Before spending a week at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, I had been chronically ill with urinary tract infections for almost 25 years. Throughout the years the only treatment any doctor prescribed that was semi-effective was prophylactic antibiotics. I was told I would have to take an antibiotic every day for the rest of my life.

I did follow this treatment for almost 25 years. It may have decreased the number of times I was hospitalized but it certainly did not prevent it altogether. I was hospitalized 2 to 3 times a year with severe urinary tract infections, dehydration, vomiting and nausea.

The result of the antibiotic therapy was of course, yeast infections and a challenged immune system. During this time I consulted with gynecologists, urologists, and doctors of internal medicine and general practice. Some were in my community and some in the closest large city, Albuquerque. None of these doctors prescribed any treatment other than the daily antibiotic nor did any seem to feel this therapy could in fact worsen my condition. I even had a thorough urology examination at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. They could find no anatomical reason for my continued infections. They too recommended I continue on the antibiotic therapy.

All of a sudden, my health deteriorated drastically. I lost 40 pounds in 3 months. I was ill all the time. I felt like I was dying. I went back to the Mayo Clinic to no avail. They did not find anything they could definitely diagnose as the cause of my continued illness. After researching on the Internet, I made an appointment with a renowned urology clinic in Beverly Hills. After another very thorough urology examination they performed a bladder irrigation that seemed to help for a while. In fact several months later I returned for a second bladder irrigation. Again, I was told to continue the antibiotic therapy.

Within a month I was again in the hospital with all the above symptoms. By now I was also depressed. I felt each doctor was insinuating I was mentally ill. This was so out of character for me. I am a registered nurse and a very upbeat person most of the time. I could not imagine how I could test positive for bacteria in the urine, be unable to eat or retain food, and become dehydrated, yet a doctor could think this was in my head. I had a very real fear if this continued I would eventually have cancer of the bladder.

Desperate to find a solution as to what was going on with my body I started reading your newsletter. My mother had attended the clinic seven years earlier and recommended I go for a week and see if they could possibly find out what was making me so ill. She was as worried as I and felt I was just fading away. We spent a week together. I felt like a child and needed my mother to take care of me. She really pushed me to go to the clinic. She said, "You have got to do something or you will die. Go to Dr. Whitaker's clinic and see what they can do for you."

On March 26, 2001, I attended the clinic for a week. That decision changed my life. I tested positive for a urinary tract infection at the clinic. As part of my examination I was tested for heavy metals poisoning. In all my years of examinations at various clinics and doctors offices I had never been tested for any kind of heavy metals poisoning. My mercury levels were extremely high and I needed to start treatment to remove the mercury from my system through chelation. I started the treatment immediately.

Now I had to find the source of the mercury. I had several amalgam fillings in my teeth as a young girl but thought they had all been replaced over the years. After checking with my dentist I discovered I still had one of those fillings. I obtained the first available appointment my dentist had to have it replaced. That happened May 22, 2001, and I immediately felt the difference.

I continued chelation therapy for the removal of the mercury from my system for another six weeks. My last test indicated the levels of mercury are much lower. I have never been healthier. I have not had a urinary tract infection or an antibiotic since April.

I am now on your incredible natural supplement regime. I have changed my diet. I have very limited sugar, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. I feel 20 years younger and again have my love for life. I go to the spa and lift weights. I am able to do very physical yard work. I feel wonderful. I have gained 15 pounds. I am back to my normal weight and staying there.

It was very difficult for me to make up my mind to go to the clinic. However, it is the best decision I have ever made. I only wish I had made that decision 10 years earlier.

Dr. Whitaker you are my champion! I would like to do anything I can to help other people realize there are alternatives to conventional medicine. I am proud to be a patient of Dr. Whitaker's clinic.

— Cheryl Romero, Taos, New Mexico