March 6, 2003

To Clare W. Kavin and Staff:

Three weeks ago today, I was in the ICU, about to undergo "accelerated neuro-regulation" with Dr. Clifford Bernstein. I left for home a mere 24 hours later, weak, wobbly and totally opiate-free. Wow!

My story fits into the classic - one minute I was sitting at a red light, the next instant, I was rear-ended by a driver going 55 mph. Ouch! Two surgeries later and three years of taking opiates to kill the chronic pain, I realized that taking 10 to 15 tables of 80mg. OxyContin daily or popping 40+ Norco tablets daily was consuming my life, more so than the pain.

I was desperate to quit. Five days of cold turkey ended in failure. Three days as an in-patient at a pain management/detox facility based on a 12-Step program (one which I already had been personally familiar with since 1983) didn't do the trick. Then I found you. Thank God.

Words are not adequate to express my gratitude. First, for making this treatment available to those who can benefit the most from it. Second, for employing the highest caliber of staff. In particular, I refer to Deborah, your nurse was has been with me from the first phone call I made and continues to encourage me to phone her if I have any questions or issues.

Then there's Tony Margaretis, my hero from the hospital. I love Tony. Please, he deserves recognition.

And finally, David Livingston, my thread to keeping my emotions processed, balanced and positive. What a wonderful man.

I am still tired, not sleeping very well and my stamina is reduced but improving daily. Opiates? Absolutely no desire whatsoever. Pain? Still have a lot - the accident left permanent damage.

However, I am working on new ways to deal with it and am confident I will find a solution, and not one that relies on narcotics. Just can't go there any more.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Written with love,

P.S. THANK YOU!!!