Traveling back from an appointment with the 6th (yes …that’s right…6th) surgeon. I pulled over on the side of interstate 65 and cried. I was in so much physical pain and it seemed like no one could help me. I had been to multiple doctors, surgeons, pain management and over 10 MRI’s. This last surgeon told me to take an “aleve”. My pain moved from hips, to knee, to lower back depending on the hour of the day and sometimes simultaneously. I was miserable. I wasn’t able to walk…literally. I couldn’t walk around a grocery store, or even stand in one spot long enough to scramble eggs in my own kitchen. All I had been able to do, for almost 2 years, was go to work and come home to lie on the floor. I was diagnosed with Scoliosis, arthritis in both hips and the spine, bone spurs up and down the spine, as well as a Syrinx (you have to look that one up). I had a swollen knee, and would lean over and to one side while shuffling. That was considered a “good” day. On a “bad” day, I was taking strong pain pills and any position was extremely painful. Sleep was almost non-existent. I had tried everything from chiropractic care, to pain management, to nerve blocks, to Turmeric, massage therapy and cryogenic therapy. My next step was going to be acupuncture.
Before I could make an appointment with an acupuncturist, I had a friend who told me about Kim Demoss. Now, I had worked with “trainers” before and most were helpful, but none could touch the level of pain I was in. Kim was different from the first session with her. She not only took the time to tell me about her extensive education in Yoga, but also took the time to hear my story. She really wanted to help me, and it was the first time I felt like someone was listening to me. So I signed up for 5 sessions with her. I figured if it didn’t work, I was only out less than a hundred bucks. I had spent thousands on co-pays, medications and multiple therapies at this point.
I remember the first session with her; I just lay on the floor and did some very simple movements. Not even stretching, just very slow, simple movements. I was thinking to myself, what is this going to do?? To be honest it didn’t do much, but hurt. My face would grimace with each movement. However, I went back. And I went back. And I went back. After my 5 sessions with Kim, I felt so much better. I was walking better and moving better. I signed up for 5 more sessions with her. After those five, I felt even better, but it would only last about a day. So, after a few months of doing 30 min sessions with Kim, I increased my sessions to an hour.
After 8 months of working with Kim around 2 times per week for an hour, I can say my pain has almost completely vanished. I can shop, walk around stores, go out with friends, and yes, even scramble eggs in my kitchen. I haven’t had to take any pain medication in almost 4 months. I sleep better. My mood is better. And most importantly my quality of life is back to where it was almost 2 years ago.
My progress continues to grow every week by doing yoga with Kim. Last month I walked the track for exercise. I never thought I would be able to do that again. I have no swollen knee, no lower back pain, and no hip pain. I feel like I have my life back.
If you or someone you know is suffering from back pain, knee pain, hip pain, or about to undergo surgery for these issues. I urge you to try Kim Demoss first. She isn’t one of these yoga instructors who took a “weekend course”. Kim is the real thing. She is educated in the study of yoga practice. She listens, and truly cares about your overall well being. If it wasn’t for Kim Demoss, I know that right now I would be on disability instead of running my own business. So, thank you Kim for all that you do. The light in me honors and is grateful for the light in you.
Namaste.
Rebekah Clark, RPT. LPC.
Registered Play Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor