitioner. They gave me paperwork which detailed a well thought out program of appropriate medications and supplements to be followed. Also it was explained to me that even though the rapid detox stay is normally 4 to 5 days as an inpatient at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, the program is for 90 days, and during the rest of this period the medical staff encourages patient to call them for any questions, concerns, comments, updates on your condition, and anything else you might want to advise them of.  

Arriving home I was very satisfied with Florida Detox’s program. All my symptoms were gone except for only the lingering tinnitus which came and gone for a few weeks after being back home. Still, it was significantly much better and much of the time when it did come back I didn’t even notice it. As the weeks went by the tinnitus continued to be less and less noticeable, and today I do not have it anymore! This was actually a bonus to me, considering for the past couple years I kept having a buzzing noise in my left ear which affected sleep, reading, concentrating, etc. and all the doctors, including my E.N.T., said that I had to learn to live with it.  

I went back to Florida Detox half way through the program for an office visit with Elaine. She reviewed my program and made appropriate adjustments to the meds and supplements, and also was encouraged at the progress I have made. Later I was able to speak with Dr. Sponaugle and told him about my improvement and how satisfied I was with the program, and he was just as happy for me. Besides being very knowledgeable about brain chemistry and how it affects one’s addiction, Dr. Sponaugle shows tremendous passion for his work and deeply cares for the patients at Florida Detox. I couldn’t thank him enough, he along with the entire staff at Florida Detox literally changed the quality of my life and not being chemically dependent on klonopin.  

As I write this testimonial my 90 day detox program is over and I feel so much better. My tinnitus is gone, along with that disoriented, “off-balancey” sensation. These symptoms were definitely due to prolonged klonopin usage, and I haven’t taken klonopin for over 3 months now. I feel like I did 7 years ago, and for the first time in years I have become much more active and started an exercise program of jogging, power walking, and biking.  

No one ever wants to become chemically dependent on any sort of drug or alcohol, but if someone has this problem I highly recommend giving Florida Detox a call and also go to their very informative web site. They are professionals who use state of the art methods to help patients safely and humanely get off drugs and alcohol.”  

 Sincerely; Ed -Springfield, Ma 

Dear Dr. Sponaugle, 

The night before I was supposed to enter traditional detox I found Florida Detox. It was by the grace of God that I happened upon the testimonial of Stephanie and then back paged to read the Florida Detox website. 

At the time I was consuming at least 10 Vicodin a day and probably at least 30 mg of Xanax. I had totally destroyed my career, my finances, and my family. In the months before I was detoxed I closed myself off from everybody, only leaving my house to do absoulutely what was needed. Suicidal thoughts ran through my mind hourly and I didn’t think I could get back from this dark terrible place that my addiction had created. 

Like many people my road to prescription medication addiction began with back surgery. I was also “diagnosed” with panic/anxiety disorder and depression and was prescribed Xanax and a multitude of medications over the years to treat those symtoms. I also indulged in a great deal of self-medication. I now realize that my addiction began many years ago. I only changed my vices. However, I had reached the point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. 

My experience with Florida Detox began after making that first phone call. Nobody judged me but rather they set in place all the mechanics to enable me to go in. Barb even called my family for me to explain the procedure. Shortly after the first phone call I received a call from my father who said I was set to go in on April 17, 2006. 

When the car came to pick me up I had a wonderful driver, Faruz. He had also picked Stephanie up and he talked me through the whole ride. Had it not been for him I do not know if I would have made it in. In the following few days I met so many wonderful and great people, Dr. Sponaugle, his staff, the nurses and many of the other people who detoxed at the same time as me. I can not express in words what a relief it is to finally be able to, “leave your shame at the door,” after so many years of having to lie & scheme to make sure I didn’t go without my drugs. The procedure was so much less painful than going through being drug sick and in the following days everything was done to assure that I was mentally and physically comfortable. As I was also on benzos I had to be weaned off of those but was given medication to ensure that I didn’t have seizures, withdrawls, or cravings. 

I have been clean for a month now and it is a day by day process. However, everybody at Florida Detox has supported me. Dr. Sponaugle truly gave me my life back. I was finally diagnoised correctly and everything in my life made sense. I have ADHD and am on medication that treats the problem not the symptoms. I am also able to handle my back pain without the use of narcotics. 

I would like to let anyone who reads this know that there is hope. No matter how far down you believe you are there are people who care and are willing and able to bring you back. Life is good again! 

If anybody would like to contact me please send me a PM. I will return any messages within a short time. 

Beez88
Tampa, FL 

A song was written several years ago about a young man that lived outside the massive walls of a monastery. He had to walk by the compound each day on his 10-mile journey to the market. Cursing every step of the way the song states. One day while on his walk one of the priest had ventured outside the steel gates. Wondering what is would be like to be warm, loved and fed, the young man asked the priest what it is like on the other side. The priest responded, We fall down, and we get up. We fall down and we get up. And the saints are just the sinners who fall down and get up. Sometimes we fall so low that we cannot get up on our own. I have had five back surgeries over the last ten years and had learned how to mask the pain with all kinds of opiates. For the last seven months I had been on physician prescribed methadone. I had no idea what it was doing to me. My physician here in Destin, Florida told me that I needed two weeks in-house detox treatment since I did not want to take methadone anymore. Needless to say, I was devastated. The Bible teaches me that if I will only seek, I will find. Having found much information on the Internet about Rapid Opiate Detox, I chose to pursue Florida Detox. One of the best decisions I have ever made. Dr. Sponaugle and his entire staff treated me with such respect and dignity. All went way beyond the necessary. It seemed as if I was in a ZERO DEFECT environment. As for the procedure, it was like a four day resting vacation. As the song states, we fall down, we get up. With God’s love and grace and Dr. Sponaugle’s expertise, I am up again. I truly believe God sent me to Florida Detox to get my life back. It worked!!! I have such a motivation to keep it that way. As I see it, mind controlling drugs are a bondage used to prevent us from having a joy filled life. Jesus did not die on the cross for me or you to live our life in handcuffs The freedom I feel is awesome!!! I urge you, if you are being controlled by opiates, please give Rose a call at Florida Detox and she will help you make the first step to freedom. 

Bill
Destin, FL March 2002 

Tommy – methadone 

Dear Dr. Sponaugle, 

How do I begin to tell you how grateful I am to you? Tommy is doing so much better since his hospitalization. Of course, he still has a way to go, but you have put him on the right path to good health. He always felt like a loser while he was going to the Methadone Clinic. You have helped to give him back his self-esteem. For this I thank you with all my heart. Rick, you’ve given us both a new lease on life. I believe firmly that God led us to you. You are truly a blessing! By the way, the day we left to come home, you prayed that Angels would help us. They did in the form of a lovely young woman who helped us in our struggle to get home. 

Thank you again! God Bless! 

Always,
Eleanor
Somerset, MA – January 2002 

Dear Dr. Sponaugle, 

It is with the deepest gratitude that I write to thank you for saving my husband’s life. This week one year ago he was detoxed by you after developing a tolerance to exceedingly high doses of narcotic medications prescribed by physicians for pain accompanying his chronic illness. He was taking more pain medication than is taken by individuals who suffer from terminal cancer. He had developed so many side effects from his medications that it was difficult to tell what symptoms were caused by his illness and pain and what symptoms were caused by the medications independently. The medications had left him physically incapable of managing the day to day tasks much less the demanding work schedule he enjoyed prior to the onset of his declining health. He had begun to question the desirability of continuing his life under these circumstances. With only a few noteworthy exceptions, his physicians during this interval were non-responsive when we attempted to discuss our concerns and fears. Their only solution was to suggest changes in medications- from higher doses of one narcotic medication to higher doses of another. I began my search for alternatives. 

Dr. Sponaugle, I believe that we were led to you by God. When I read the verse from Jeremiah on your web site, I felt that my prayers were about to be answered. Conversations with you further cemented this belief. As we discussed prior to his detox, my husband had been ill for ten years, during which time he was seen by numerous physicians in various specialties. It was and continues to be our experience that too many physicians become inured to the physical and emotional pain of chronic illness. They become focused on writing prescriptions and quickly moving on to the next patient. Quality of life issues are rarely addressed. In rare instances in which they are addressed, most physicians seem inadequate to the task. The patient and his family are left feeling very much alone. 

You, in contrast, had a very different approach from the first moment we spoke. I was impressed from the start with the depth and breadth of your medical knowledge. You were familiar with the problems associated with my husband’s condition, and you worked with us to develop a “game plan” for managing his physical pain, post detox. From the moment we arrived at the hospital to the day of our departure, you were concerned with my husband’s physical and emotional health as well as his spiritual well-being-this latter issue having never been addressed by any of his physicians to date. You always greeted us with a cheerful countenance, and you helped instill in my husband a positive attitude, a belief that all would go well. I had no fear of the detox procedure. I knew that in your hands, my husband would fare well. I knew that you had been blessed from Above and that a Larger Hand was directing events. Notwithstanding the exceedingly high doses of narcotics that my husband had been taking, there were no complications or problems associated with his detox. My husband had no withdrawal symptoms and no side effects from the procedure. He began awakening naturally the night the procedure took place, and he was awake and interacting with us all by the next day. We traveled home with a certain hope that life would return to at least some semblance of normalcy. We have far exceeded that expectation. 

It is now one year post-detox. While my husband takes some medication for pain management, it is a very low dose, approximately one twentieth of his pre-detox dose. His health has improved greatly, as has his outlook on life. He is a different man than the one who entered Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital one year ago. We thank you for giving so much of yourself during my husband’s hospital stay as well as during the subsequent months to his detox. While we are exceedingly impressed with your skills as a physician, we are even more impressed with the care and concern you have for all of your patients and for your fellow man. While many physicians have technical proficiency relative to the art and science of medicine, too many are sadly lacking relative to issues of sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. You have been given a great gift of God, and we have been truly blessed to have benefited from it. 

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers always. 

A grateful wife,
Gainesville, Florida 

I want to not only thank you for saving my life but also giving the meaning of life back to me again. It has truly been such a very long since I had any hope whatsoever. I have never been associated with such compassionate people before in my entire life. You were a Godsend. Opiates had begun to control my every waking moment and you helped me break that vicious cycle. I have a lot of had work ahead but at least I have a chance. At this point that is all I can ask for. God led me to you no doubt. God bless you both and I will keep in touch. With much love and gratitude. 

William 

Rose, 

I wanted to contact you and let you know things are great in my life again. As well, I have not moved out of my home yet so I can be contacted @ my home. My cell number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. In a week or so, I will be temporarily living with my sister. Her number, in Atlanta, is XXX-XXX-XXXX. Thank you for all you did. I have already found a job. My self-confidence is finally back. The rapid detox procedure is somewhat of a miracle. Again, call me anytime. 

Thanks again, 

William 

My Lyme symptoms started two and half years before it was finally diagnosed correctly following a Western Blot Lyme test. I tested positive for Lyme disease and tick borne disease coinfections Bartonella and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in September 08.  

Prior to being diagnosed with Lyme disease I was referred to Psychiatrists and Pain Management Specialists none of which even considered my symptoms could be Lyme. Lyme is known to mimic 350 other diseases and my symptoms ranged from pelvic nerve pain radiating down my left leg, chills, severe anxiety, joint pain, loss of appetite, insomnia, lethargic, depressed, memory loss and fuzzy thinking, and decreased motor skills. It had gotten to the point where I couldn’t write my name in cursive because I had lost dexterity and/or communication from my brain to my hands.  

I was referred by my primary care physician to a Psychiatrist that prescribed the following medications over the course of the two plus years of undiagnosed Lyme: Klonopin, Buspar, Lexapro, Effexor, Paxil, Cymbalta, Xanax XR, Xanax, Trazadone, Zoloft, Valium, Prozac, and Zyprexa. All of these medications individually had their own side affects which further contributed to incorrect diagnosis of my symptoms. In addition to the Psychiatrist over this period of time, I was also referred to several Pain Management Specialists from Anne Arundel Medical Center to Johns Hopkins for the nerve pain radiating from my Pelvic area down my left leg. The Pain Management Specialists administered 15 different nerve blocks to include blocks administered through my back under x-ray.  

In addition to the nerve blocks they also performed a procedure to burn and deaden the femoral nerve so that it would not transmit the pain any longer. All of these injections were risky and extremely uncomfortable. In addition to the nerve blocks the Pain Management Specialists prescribed the following pain medications over the same 2 plus year period: Methadone, Opana, Opana XR, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Elavil, Nuerotin, and Lyrica.  

As you can imagine the great mimicker Lyme disease together with the Psychiatric medications and pain medications sent my overall health in a downward spiral. Upon the successful diagnosis of Lyme disease, I was treated by an Infectious Disease specialist who inserted a Picc Line in my left arm and administered 30 days of Rocephin. Upon conclusion of the 30 days the Picc line was removed and the Infectious Disease specialist considered my Lyme treatment over.  

I was still experiencing all of the same symptoms and he suggested I go see a Psychiatrist. I didn’t feel I needed a Psychiatrist at this time and after doing our own research I went to a Lyme Awareness Doctor at the National Integrated Health Associates in Washington DC . The Lyme Awareness doctor immediately began oral antibiotic treatment that had me on no fewer than 3 antibiotics at the same time. Over the course of 9 months of treatment by the Lyme Awareness Doctor I was on: Doxycycline, Rifampin, Azithromycin, Flagyl, Levaquin, Bactrim and others that I can’t remember at this time.  

Hind site being 20 – 20 all of this time I was developing a severe stomach infection (Candidiasis) and lost weight from 170 down to 127 lbs. I was following the doctor’s orders directly for increased probiotics and diet and was placed on Diflucan on several occasions over the 9 month period to treat the stomach infection. All the while my stomach infection was getting worse and I was now almost completely unable to eat. Feeling I was at rock bottom a friend of mine who was successfully treated at Florida Detox and Wellness Institute told me of a new IV therapy with mega doses of Vitamin C that was showing promising results for the treatment of Lyme.  

I was unable to eat, had lost 43 lbs., and was experiencing all of my symptoms at their highest point. My wife contacted Florida Detox and Wellness on a Friday morning and we were on a plane on Sunday. During my first appointments at Florida D & W I was extremely weak, couldn’t eat, my immune system was completely shot and as I mentioned earlier I was at rock bottom.  

Florida D & W immediately ordered brain chemistry and major blood work and began administering IV Therapy with mega doses of Vitamin C. During the first week of treatment I received 4 rounds of IV therapy and by the end of the week we were going over most of my blood work and adding mostly natural supplements to aid my fighting the stomach infection, battered immune system and brain chemistry issues. I returned to Florida on two more occasions and have received 19 rounds of IV therapy.  

My killer cell count which had remained under 40 during 9 months of Picc Line and oral antibiotic treatment was now well over 400. The Lyme Awareness Doctor’s that treated me with all of the antibiotics wanted this count to be around 180 before they would cease treatment. With 19 treatments at Florida D & W I had achieved and surpassed the goal of 180 to a high of 464. Most of my Lyme and stomach infection symptoms have subsided and I plan on continuing treatment at Florida D & W for additional IV therapy and adjustments to my brain chemistry to help address anxiety and depression symptoms.  

I hate to think of where I would be if I had continued on the oral antibiotics and not sought out treatment at Florida D & W. After having used over 1000 hours of leave and missing the last 4 months of work I have now returned to work part time working my way back to full time.

Dear Dr. Sponaugle, 

I have written and rewritten this letter at least a thousand times in my mind the past few days and nothing comes out with enough thanks and gratitude for you, Rose, Brenda, and Cindy. How do you thank someone who has literally given you back your life? I don’t have the words, yet I will try to express my deepest thanks to all of you. 

The very first time I called your office and Rose answered the phone I felt something that can only be described as a warm guiding light coming from her. She was so helpful and patient with me. I know I am not the only person that was calling her, yet she made me feel that I was the only one who mattered at the moment. She did everything possible to get me in to see the Doctor as though I were his only patient. Her calm and reassuring efficiency helped me make that first step toward getting my life back. Thank you Rose. 

The morning of the actual procedure when my wife and I were greeted by Cindy and then Brenda could have been a time of shame and disgrace. Instead both were so kind and understanding and non-judgmental during the pre-op procedure that any fears I may have had were gone long before the actual procedure started. Brenda and Cindy were gracious to me and took care of me during the difficult moments. They were very reassuring to my wife and even called to let her know when the procedure was over. They both went beyond the call of duty of regular nursing. Thank you Brenda. Thank you Cindy. 

And now Doctor. The moment I met you I felt the presence of God. I have met few men as spiritual as you. In fact it was that very spirituality that led me to trust you and believe this might actually happen. I was almost afraid to hope because I was just about at the end of my rope. I know an act of Divine intervention occurred in bringing me to you. I am eternally grateful to you, Dr. Sponaugle, for everything you did to make this procedure possible for me. 

I owe you so much and will do anything humanly possible for you that I can to show you my gratitude. Your loving continuous care afterwards, even over the holiday weekend, was without a doubt the most Christian example of care that I have ever known. Your spiritual support, your prayers, and your professional attitude leads me to truly believe that God, you, and I have some reason for meeting. 

As I told you I researched this procedure far and wide and nowhere in the world was anyone willing to provide the service that you and your team did. Yes, others do the procedure, but none with God’s hand guiding theirs like you and your staff. I am so grateful. 

THANK YOU.