Testimonials
If you have overcome struggles or beat the odds with the help of one of our doctors, let us know!
Through your story/testimonial, we can educate others about the treatment benefits of integrative medicine.
We’d love to hear your story. Send us your testimonial using the form at the bottom of the page, or use download and print our Patient Testimonial (pdf).
I smoked for 30+ years.
I no longer smoke, and I owe it to the acupuncture treatment. The treatments helped a great deal to cope with the withdrawal symptoms associated with the quitting smoking.
I also had breathing and stomach problems which were also treated successfully with acupuncture.
RF
I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, a painful bladder disease characterized by FREQUENT urination, spasming of the bladder, ulcers in the bladder among other symptoms. I was diagnosed extremely quickly, thanks to a sympathetic and “with it” doctor however the medication was doing little to relieve the symptoms. Early this spring I faced having to pay for the expensive treatments ($1000 plus) and/or surgery. My doctor recommend acupuncture, as a cheaper alternative.
After three weeks of acupuncture there was a VERY noticeable improvement in my symptoms. After approximately five months of treatment, the pain of the disease is reduced by at least 90%, the old blood in my urine (caused by the Hunner’s ulcers in the bladder) is 90% gone, I only void now every two or three hours (note that before I was voiding every FIFTEEN minutes), I can frequently sleep 6 or more hours a night without needing to wake and go to the bathroom, the spasming of my bladder is almost non-existence and I feel like I have been given my life back again.
VS
I’d like to take this opportunity to tell other RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) sufferers about my experiences with acupuncture…
A few years ago I began to have very uncomfortable feelings in my legs at night. To the point that it was painful and impeding my sleep. I was receiving acupuncture treatments for chronic back pain (which helped significantly). I asked Dr. Nickels if treatments could help my condition. He suggested I try a few sessions. Imagine my utter shock when AFTER THE FIRST TREATMENT I slept like a baby! And every night thereafter for about a year! Now I get a treatment occasionally when it flares up. And I educate myself as much as possible on the disorder. Anyone who suffers from RLS should see an acupuncturist…. give it a try!
SH
I came to Dr. Nickels with chronic fatigue syndrome, sensitivity to cold, and painful, light-sensitive eyes. I had had these conditions for six years. I’d been through conventional medicine and physical therapy.
There was relief as soon as treatment was started. Energy has remained good. My sensitivity to cold is remarkably improved. Pain is decreased by 75%. The condition of my eyes has also improved that I am now able to watch television and have the curtains open, as well as go out without dark glasses.
I am more than pleased with my response to acupuncture and Chinese herbs. A superior healing art in my opinion. I’m so grateful to have my life again.
JC
I started receiving acupuncture treatments 3 weeks ago. I suffered from severe headaches because of food and inhaled allergies for the pass 25 years, I’m happy to say that after only 3 treatments my headaches are almost completely gone, and I feel happier and have a better outlook on life. I’m going to start taking my daughter also for PMS and allergies.
MN
I had headaches, arthritis, pain in the neck and shoulders, and stress on and off for five years. It got to a point that I could not take it any longer. I went to a medical doctor who gave me Motrin-Flexural-Pain Killers and physical therapy. Surgery was the only thing left to do.
With acupuncture, I now feel great. No longer headaches. No problem with my neck or shoulder.
DF
I had pain and bleeding due to endometriosis. Before acupuncture treatments, I had bleeding everyday for the past eight months, the pain was unbearable and my back was beginning to hurt-could not sleep well at night.
I had laparoscopic surgery, strong birth control medicine, vibrational therapy, everything that could be done-next step would be to either get pregnant, or have a hysterectomy and end the chronic symptoms.
I was told that it would take 10 acupuncture treatments before I would begin to see results. I was prepared-this was my last option-because if this didn’t work I would have the surgery. After the first treatment, I slept great for the first time in months. The next day my bleeding stopped and so did the chronic pain. I went to my M.D. who was treating me for my endometriosis and he said that I can now begin to have monthly periods and that all seems to be fine.
I believe that alternative medicine should be used with treatment of any medical problem. I think the medical community needs to embrace and accept all alternative medicines and work with the practitioners of these fields. There is more than one way to cure a disease.
FJ
I began care at IFWC because I had injured my back during our recent move to a different house. While I had read a little about the concept of “Chiropractic”, I really was only interested in having my back pain relieved, preferably in as few visits as possible. The pain lingered on through the first month, and I begin to feel very frustrated.
Early in my second month of care, (I think it was about my 14th visit) the walls came tumbling down, to my great surprise. Breathing seemed to take over my body, and I soon found myself sobbing uncontrollably, although I wasn’t aware of any sad thoughts. Despite my embarrassment, I felt so wonderful when it was over… so unburdened. In the weeks since that time, many changes have begun to take place, both physical and mental.
I was shocked when I realized I no longer wanted to start the day with a good cup of coffee. Nor do heavy foods appeal to me now, or rich deserts. I have experienced short bursts of hysterical laughter several times ( although I can’t figure out what’s so funny). I feel light and open and joyful. My energy level is sooo much better! I can feel movement in my hip area: walking feels different. And pack pain? Well, that’s history. I feel sort of like the tin man after Dorothy used the oil can. I am learning to listen to what the “inner me” knows is best for me.
I am very grateful for the wonderful on-going care at IFWC. My husband and two of our children will be starting with Dr. English this week.
JW
I have been taking arthritis medication since I was 25 years old. When I came to Dr. English, in the middle of January 2009, I was hardly able to walk. I had arthritis in my right knee and a bone spur on the inside of my left heel. Seven months prior, I had been seeing a foot doctor. He gave me a cortisone injection for the pain. The next day, I went to my arthritis doctor. He gave me a sugar test and it was over 500 resulting in no more cortisone injections for the pain. Also, 5 years ago my left knee was replaced. When they did the replacement of my knee, they straightened the leg out which made that leg about ½ inch longer than my right. This caused me to walk with a limp, which made my hips hurt.
So, in January, I decided to try chiropractic. I cannot believe the difference. I now take no medicine at all. Dr. English got my right leg as straight as my left. No Surgery! No Limp! Now I go see her once a week. I have no more pain. For the 1st time in the last 10 years I feel great. I have gone shopping for my 7 kids, their spouses, and my 20 grand children and 3 great grand-children. I can do my own housework, shop and decorate the Christmas tree. I now work 6 days a week, 8-hours a day and cook for the Life Squad 5 nights a month. I just feel good. I am now able to attend festivals and fairs and do things I have been missing out on. I owe all my thanks to Dr. English and the wonderful staff at IFWC.
TH
I had been injured at work and was unable to sit without being in tremendous pain. I went to Dr. English on the recommendation of my brother. Through education and treatments, within months I was able to sit without pain. But even more importantly, the fibromyalgia that I had been diagnosed with four years before and was being treated with DRUGS, had diminished. I stop taking all my medicine and four months after I started getting adjustments I had absolutely no symptoms. My headaches stopped, my muscle pain stop, and I was sleeping through the night. I feel healthy and alive again. I feel light running through my body freely.
I now have my children ages 10 and 14 also going to Dr. English. My teenager who is over 6 feet tall does not experience the pain of his bones growing and has been able to increase his physical power. My 10 year old who is a classified student has improved academically and verbally is able to think more clearly. He has also lost over 16 pounds and feels good inside his body. When I had to have thyroid surgery, I continued my adjustments with Dr. English. She treated me differently and has been helping my body adjust to the trauma. I did not take any pain killers or drugs of any kind when I left the hospital. It was not needed. Dr. English kept my body flowing on itself. Dr. English has helped me to make my life a healthy one and a much happier one.
DM
When I started chiropractic in early Feb. I had been passing blood with every bowel movement since mid – Sept. Conventional medicine had nothing to tell me except to take ever-increasing amounts of fiber and water. One to two weeks after I started chirporactic, the bleeding just stopped. It came back for a couple weeks in March, but I took Herb-Lax and then began acupuncture and it has been gone since.
I was also on Zoloft and Buspar for anxiety, but neither were doing much for me. I stopped Zoloft in late March, started Nux Vomica (homeopathic) in early April and just stopped taking Buspar. I no longer have that medicated sense of calm with underlying anxiety – instead I have the underlying sense that I’m in a safe place and I can deal with my anxiety from there.
NM
I have noticed incredible changes in my body, mind, and spirit since starting Chiropractic. I have noticed that I feel incredibly free of stress and tension which allows me to be more spontaneous, loving and compassionate in all I do. My body is fluid and flexible. I have not needed any prescription anti-inflammatory or sinus pills and have thrown out the bottles.
I’ve noticed that I flow with life rather that the past peaks and valleys. I feel ten years younger and understand the signals from all of me (body and spirit). It’s easier to watch life unfold and enjoy it all. My spine is straighter and more flexible.
PT
I suffered with the back pain for one week when my sister advised me to go to the chiropractor. My family doctor gave me some pain medicine and set me up for a MRI. The pain was so bad I could BARELY walk. I went to Dr. English and felt better my FIRST visit.
I still have a little pain in my leg but nothing like when I first started. I canceled my MRI appointment. I got results a lot faster than I expected. My family doctor didn’t help me at all. I feel I have received excellent care.
LM
I have been tossed around to different doctors for the past 8 years. It wasted time and effort over and over again and became frustrated and began doing nutritional therapy on my own to the best of my ability.
I continued to struggle to find answers to my symptoms and even swore to eat only organic foods. It wasn’t until I met an employee at Whole Foods Market who referred me to IFWC did it begin to feel hopeful again. I made my first appointment and when I arrived I was listened to. Not only was I finally heard but it was given the attention that I knew I was longing for.
One year later I am glad to say I have been able to correct many of my health problems and look forward to every visit at IFWC!
Thanks for everything!
When I was asked to described my experience with IFWC, I was not only willing, I was honored to do so. A year ago I was barely making it through long, stressful days in a challenging business. Traditional medicine had told me for years that my problem was simply stress and overworking. I was also told that the terrible feeling that I was enduring were “IN MY HEAD” because there no signs of anything physically wrong except high blood pressure.
I tried to believe their diagnosis but could not continue to ignore the fact that I felt so bad at times that I literally had thoughts of making sure things were in order to protect my wife, daughters in case I was not able to be here for them.
I have come to respect, care about and treasure the friends and relationships that have grown through my time spent at IFWC.
I was desperate when I came. I saw the ad in the paper and called.
My insurance did not cover the service. I wasn’t working at the time but really needed help.
I was impressed by their approach of seeking and treating the root cause and supporting the approach with lab results. I’m very pleased with the service. My husband was so impressed with my improvement that he changed our insurance the next year and became a patient himself.
AK
After suffering over seven years with chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia and other problems, I discovered IFWC. The team of doctors did not give me a band aid to treat my symptoms. They worked together to find the cause of my ailments. Now that I am well, they have taught me how to maintain a healthy life. I am sparkling and energized. I feel great! I am glowing and sparkling once again…
GK
Seven years ago my son & I were exposed to carbon-monoxide poisoning. After that both of us went downhill. Our immune systems were awful. We got pneumonia and anything else that we came in contact with. I might feel just okay a day or two a week if I was lucky. We went for years to conventional doctors telling us nothing was wrong. Finally, after a year of having pneumonia about 6 times between us – we came to IFWC.
After many tests, we were diagnosed with wheat – gluten , dairy allergies and also problems with yeast. I also had a low thyroid problem. Slowly at first, until we got on the right food track we began to feel better. I was put on a natural thyroid treatment plan. I feel better than I have in 2 years. I am delighted to share my health recovery with everyone. I actually feel as if I am among the living again.
Ask my son, he feels major improvement in overall health, as long as he stays in the correct eating habits.
DB
Upon coming to IFWC I was recovering from gallbladder surgery of 5 months earlier – I still had many issues from that surgery and gaining 10 lbs a month, other doctors told me there was nothing wrong. When I first came to IFWC they conducted many exams, blood work, saliva tests, and hair tests. These tests showed I had metal toxicity – (lead and mercury) and that my digestive system was heavily compromised, and not to mention adrenals and high blood pressure.
Through many natural therapies and natural medications along with an organic diet, I am feeling much better.
The staff at IFWC has been most supportive in helping me be a healthy person again.
KM
Happy New Year! I have wanted to get back but with the weather and holidays it’s been crazy at work. I believe you were correct in suggesting I had a pinched nerve in my nose. Now that the swelling has gone down in my nose with using the Veramyst my headaches have completely disappeared! My knee hurt for a few days but also has been good lately. Thank you so much for your expertise!!!!
DT
Good Morning Dr. Nickels,
I don’t know if you remember me, it has been about a year and a half since I have talked to you. Both my boys and I were patients of yours when you had an office at the Hospital. You helped us so much that when my Mother-in-law and sister-in-law where looking for a doctor I suggested you. They were wondering if you were accepting new patients. They are interested in seeing you at the Brookfield location. Could you please let me know what days and times you are there so they can make appointments?
The last year and a half has been very rough on us and I did not have an opportunity to say Thank You for all you did for my boys. The diet change made a major impact with Kyle. That was the start to his recovery. You helped us figure out that he had Autism. It turns out both boys were have it. Colby was diagnosed with Aspergers and Kyle has PDDNOS. Kyle is a completely different child. He has made some amazing progress. He went from a child that hid when people came, refused to play with anyone, non verbal and would not look into your eyes to a child that is happy, says Hi when people come in, runs around and plays with his brothers and the other kids, and looks into your eyes and smiles. This Christmas was especially dear to me for the first time Kyle wanted everyone to watch him sing We Wish you a Merry Christmas and was really excited when everyone clapped when he was done. I now believe that he will recover from this. Colby has made improvements too. With the IV Chelation his heavy metal counts have dropped drastically and his obsessive behavior has been diminishing. He still has behavior issues that we are working on, but all in all he is doing much better. Thanks for all you have done and for recommendations. My kids would not be where they are today if not for your help.
Happy New Year!
MF