Testimonials
A year ago, I met Dr. Comia. I had a history of gastrointestinal problems. I was
overweight, suffered bouts of strep throat and bronchitis. After some
bloodtest, Dr. Comia indicated that I probably had a wheat (gluten) and dairy
sensitivity. At home, my diabetic husband and I embarked on a difficult path
that took many months to work out. Now, a year later, my husband and I lost
about 30 lbs each. We have learned that food is nutrition, period. We have
learned that we can, in fact, survive without the foods we used to love and
crave. We each have found what works for us as individuals. Are we
perfect? Of course not! We eat lots of fish and chicken, beef on very rare
occasions, and MUCH smaller portions that we used to. And that's really the
biggest secret of all. I often shop at the healthfood stores for some of my
products but also turn to the internet. I have found that it is better to not eat
things than to suffer the bouts of diarrhea the next day! I found I could not
stand soymilk, or any soy products. So I gave up on most dairy. We have no
marguerine in the house, only butter and olive oil. We eat lots of fresh fruits
and veggies. I finally feel better. I now have no backpain. The twice-a-month
deep tissue massages, the vitamin D and glucosamine, the magnesium,
calcium, and 14 other pills has helped me feel better. I think everything I am
doing has finally clicked and come together to create a 66-yr old woman with
incredible energy and stamina.
I bless the day I met Dr. Comia! Although her diagnosis was upsetting at the
time, I have learned that things could be much worse and this is something I
can live with. Is it hard at times? You bet! But it's a mind thing and an attitude
adjustment, not the end of the world!!
Sybil Nassua
Westbrook, CT
I am a 43 year old female who has suffered some form of gastrointestinal
distress most of my life. As a teen in high school, I began with ulcers. I was
given a prescription and eventually, many years later, my symptoms lessen-
ed. Things re-manifested themselves as Irritable Bowel Symptom (IBS) in
my 20's. This was a crippling manifestation as I tried to live a normal life with
chronic, unpredictable diarrhea. Not only was this very embarrassing and
anxiety-provoking, it was also very painful with hours of spasms that
brought on nausea and vomiting. Through prescription medications, I was
able to manage leaving the house...never without my anti-diarrheal or anti-
spasmodic meds. Eating was an event to be feared and panic attacks
became normal as I anticipated the horrible repercussions. I spent many
years agoraphobic. I would only go to work and then only go home. I spent
several years on antidepressants supervised by a psychiatrist as a last
hope to a normal, functioning life. The anti-spasmodic and anti-diarrheal
meds were recommended by a gastroenterologist as well as fiber therapy.
My primary care physician was of the same school of thought....write the
prescriptions and manage the symptoms.
I kept asking questions and searching for answers. I believed that my
system was too acidic. I asked how to find out if that was true. I was
then given a prescription for acid reflux. The meds managed the symptoms
but never answered the questions. After about 2 weeks on the acid reflux
meds, I noticed that my IBS symptoms had lessened. I called the doctors
office to tell of this finding, feeling that maybe there was help for other IBS
sufferers. It was not remarkable to them. I mentioned it again when I went
in for a follow up visit and was looked at as though I was ridiculous, only
to be offered another prescription of some type. I don't remember what it
was. I was done listening.
I was 43 years old and carrying a bag of prescription meds and still living
afraid. In November 2005 I went to my primary care doctor's office because
I thought I was having a heart attack. I wanted an EKG and was declined
because my cholesterol was low as was my blood pressure at my last
physical. I had a friend drive me to the emergency room where not only
did they do an EKG but admitted me for 3 days and did a variety of tests.
The acid reflux meds I had been taking were not strong enough and the
pains in my chest and back were acid. The solution -- increase my dose.
I had to follow up with my primary care doctor after being discharged. . .
and I did . . . only to hear the same thing -- "Let's change prescriptions",
"Let's increase this", "Let's add that". I was DONE ! That type of care felt
care-less.
After getting out of the hospital, I spent the next two weeks looking for
a new doctor. I needed a new way of thinking. I needed someone who
would consider the cause and stop prescribing me "band-aides" without
ever knowing what was really going on.
I met Dr. Comia almost a month after I was in the hospital. For me, this was
a life changing experience. I went in trying to be open minded. I gave a
lifelong history of stomach problems and a list of prescriptions that I carried
with me. Dr. Comia wrote it all down . . . and then she turned to me and
said "Your body is too acidic . . . let me guess, when you started taking
acid reflux meds, your IBS stopped." I think I cried with relief. She got it.
She understood. I was ready to start again.
Dr. Comia pared down the foods I ate. I am now gluten-free, casein-free,
dairy/lactose-free. In 2 weeks, I had no IBS, no acid reflux. I also had no
prescriptions in my pocketbook; they are of no use to me anymore. I have
no symptoms.
Is it challenging to eat this way? A little at first. I had to spend a few long
trips at Whole Foods and like grocery stores to familiarize myself with
labels and brands I never looked at before. She had me take a few
supplements that have helped my system straighten out and she told me
where to find them.
Dr. Comia is an amazing doctor because she is willing to look outside of the
box for answers to hard questions. This is an amazing eating plan because
for 2 months now I have not taken one prescription nor have I needed to.
THIS IS A MIRACLE TO ME. I eat out now all the time. I bring a little bag of tricks
with me to the restaurant as needed....a margarine I can have, a soy sauce
that is wheat-free. I eat out without fear. I live without fear. I feel
great. I AM SYMPTOM-FREE! I have never felt so good in my entire life.
After a lifetime of suffering, the dietary changes seem to be such a practical,
simple solution. I want everyone that suffers to feel this relief.
Lorrie Ferland
Windsor Locks, CT
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