I stayed at the Annapurna for two weeks and did two gallbladder flushes. I’d been on Paxil for 7 years, originally put on it for postpartum depression after my 4th child. I tried several times to stop taking it but became very emotional and had some odd physical symptoms associated with it. Last year I learned that GSK, the company who makes Paxil, was being sued because they failed to notify doctors and patients about the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms. At that point I realized that the symptoms I had when I tried to stop the drug were not my depression returning but withdrawal symptoms. I withdrew from the drug 8 months ago. It was a very long hard ordeal, and I had many symptoms including physical, emotional and neurological. Even being off the drug for 8 months, I was still having many problems including fatigue, neurological symptoms, muscle aches, mood swings, and sleep problems. All the symptoms were severe enough to make everyday tasks very difficult. I’ve gone to numerous doctors and was told the Paxil did not cause this, however, my body was telling me different. Through the Paxilprogress.org website, I met a woman who came to the Annapurna with her son. Her son had also had a severe reaction to stopping the Paxil and a few weeks after receiving the gallbladder/liver flushes, was feeling much back to normal. Hence, I came here.
The first flush was very difficult as I released a lot of toxins. One night I woke up with severe shaking, which I’d had in the early Paxil withdrawal stages. Robin put me on the colonic table at 3:00 a.m. and the shaking stopped. It wasn’t until after the second flush that I really noticed changes. In total I probably released around 100 or so stones. I plan to return home and do a 3rd flush.
My stay at the Annapurna was very relaxing. Although the gallbladder flush was more work than I had imagined, I am feeling the benefits. The organic food, which mostly consisted of soups and smoothies during the flushes, was made every day and delivered nutrients to enhance the healing process. Throughout the process, Robin provided information as to what was being done and why, and as a result, I know more about how to help my body continue to heal.
The people working here are absolutely wonderful. Ciela, the chef and hydrotherapist, made great food. She catered to the body, mind and spirit in a gentle and kind way. She was very patient during difficult moments and was available to answer questions or just to have a conversation with.
Sheila, who did all types of necessary tasks around the Annapurna, was very helpful and caring to guests as well. If you needed anything, she was happy to do it for you, whether it was doing laundry, finding the caster oil, or finding a place to rent a good video.
The Annapurna treats the whole person. I came here for treatments for symptoms, and left with tools to continue my way to healing.
