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Dr. St. Amand in Hawaii |
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Hi Everyone,
I have decided it's time to tell you what's happened in the last month on this tiny island. This happening will make a ripple that turns into a tidal wave. I hope I can put this in some kind of real order...
Dr. St. Amand and Claudia Speak in Oahu, Hawaii
Dr. St. Amand and Claudia came to speak in Oahu, Hawaii on the weekend of 8 and 9 August. This was preceded by four articles that came out in the newspapers ranging from one month prior, to two articles that came out back to back on the Thursday and Friday before the weekend. Actually, the latter was a fluke because the first article was too long to fit ito the Thursday paper and they cut out the seminar information. Thus the health reporter managed to get a second article, with the seminar information included, in the Friday edition, the night before the seminar. What a blessing in disguise!
You can view two of the articles here
(the other two are not archived): Beyond Aches and Pain - Star Bulletin, 7 August 2003
News of treatment for fibromyalgia gives new hope to those afflicted
By Helen Altonn - at Star Bulletin
Physician Heeds Call to Heal Thyself - Star Bulletin, 8 August 2003
A California doctor is in town to discuss the disease's treatment
By Helen Altonn - at Star Bulletin
Interview by Dr St Amand
Our local TV health reporter interviewed Dr. St. Amand on the Friday morning. This was supposed to air that night but was pre-empted by a baseball game. However, this article was shown the following night after the seminar and we picked some newcomers up from that. We had the radio stations air public service announcements and with connections they aired them every couple hours until noon on the day of the seminar. We also managed to get four advertisements put in small papers for free.
Friday Evening
IfoG, which is name of our support group, (informed Fibromyalgics on Guaifenesin) sponsored a dinner for 30 physicians handpicked by our members where Dr. St. Amand spoke to them. From that, we have been able to partner with some of them and can make referrals comfortably now.
Saturday Seminar
We held two 2-1/2 hour sessions, free of charge. The room we had held approximately 220 seats. We expected 450 people and made 600 handouts. I don't think any of us were prepared for what transpired. We had somewhere around 700 people show up!
I am sure we broke fire codes but we got them in somehow and never had to turn anyone away. People were standing against the walls and sitting on the floor in every spare space there was. It was truly a sight to behold. One woman, on the verge of suicide, was sobbing in the back and we were able to give her hope. In the process, she realized her daughter also has fibro.
What Has Come Out Of This?
Well, for one thing, I'm not getting any rest! It took me almost two weeks to input everyone who wanted to be put on my email list and those that have snail mail. We just started our 158th person here on guai. Last Saturday, we had 90 people come to our support group meeting. It is exciting times alright.
But one memorable "small" event (yet a big deal for me) happened.
Two weeks ago, I ended up having to go for a splenectomy. The medical student who was interviewing me three hours before surgery said, " I notice you have fibromyalgia and you're on Guaifenesin. Did you know Dr. St. Amand was just here?" (!!!!!!!)
I looked up at him almost speechless and told him, "I'm the leader of the support group that brought him down here! But how do you know about him?"
He said, "I have just finished my clinical rotation with one of our local doctors who was at the Doctor's dinner with Dr. St. Amand and this doctor MADE me read Dr. St Amand's book!" And then, he went on about how difficult it must be to avoid sals, etc.
We had a great conversation and I was on a "high" going into surgery for sure. Best anesthesia yet!
Yes! Spreading the word one by one, we are getting our future doctors involved i n fibro. There is real hope for the future!
Aloha,
Annette
Annette Kam
Convenor of iFoG Support Group, Hawaii
Email Annette Kam