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Rebecca’s Story (Fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s)

Rebecca's Story Fibromyalgia, Reynaud's syndrome, migraine headaches and arthritisThank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to share my story. I have learned so much and continue to learn about myself through this journey of pain. If there is one quote that sums it up for me, it is “My pain birthed my purpose.” – Trent Shelton.

I have always known that I was meant to help others, but I never knew in what capacity. I have had medical problems most of my life and have just learned to manage them. But in 2007, when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Reynaud’s Syndrome, my whole world changed. I could no longer work. I was constantly drugged up on pharmaceuticals. I got kicked out of my apartment, my car repossessed, lost friends, and moved in with my mother. At age 27, my so far successful life was spiraling out of control.

Along came cannabis. I couldn’t believe how much it helped me. Living in California, I had the opportunity to grow my own medicine, so I did. I was slowly beginning to pick up my life. I started using cannabis daily, exercised, changed my diet, started meditating, and really started to concentrate on what my body was telling me and trying options rather than the “magic pill” I thought would take it all away. I started working (my body could only handle about a 30 hour a week, but I went), moved into a new place, bought a car, and started picking up the pieces. During this process, I realized I couldn’t exactly go back to my corporate recruiting job and toke up in the lobby of the high rise. Plus, smoking gave me a high that made it hard to focus. I had to find other ways to use this plant. I decided to try to infuse some oil using the cannabis flowers I had grown. After rubbing it on my painful spots for the first time, I knew I had found what I needed. This was perfect because I was about to be hired to a great company supporting the president, and I needed to be clear-headed and able to manage my pain throughout the day. I could add a few essential oils, and nobody would even know I was using my medication at work. And I was focused, since topicals do not typically provide a psychoactive response.

In my off time, I started working on a concept for my new company, Therapy in a Bottle. I slowly developed a line of cannabis topical products that sold in several California dispensaries. Through that experience, I learned that a lot of the people that I needed to reach with these products were not going to dispensaries, and I also couldn’t reach out to anyone outside of California due to federal law. I sat down with some of my herbalist friends, did some research and found a group of botanicals that were proven to be very helpful in reducing inflammation when used topically. The decision to create a second line of products was an easy one to make. I worked very hard to come up with a formula that offered the same therapeutic value and level of efficacy as the cannabis would. It’s a well-balanced synergistic botanical blend.

When I lost my corporate job last year due to layoffs, I decided to try my hardest to work on Therapy in a Bottle full time. I completed the development of the non-cannabis line and reformulated the cannabis line to include all of these other wonderful botanicals that were working so well for pain. Now, my company makes enough to pay the bills and overhead costs, and we are continuing to grow organically. I love the opportunities I have to go into senior communities, support groups and veteran halls to talk about botanical therapies and let them try samples of the products (only non-cannabis) to see for themselves the miracle of nature. It makes me happy to help others see the alternative options that are inexpensive and readily available to them. When I get an email or phone call from someone saying that they have gone off of their pain meds by using our salve or they avoided surgery after trying our products, it melts my heart. Those personal testimonies are like gold to me. Knowing that my grandmother can get relief from her arthritis by just soaking her hands in our soak and rubbing the salve on makes me feel like I have given her a wonderful gift.

I still struggle sometimes to manage my pain, but I have built an amazing box of tools to help me conquer that daily challenge. On the days that I feel like giving up, I make sure to re-read the testimonies and keep moving forward.

So now you can see why the quote makes sense. My pain really did birth my purpose. Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions do not have to define us. They become a part of our lives, but they do not DESERVE to encompass our lives. I’ve learned that I am courageous, strong, powerful, driven and empathetic. I deserve happiness and health. My life is important and meaningful. I’ve learned that even in the face of adversity, I can conquer anything.

Rebecca
California
Submitted 12/05/2014

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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10 comments

  1. Rebecca

    Without sounding like I am trying to sell anything, I am more than happy to send a sample of one of my products for those who are interested in trying them. My goal when starting this was to help as many people in my shoes as I can. I’m finding it difficult to reach those people without them thinking I’m another snake oil saleslady. I really just want to help those in pain. If you are interested in trying something, please send an email with your mailing address to info@therapyinabottle.org

    Thanks

    Rebecca

    • diane hucks

      I would love to try it..Diane hucks. 2965 cannon lake crt. Britons neck sc. 29546.

      • Rebecca

        I will get some out to you this week, DIane. 😉

    • Lori Curtin

      I would love some samples, I’ve had fibro for 10 years and has crippled me, I’ve tried everything from Tylenol to morphine with no help from any thing. Address is 1887 Washington st, South Walpole, ma 02071

      • Rebecca

        I will get some samples in the mail to you tomorrow, Lori! I hope they help, even if just to take the edge off. 😉

  2. Jennifer Hiner

    I have just recently been diagnosed with Fibro and want to try everything I can before going on prescription medication. I think what you are doing is awesome. I wish I lived in Cali so I could try all your products, but I would love to try anything you can send. 5940 Beau Jardin Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46237

    Thank you!

    • Rebecca

      Hi Jennifer,

      Clearly, I never check to see if there are responses here. I will get a sample in the mail to you by Monday. I have a new brand called The Good Rub, but the product is still the same. ‘

      Sorry for the delay.

      Rebecca

  3. Tasha Boston

    Hi, My name is Tasha and i was just diagnosed with Fibro last Thursday. I am already on so many types of mediciations that i do not want to add another. I did try cannibes and it just did not do well for me, it gave me severe panic attacks, I would like to try a sample of your product if possible. My email tlboston70@gmail.com if you are still doing this, if you can email me and i will give you my address.

    Thank you 🙂

    • Rebecca

      Hi Tasha,

      Clearly, I never check to see if there are responses here. I will email you now. I have a new brand called The Good Rub, but the product is still the same. ‘

      Sorry for the delay.

      Rebecca

  4. Mindi Trantham

    I have had fibro for about 5 yrs and with the new federal regulations on pain meds kits very hard to get relief and most time just feel like giving up. I would love to try your product.
    106 Ferguson Bend
    Yorktown, VA. 23693

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