“Dear Dr. Darrick Sahara,

In an attempt to share my story it would be careless of me to neglect to mention the treatment I received for 3 years prior to becoming your patient. I do believe that the initial alternative treatment and detoxification were instrumental to helping me begin a healing process. However, there was minimal to no progress of true healing until I became your patient.

It has now been approximately 16 months since I first came to your office and decided that I would make a 6- month commitment to undergo your care. Your name was highly recommended to me by a close relative who had recently became one of your patients.

When I came to your office it had been approximately 4 years since I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. After researching the virus and its effects and treatments I decided against the conventional treatment (interferon injections) and decided that I would be more comfortable with an alternative medical treatment. I began seeing a Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist in early October, 2002. The herbalist quickly decided I needed to address my diet and asked that I begin a detoxification program. The program consisted of juicing (beets, carrots, celery, parsley, or cilantro) for each meal for approximately 4 – 6 weeks. In addition, I was given Chinese herbs to brew into a tea, which I drank 3 – 4 times a day. The dietitian began introducing food (steamed vegetables) slowly back into my diet around early December. By February 2003, meat, poultry, and fish were reintroduced. In addition to this regime I went in for liver function panels every 6 months beginning November 2002. (please see attached lab results)

About the time I met you (late April 2005) I was seeing an acupuncturist daily, (6 – 7 days a week) and adhering to a low carbohydrate, high protein diet (with may fresh organic vegetables) and Chinese herb tea. Throughout much of these 3 years I did notice I was often fatigued, though I made it a point to exercise daily. I can still recall the exhaustion I felt as I dragged myself up the stairs each night for bed. (signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C)

After my initial appointment with you, I began seeing you every week for approximately 2 – 3 months (approx 4 – 8 treatments). Slowly I was able to go from weekly appointments to twice monthly and eventually once a month. Most recently I have been able to go 6 – 8 weeks in between treatments! (Now once every two months to once a month).

In late August of 2005, I recall you telling me that you were not seeing any problems with my liver as well as other aspects of my health. You repeated this to me again during my September visit. I quickly disregarded your comment each time as I had only been seeing you solely for approximately 4 months. I remember thinking to myself we’ll see come November. In October you said it again and I recall telling you that I would go in for a liver function panel in November and hopefully I would have the results by my next appointment with you. On schedule I had the lab work performed in November 2005. The ALT and AST were both within the normal range! The lab test was redone again in June 2006 and the results are the best they have been since I was initially diagnosed. In fact the Gastro Interologist that monitors the lab results hasn’t asked to see me since April 2005. (I might also add that when I was first referred to him, he was very adamant that I begin interferon injections and at the very least have a liver biopsy). Neither of which were ever done.

This past November I turned 50 years old and I feel great. I work out with a trainer 2 days a week and hike, jog, and/ or visit the gym 3 – 4 days a week. I travel often, teach a seminar class at a local private college (Santa Barbara, CA) and have a 6 year old daughter (adopted), a 15 year old son, and a mother with Alzheimer’s. Needless to say each day is quite busy, nonetheless I have lots of energy and feel great. With results like these, I can only say that the initial 6 – month trial period has turned into 17 months. (A life commitment)

I thank you for your dedication to your profession and commitment to alternative medical practices.”

Sincerely,

N.C. (written in August 29, 2006) (Santa Barbara, CA)