My health deteriorated over a period of 6 years. My symptoms escalated from easy bruising, hair loss, high blood pressure, skin thinning and flushed skin to rapid weight gain in my midsection, a puffy face, fatigue and severe joint pain. I had become unrecognizable. I was diagnosed with resistant hypertension and started medications for the first time. I was referred to several specialists by my family doctor--a cardiologist for my blood pressure, a dermatologist for the bruising and thin skin, even an allergist.
One day, I tripped over some shoes, fractured a bone in my foot and ended up at the hospital. I followed the recommended directions, but I think the fracture never fully healed. I told both my orthopedic surgeon and family doctor that I thought there was a greater...