Hello everyone,
If you are looking for support, need advice or just want someone to talk to click the link below and then click the call me button. All you have to do is enter your phone number then google voice will dial both of our phone numbers and connect us.
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I am doing my best to respond to all of your comments (and I will) so please keep checking back. Please feel free to ask more questions and leave more comments. Also be sure to take a look at the new Bay Recovery Blog ( www.bayrecovery.com/news ) where people can come together to offer each other advice and support. Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement
My name is Brooke. I am 27 years old. I live in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Yes I am the one that was on the intervention show. I am an addict. I have been sober for over a year. I couldnt have done it without the support of my family and doctors. I went to Bay Recovery for almost 8 months to learn how to manage my pain and get off some of the drugs I was on. I have had RA for 14 years. Most of my joints are deteriorated. I have had both knees replaced. My stay at Bay Recovery was a great experience. I met the most wonderful people and I learned so much. I learned there that I was an addict and not to be ashamed of that. I have worked so hard and pulled my life back together. I lost my family when I was in my addiction. Now I have them back and they are very supportive and understanding. I love them all with all my heart. Living with pain is so hard. But I have managed to almost keep it under control with the right medications. I am much happier now that I am sober. It really has made a difference in my life. I hope that all my fans from the intervention show read this. God bless.
Hey Brooke hang in there I fight addiction as well and have my own blog, reading your blog has been inspiring to me,and I do remember you intervention. I wish you the best of luck.
Phil
27
Kentucky
mysemilife@wordpress.com
Brooke, you are one strong woman, not only in light of dealing with chronic pain, the resulting addiction,(I can relate to that a bit, having had to use prescribed pain relievers myself occasionally) but the MASSIVE amount of forgivenss you’ve shown towards your family.Granted, it one isn’t in constant pain, it can be VERY difficult to “get one’s head around”the concept, but you’ve demonstrated a HUGE amount of class and integrity towards your family. Iknow FACTUALLY that I couldn’t have done that! Please know that you are in the prayers of SCORES of people, and just take things one day at a time! YOU ROCK,GIRL!!!
Thank you for reading my blog. I really don’t have a reason to forgive my family. The intervention show edited their words and made them sound terrible. My famliy has always been there for me even during my addiction. Also thank you so much for your kind words. Take care hun.
Hi Brooke, I just watched your episode for the second time I decided to google you since there were no real updates. Thats how I found you. Its weird to say you’re proud of someone that you don’t even know but I think you have come so far and you are an inspiration to anyone who has addiction.
i lost my g-pa to that and my uncle has it bad. i feel like im getting it also , i would love to hear from you….
Your Rock Brook. Keep up the good work!
Wow Brooke, you have really changed since the show on A&E. You look 10 years younger on the current videos than you did on Intervention!
We really enjoyed seeing the story about you. Out of all of the stories I’ve seen on Intervention this is the first time I’ve looked up to see the outcome of an intervention.
I live near Lynchburg VA, but my brother lives in Broken Arrow, OK and loves it out there.
I hope your life continues to improve and wish you the best of health in the future.
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed the videos. I feel much better today then I did during the Intervention. I was so sick and such in my addiction that it was really scary. I thank Dr. Rand at Bay Recovery for saving my life. That is neat that your brother lives so close to me. Thank you again.
Wow I did exactly what you did Bobby. This too is my first time googling someone from Intervention. Your family Brooke brought me to tears during the intervention. I DVRed the episode and it cut off before I had a chance to see if you fully recovered or not.
Brooke, I’m so proud of you and your recovery. I’ll be praying for you. Take care girl.
Bobby I too live in Lynchburg, VA. What the heck are the odds
Brooke I just watched your show and was very touched. All throughout the show I wanted to just hug you and let you know I care even though you don’t know me. You have touched my life and I hope that one day we could chat or write each other…take care Brooke.
David
30
Colorado
I am glad that you enjoyed the show. Thank you for your kind words. You can always respond to my blogs and I will write you back. Take care David.
Hi Brooke.
I didn’t see the first airing of your episode… I saw you for the first time tonight and your show certainly had a profound effect on me. I can’t imagine how you would have dealt with things in any other way…
I am a 31 year old recovered alcoholic. I used alcohol to numb my pain, but my pain was emotional in nature, not physical. I once experienced some pretty severe physical pain for a very short period of time and I was given a prescription medication and I can say with 100% certainty that I would have been hooked on that stuff if I had access to any more of it. I can completely understand how easy it would be to fall into that fatal pattern, especially knowing that you were given this medicine by a qualified physician for a condition from which you were truly suffering.
It’s so great to hear your story. I think you have probably helped more people than you will ever know by letting us see a glimpse of your life like that. You look great and I hope you are doing as great as you look. It’s amazing how people just sort of “glow” in recovery isn’t it?
I was a sorry excuse for a human when I went into recovery and now I am a full-time working Mom of twins with a full life. Good days and bad days, but no daily struggle with addiction. The clarity of thought is amazing.
Anyways, just wanted to thank-you and wish you well. I hope you are your family have a wonderful new life.
Thank you for your kind words. I am so happy to hear that you are a recovered alcoholic. So you know what it is like to numb your pain. Yes it is very easy to get hooked on meds because they numb you from the pain and of course they make you feel good. Congratulations on your new life. I am a twin myself. Being a twin is a great bond. I want my story to get out there to other pain patients so that I can give them hope and tell them not to give up because I have been there. Keep in touch
I am so glad to hear that the Recovery Center and their staff were able to get you the help you need. I watched your Intervention about a year ago and I have thought about you and your story a few times. Your story was so different than a typical Intervention episode. It was so obvious that the pain was just debilitating….I’m just so truly happy that you are able to manage the pain AND enjoy your life!…Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes I am living my life to the fullest and having a blast. Stay tuned to Intervention on A&E because my follow up will be on soon
Dear Brooke:
Your Intervention episode really touched my heart. I know I don’t know all the details, but I could feel your pain. I’m so glad your relationship with your sisters and parents is good and things are better with you. You are strong and I admire you.
I’m in recovery. From 2000 to 2005 I went to 5 different facilities (10 months in all). I know how painful life can be. And I think the best part of life is the friends we make through it all. Please know my addiction cost me everything except my parents. I lost my wife, career, home, sisters (I have nieces and nephews I’ve never seen).
Stay strong Brooke and thanks.
Michael
michaely@ms.metrocast.net
Thank you for your kind words. Yes I have my relationship back with my family. They understand now. I know that it is hard to be in recovery. I went to Bay Recovery for 7 months. I did make a lot of friends that were in the same postion as I was. I have been sober for 1 year and 4 months. I have my life back. If is wasn’t for Dr. Rand at Bay Recovery then I wouldnt have made it much longer. He saved my life. I hope that you stay strong and always keep fighting. I will keep you in my prayers
Brooke,
Your story touched me more than any other episode of Intervention. I too suffer from chronic pain and my family also struggles with understanding it. I was so angry at your sisters for keeping you out of their special moments, you are very strong to have forgiven them.
Please take care.
Regina
Thank you for your kind words. I am sorry to hear that you suffer from chronic pain as well. My family didn’t understand for 8 years. If it wasn’t for Dr. Rand at Bay Recovery then they would still be clueless. I was hurt that my sisters did what they did but it was their special day and I was so bad in my addiction that I could have messed up a lot of things. I went to family events high off the meds and would scare my family and friends. Now they have forgiven me and I have forgiven them. I am now 1 year and 4 months sober. I still have pain but Dr. Rand is keeping me comfortable. He saved my life As well as my relationships with my family. I will keep you in my prayers and may you find someone like Dr. Rand that can treat your pain.
Brooke,
You’re a beautiful woman. I’m so glad to see your situation has turned around. You’re a strong person.
You’ve been through a lot so I’m sending you a virtual hug!!!
Best of luck and hope for a cure.
Jennifer , RI
Thank you for your kind words and the virtual hug. I really needed that. God Bless
Hi Brooke.. I saw your Intervention on T.V. last night. My heart goes out you.
I am a 26 year old female from Toronto, Canada and have been diagnosed with LYME disease. I had a rash appear on my leg in 2002 and left it foolishly untreated. It wasn’t until April 2008 when i started to have neurological problems and painful stiff joints. I definitely was not close to having your inabilities, but my symptoms were debilitating. This disease is an epidemic just “tick”ing way to take the world by storm like an atomic bomb.
I suppose your treatment was via I.V. I am on oral meds. And am starting to see an improvement .
I think you would really take interest in seeing the newest documentary out on Lyme Disease. It’s called under our skin. If you take a quick look at the trailer for it, it will be like looking in a mirror for you.
http://www.underourskin.com/watch.html
If only we knew then, what we know know J
Bless your soul
being treated.
I am sorry to hear that you have Lymes Disease. I have been tested for Lymes Disease but it was negative. I have seen at least 4 doctors saying that I don’t have it and that I have RA. I have done a lot of research on Lymes and my symptoms don’t match up. I have even been to 2 lyme disease specailists. I hope that the treatment is working for you and keep your head up.
Yes I have been tested for Lymes Disease and I even took oral medications to treat Lymes Disease. But the doctors I have been to have told me that I do not have it. I have been to two Lymes Disease specialists and they agreed with my other doctors that it was negative. I am sorry that you are suffering yourself. I am on the right medication now and doing so much better. I will keep you in my prayers.
Brooke, I saw your intervention and was very moved by your story. It must have been very difficult to deal with that pain and then with your addiction. I’m so glad to hear you are sober.
I was a little confused about the timeline of your episode–did your older sister have a baby, then your twin got married, and then you had your intervention within just a few days of each other? I can’t imagine dealing with that range of emotions and experience in such a short time frame!
Continued best wishes to you on your recovery!
Thank you for responding to my blog. Yes it was very hard to live with that pain from day to day. I would take so much medicine that I would pass out and not feel the pain, which you saw on the Intervention show. Yes everything did happen in one week. BreeAnn had her baby then Brittany got married and then the day after the wedding I had my intervention. It was a very crazy / hectic week. Today I am happy and sober for 1 year and 4 months. I feel great. I still have some pain but Dr. Rand takes good care of me.
Brooke I saw an uncommon beauty with you that was given away to anyone but yourself. I was once close to doing the same things you did, but I’m mostly free of it and I’m glad you are too. It’s a different, more fun world isn’t it!
Hi Brooke,
Please return to the lymenet site and read replies. Please also go to the Medical Questions board there and post your story.
Thousands of people who have lyme were misdiagnosed with RA and other illnesses because Dr’s do not understand how to recognize, diagnose and treat it.
I am telling you this because I care. Lyme is a bacterial infection that got it’s name when alot of children were diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lyme, CT.
It was later learned that they all had a Borrelia burgdorferi infection.
Only a good Lyme Literate MD can diagnose and treat lyme. Lymenet can help with that too….on the Seeking a Doctor Board.
A simple negative lyme test does not rule out lyme, although that is what 99% of Dr’s think. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Lyme is treatable. RA has “no known cause”. Everything has a cause. Now that you have that RA label they will not look for the cause. It is likely infectious.
It is likely a chronic borrelia burgdorferi infection. On lymenet we can help you and guide you to lots of resources.
Please, Brooke, return to the site!
Dear Brooke,
Your dad is amazing, I just watched the show again. He reminds me of my own father. I haven’t been fortunate to have children but I see from my dad how strong a parent/child relationship really is. Also your aunt is great and I hope the puppy is doing well.
Michael
Brooke,
I saw both airings and I am so glad you are doing well. I suffer from Sarcoidosis, an auto-immune disease similiar to RA and Lupus. I have also had cancer and have pain related to surgery reconstruction. You are an amazing woman and I commend you for getting help. I was young when I got sick too and it is not an easy road to travel. I wish you nothing but the best on your journey and would love to hear back if you have time. Take care.
Melissa
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through so much. It feels terrible to suffer from pain. Have you ever heard of Bay Recovery? That is where I went and they helped me so much. How to deal with my pain and now I live almost a painfree life. I regonize your email address. Have you emailed me before? I wish you the best of luck and I will keep you in my prayers hun. Take care.
I hated your sisters with a white hot passion. Your joints were disfigured, and you could barely walk, and they were acting like you were shooting up for the hell of it. LOVED your dad though, so sweet.
Good luck… RA did the same thing to my hands as it did to yours.. what a life…
I hate that you feel that way. My sisters are really great people. On the intervention show they were misread and everything that they said was edited to make them sound bad. Yes, my dad is a wonderful man. He would do anything for his family. I am sorry to hear that you have RA in your hands, I know it is no fun.
I think that people making comments like that haven’t had to deal with a family member with an addiction. My brother was an addict & did some terrible things. I’m sure from the outside looking in, some of my family members probably looked pretty bad too in how they dealt with some of the things he did. People should realize this show is such a small portion of the bigger picture of your lives.
Also I meant to add that when I watched your episode I felt so bad for you & your entire family. I’m really glad to see you are doing better.
I can think of nothing more painful than realizing that love is conditional and illusory. Your many touching comments here have convinced me to edit myself and say only that I truly *hope* you never have to experience that again.
Hi Brooke. I just saw your episode. It broke my heart, but I’m really glad to hear you’re doing better. God bless you; I’ll keep you in my prayers.
~TJ (NY)
Hi Brooke-I want you to know what an inspiration you are to me. I am a 27 yo female former gymnast and cheerleader from Massachusetts, and I also suffer from fibromyalgia and a form of RA. I am constantly uncomfortable, and have had a problem with pain pills in the past so I see a lot of similarities between me and you. I cried watching your Intervention because I related to you so much. I am clean now but I worry about the future and what I will do if my pain ever worses to the point where I need narcotics. I would love it if you could email me back so I could find out how you did it. I watched your videos and you look amazing, vibrant and HEALTHY! You are an inspiration, thank you so much for sharing your story. God Bless. xoxo
Hi Erin,it is nice to have someone to relate to and wow do we ever. I was also a cheerleader and gymnast. I suffer from the same diseases. I went to a place called Bay Recovery. They helped me so much. I learned how to handle my pain and understand it there. I am so glad to hear that you are clean now. If you ever get to the point where you have to take narcotics for the pain you should do research on suboxone. Oh and I couldn’t of done it without the help of my family and friends. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to email me anytime. brookeboulter@yahoo.com
Hi Brooke,
I am a healer and intuitive in Los Angeles, CA… our stories are very similar as I was diagnosed with three chronic and painful diseases that required treatment with narcotics. I became addicted and fought for years to deny that I was an addict. I am now sober 2 1/2 years! I am writing today because I saw a Mystery Diagnosis episode on Kukuchi Fujimoto disease which affects the lymph nodes and is an auto immune disorder…many of the symptoms are similar to what you experienced. This is such a rare disease that many doctors don’t catch it. A Dr. Sokol is a specialist who treats this and can diagnose it. If you have problems still, you might check into this and see if this is what is causing your pain. Best wishes and good luck to you…stay strong and don’t pick up no matter what!
I am sorry to hear your story. I know that it is hard to go through chronic pain and be treated with narcotics. Have you tried suboxone? I want to thank you for your advice I will do research on it. Best of luck to you.
Brooke, your story affected me greatly. I have never felt so much compassion for a stranger before. I saw your story just a few days ago and my heart broke for all of you. I was compelled to find out how you were doing today. I am in awe at how strong your family is. You are so very blessed. Knowing that you are doing well today convinced me that there are still happy endings. Hang in there, you have a very powerful story to tell
God bless you and your wonderful family.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Please contintue to read my blog and check up on the updates.
Hi Brooke,
I am so thrilled to hear, that u are doing fine!!! Though I don´t have a disease like that nor know anyone who has, I felt deeply for you watching the intervention episode.
I wish you aaaaaall the best and send u a big hug from germany,
Mona
Brooke,
The first episode just touched me..But when I saw the update I couldn’t help but cry! You are sooo gorgeous and you look fab!! It also seemed like your parents were so happy and their faces could light up a room when they saw you go up the stairs..I wish you all the luck in the world and hope you can live a pain-free life
Keep up the good work hun!!
Thank you so much. When my parents saw me go up the stairs they were shocked because they haven’t seen that in almost ten years. They were told that they would never see it again. The doctors told them that I would be in a wheel chair. But now I am walking great and feeling great. All thanks to Bay Recovery.
Hi Brooke,
I think it takes a lot of courage to share your story with everyone and I want to let you know you have touched my life as well as many others. It was hard not to watch you in pain and cry. I was diagnosed at age 12 with Rheumatoid Arthritis and memories of what you were going though came back to me. I recently became involved with the local Arthritis Foundation helping others newly diagnosed. I went many years without knowing anyone else that was going through the same thing. I would love to share my story with you. brian.taylor@haubstadt.com
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through the same sitsuation. I am so glad to hear that you are helping others and helping them understand RA. I would love to hear your story. Please feel free to email me at brookeboulter@yahoo.com. Best of luck and God Bless.
Hi Brooke;
I am so glad to see that you are doing so well. I hope your recovery continues and may GOD Bless You. May you and your family find peace, congrats to Britney and her wedding and Bree-Ann and her baby (how’s he doing?)and most of all congrats to you on your recovery and may it continue and I like to know if I could maybe send you some flowers and words of encouragement?
Thank you so much for reading my blog. Yes my family and I are doing great now. Brittany now has had her first baby boy and is doing great. BreeAnn’s baby is doing great. Feel free to e-mail me anytime brookeboulter@yahoo.com. Thank you again.
Hi Brooke,
I just watched your show and decided to come on the internet to see if I could find a follow-up about you. I am so thrilled you are doing better. I cannot begin to imagine the struggles you face everyday. I commend you on taking it one day at a time…and working so hard. Congratulations, and know there are people all over the world rooting for you and praying for you.
Kerri
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Thank you for reading my blog. Did you know what you said “one day at a time” that is an addicts momo. We say that all the time. We live by that. Take one day at a time. Yes I still face struggles but I am doing so good. I have never felt better. Thank you so much. Take care.
Hey Brooke!!
You look soo beautiful!! You did before, but now you look healthy and beautiful! Just wanted to pop in here and leave a quick note…I think it’s GREAT you have a blog for people to correspond with you and check out your updates! You are inspiring people everyday and I think you are great! Keep up the continued great work and congrats on the wonderful recovery!!
:):):):)
You are so sweet to say such kind words. I am gald to hear that you enjoyed my blog. Have you read any of my other blogs?
Congrats Brooke on the wonderful progress!!! I watched your story on intervention and immediately ran to my computer to see how you have been. I think it is a wonderful thing you have done here, starting your blog. My mother has dealt with chronic pain now for 9 years and i know the toll it can take on the whole family unit but i am proud of you and your family for fighting this together. I believe that God is really using you right now to be beacon of hope to those who are in the same situation. I appreciate your courage to be so “exposed” on the show and to allow viewers to really see what addiction can do. Whenever you have a hard day, remember all of us are praying for you!
PS: You look so healthy and beautiful on your blog
Thank you so much for reading my blog. I am sorry to hear about your mother. You are so right. Addiction can take a huge toll on on the family. I had lost my family for a long time, I didn’t really lose them I pushed them away. When I got help, we all now have a great relationship. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers I need all I can get. God Bless
Hi Brooke,
My husband and I just finished watching your episode…so happy to find this blog and see how you were doing! You are such an inspiration!!! You look beautiful!!!
Good luck with the rest of your wonderful recovery!
Thank you for reading my blog. I hope that you enjoyed it. Have you read my other blogs?
Hi Brooke,
I have to say that you are not the problem or “the wrong” that happened in your family, you were everything that was considered “the right” that happened. I think there’s been something festering for generations even before you were born within your family, something very unhealthy: but, you were the jewel in the lineage, the only one who came out with hope of making it as a person and in life. However, you being surrounded by years of dysfunctional and unhealthy people with many insecurities, attack mode was targeted upon your strengths. Jealousy and envy of your siblings is just the surface things that are very obvious, not because of your medical condition though. Like I mentioned, you were the jewel with hope. You need to pull through even with this medical condition that you have. You have to start by getting out or getting through and beyond the oppression/mess that is surrounding you within your family. Surround yourself with people who feel good about themselves, who have self respect and good self esteem, who feel loved and can love unconditionally. They will help you by bringing that out in you, too. It’s in there already that’s why. People who have been unconditionally loved can help you; people who have felt and received the love of Christ Jesus.You just had too many people around you who suppressed that all the strengths and good in you because they did not feel that way about themselves or others. Right now you need to strengthen your strengths, that’s when you will rise above everything, you will also be able to help your family members rise above everything as well. You are not the problem, something else is even before you were born. I can tell you one thing, we all need love, it is what you need unconditionally. I know, I have been in your shoes in other ways. I just wished everyone loved me and I loved everyone, that we all loved each other. It is the cure for all things. I turned to God one day, God is love. He gave me love right upfront and unconditionally, He gave his Son to die for me so I wouldn’t. God is the only One who will strengthen your strengths, to deliver you out of oppression.
God bless you, Jesus loves you.
Kemi
Kemi,
I’m glad you’ve found “unconditional love” and all that but I’m confused on how the hateful things you said about her family is a shining example of that love. Now maybe you didn’t proof-read your blog before posting but you actually wrote that she was the only one in that family that had the hope of making it as a person and in life. Looked to me like they ALL had that “hope” instilled in them and they ALL succeeded as people and in life. I’m dumbfounded by the ignorance in your statements. Your words are rude and hateful and you are not to judge. Or didn’t you learn that? and something else you may not have learned, Jesus loves everyone, not just those you think deserve it.
God Bless
Hi Brooke,
I no wise words, nor do I have anything to add that people have not already said above. I just wanted you to know that I watched your story this morning (August 17th), and have been thinking about you all day. I was surprised to find this update, and it made me smile. You are beautiful, but most of all, you are human. You made a mistake that anyone could make, and look at you!! You are on your way to recovery, girl. Best wishes to you. I admire your family and friends for finally having the courage to help you get help. Keep strong! Love from Texas
I just want to thank you for your support and your words of encouragment. Best wishes.
Hey Brooke just want to say you look great. Are you single? maybe we can go out sometime.
Hi Brooke,
I watched your intervention and follow up show and I just wanted to send you my support. I too have RA and I don’t think anyone understands the disease unless they have it. I am 34 but most of the time feel like I am 84. You look beautiful and it was awesome to see you walk up the stairs like that. Take care of yourself and know that everyone is supporting you. love from chicago
I was just wondering how long have you been suffering from RA? Have you had any joints replaced? I have had both knees and my right shoulder replaced. I to feel like I am 84 years old. I am 28 years old and I have had RA since I was 18. Thank you so much for your support. If you ever need to talk about RA please feel free to email me.
hello, brooke
i’ve been watching the intervention shows and i could relate to your experience a lot,i’ve been reading that their was 2shows with u or something, i guess i missed one, i dont have RA, but i have chronic pain that spreads all over my body, i’m still withdrawling off of benzo’s, oxycontin and hydrocodone its been 36days and i still feel horrible, they won’t diagnose me until i recover from the benzo withdrawals, watching your video really helped me, and when you were intervened, i could feel your pain, like all us addicts and alcoholics, regular people can’t understand how are minds work,….i wish you the best of luck, i will pray 4u
I am so sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. I know how difficult it is to deal with chronic pain and to get off the narcotics. Have you ever tried suboxone? When I was getting off the narcotics I took suboxone and I didn’t have any withdrawls. It was a lot easier. You are right no one understands how the mind works of an addict unless they are an addict as well. I wish the best, and I will keep you in my prayers.
Hi Brooke,
I’ve watched your episode several times and I’m so glad you are doing well. You are a beautiful girl. I wish you continued success. Keep up the good work!
Lisa
PS I love your hair! LOL You have beautiful, curly hair. I also have curly hair and foolishly decided to cut it short. I hate it! Haaa. What kind of products do you use on your hair?
PSS Take care!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have never felt better. I am sorry to tell you that I have cut my hair to my shoulders and I have not wore it curly in a long time. But when I was wearing it curly I was using Bed Head (the curling kind) shampoo and condtioner. I also used that aussie spray. Good luck.
Hi Brooke, I watched your intervention and cried. I am glad to hear you are doing well. You are a bigger person than I am to forgive your family by how they treated you. (except your dad, he was really cool)
Thank you so much for reading my blog. Yes, I am doing so much better. On the intervention show they edited a lot of stuff to make my family look like they were bad people. But really my family are great loving people. They have always been there for me through my addiction. We have a wonderful relationship now. I hope to hear from you again. Have you read any of my other blogs?
I am glad that you enjoyed my intervention show. I didn’t have a reason to forgive my family. The show edited everything they said to make them sound bad. Some of the things they did not even say. Yes my father is a wonderful man, so is the rest of the family. Thank you for reading my blog. Take care.
You should give up smoking as well, Brooke. If you have the strength and determination to keep you going from the pain you suffer, you should have the same strength and determination to quit smoking because thats much too dangerous as well.
TB and Brooke,
I am against smoking too, but this is one step at a time for Brooke! She is allowed some bad habits.
Kudos to you Brooke for getting on the plan! I watched the eposide last night and I cannot understand what you were going through, you looked like you were in a lot of pain. I felt so sad for you and your family. I felt their love and commitment to you. I feel that your sisters wanted you there for them and they did what they had to do to protect themselves. I cried for you becuase they seem to mean a lot to you. I’m so proud of you Brooke!! Keep trucking on! Congratulations on your job at Bay Recovery! God Bless Dr. Rand!
Hi Brooke,
When I saw your episode on intervention, I knew EXACTLY how you felt and what you were going through. Especially the part where you had a hard time stepping off the curb. I sat and cried during that part because that has been me so many times. I was diagnosed with arthritis at age 25 and have had it now for more than 10 years. Sometimes I feel like no one really understands the pain and how hard it is to do simple tasks. It’s so hard to deal with the CONSTANT pain. I’m taking pain meds and prednisone as well as Humira and methotrexate. I’ve tried almost everything there is. So far I haven’t had much luck except for the prednisone and that has made me gain all kinds of weight. It has also made my bones very weak and I broke my pelvis. Anyway, I would like to say that you are an inspration to me. I don’t feel so alone in dealing with all the pain. I hope things continue to get better for you.
Kelly
I am 25 years old and was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago. Ive been sober for nearly 11 months. Our stories are very similar. I find it diffult to cry but your episode opened the flood gates. I can relate to a lot of the things that you went through. I wish you the best. God Bless.
Brook! I hope you are doing well. I think about you a lot and commend you for your courage and bravery. I hope you don’t mind me asking but I started getting ill when I was 26 and now I’m 31. I have over 5 different auto immune diseases plus fibromyalgia and constant dizziness and severe joint pain all the time. It’s so hard to deal with, every year gets worse and I’ve been to so many Doctors, so many tests. What are you doing to control the pain now? So glad to see your recent responses here on your blog. Don’t worry about responding to this post right away as I know how hard it is to answer when you’re having a bad flare day or many, many bad flare days.
Sending Hugs and God Bless you,
Bon
I’m so happy for you…I often watch Intervention but your story broke my heart into pieces…..happy to hear you are all doing well..god bless
Hey Brooke, Your story is very inspiring.. I am 26 years old and i to have Rheumatoid arthritis.. Mine started to occur around 2 years ago and i am currently living in agony.. Along with the Ra i currently have 6 bulging discs and 2 herniated discs. Pain is a issue everyday of my life, It inspires me that you are doing so well and that gives me hope that i will be Ok… My family has never understood the pain that i go through, but after making them watch your show they started to understand more about how bad my Ra can get and that it does cause severe pain. Anyways, i hope you are doing really well brooke, Love always
Ricky G
Hi there, I’ve just watched the episode and wanted to say congratulations. You had a beautiful little dog in the show, I hope he/she is still helping you and you’re able to be a better pet-mama now. Best of luck.
My heart goes out to you for having to deal with all of the pain you have for so long. Your story has touched me more than any others. I can’t say that I can relate but I understand a little more about addictions to “legal” prescription drugs. I, as a mother have never had sympathy for anyone that has addictions however the show has made me see more of why people have them. Keep standing up for yourself and helping others. You are an extremely beautiful woman that seems to have so much to live for. ;o)
Thank you so much Brooke!
Sincerely,
Vanessa
hi brooke, i just watched the show here in australia, and let me tell you a river of tears came from me and my friends on the couch, we think your fantastic, have you ever been to an herbalist? they know there stuff believe me ive seen miracles with them…god bless
You’re gorgous! I don’t think the show made your family look bad at all, just worried. and I’m glad to know you’re doing good. I wasn’t sure what to write, but wanted to let you know theres another person in this world that’s very proud of you
keep it up! oh and also you have an amazing smile! congrats Brooke!
Brooke, I’m watching your show now on A&E and I just wanted to give you a shout out. I, too, live with debilitating pain but chose to get off all my meds – it’s been a year – I have Fibromyalgia and Depression – I’m probably going to have to go back onto some drugs that might help. I’m very concerned about you and want to know how you’re doing in this new year of 2010. I live in Nashville but get to OKC and OK quite often and hope you are coping better. I must say I’m very disturbed at how your sister and mother appear to have treated you. Their words were like swords. Your father is very compassionate and I really think he’s amazing. I pray all is well with you. Your story hits home with me very much. I lost pretty much all my family years ago in a home fire..however, since I have been in pain for so long after their deaths – the rest of my family could care less…so it’s pretty much me alone, but I have great friends that I’ve chosen…:) I hope the best for you and would love to find out how you are doing now. Take care of yourself, because you’re a very sweet and beautiful girl. God bless you. ~Lisa
I just happened to be flipping through the channels, and came across your show. I was touched by your story and had to research how you were doing. You look amazing now.I am so happy to hear and see how well you are doing. I hope you stay on the right path, as it will take you much farther. Good luck to you.
Brooke, I just watched your episode of Intervention. I normally only casually flip through for a few minutes of the show. Because you were from the Tulsa area it immediately got my attention. I to am from the Tulsa are, grew up in Cleveland,OK and you and your family just look so familiar. Did you grow up in Ft.Gibson? Anyway, your show was very touching, I was saddened by someone so young having to deal with such constant pain. I am so glad you are doing well, you look and sound so much better. I wish you continued good luck in your recovery as well as your pain issues.
Good Luck,
Brock
Congratulations on getting your life back on track! I just watched your episode air an hour or so ago. You look like a completely different person in your video than you did on the Intervention episode– you can see the vibrance that you have regained in your face. Please continue to stay strong and sober!
Brooke,
Every time I see an “Intervention” episode that deals with chronic pain I cringe, because I myself suffer and take a *lot* of narcotics. I’ve never had an issue with addiction or abuse, but my family and friends kind of look at me with a “taboo” opinion because I take pills. I have a medical background and I’m an expert on pain medicine. However, Intervention always shows that those with pain on the show are indeed addicts. Watching you nod off like a heroin addict is proof enough.
I’m glad you’re doing well. If you have RA I hope you’re taking a TNF alpha-inhibitor (Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, etc) along with NSAIDs. Hopefully this will help manage your pain. Try to keep in mind it was always be managed and never gone. It took me a long time to come to terms with this.
Best of luck.
Hi Brooke. I am watching Intervention right now. i have seen your story the first time it aired but this second time your story has really touched me in a variety of ways.
I feel pretty emotional right now as i write. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Its a very real and painful condition. The problem is, it doesnt seem real to anyone else who is close to me. I am a hairstylist and have had to stop doing the work because of my pain. I have yet to see if i have arthritis. I havent wanted to know. Everything is so overwhelming to me. I cant concentrate, eat much or get alot done. And sleep. Whats that???
I try not to take meds.Im so afraid i could become addicted.
Thankyou for sharing your story. I know there is hope. God bless, Marcela
Hi Brooke- I just watched the re-run of your intervention, and I was really pullin for you the whole time…I’m glad you went thru the whole recovery- and you look amazing! More like your twin now, then on the episode!!!
Have a Great Night!!!
Hi Brooke, I just watched your story for the first time and as I too have never followed up on any other story but was touched by yours and wanted to see how you were doing. Even though your addiction was different, my Dad has suffered from alcoholism and even though we made him stop by cutting off his supply after a extended medical hospital stay, it took its toll on his health and he has had several strokes as a result and has not enjoyed a quality of life for the last 20 years. Tomorrow we will celebrate his birthday but I don’t know if he will be here next year to celebrate. I have just recently got into this show because of him and wish that we could have given him this help years ago. He could have had a very different life.
You do have a second chance at life and I am glad to see that you are doing well and wish you a very happy and healthy life and may you continue on your path to a wonderful life. You are blessed because you have parents that love you very very much and that is something you will value very much as life goes on. You are a beautiful woman and may you also find a new man to love in CA because you deserve it.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Brooke,
I watched your intervention yesterday for the first time. I was so touched by your story and the love you and your family have for each other. I was in tears the whole time! You are such an inspiration to so many people. I am happy to see that you are still doing well! I wish you all the best with your life!!! Thank you for sharing your story with the world!
Hi Brooke,
I just wanted to thank you for doing this blog. I saw your Intervention episode and couldn’t sleep that night because I couldn’t stop thinking about you and your family all night. I felt so much emotion and love between all of you and I was really hoping that you were all ok now. I can’t imagine living with pain like that.
I think you are SO brave for agreeing to go to treatment and I am really proud of you for doing so well in your recovery. Someone said once that you can either be a good example for people or a terrible warning…you are such a good example and you should be very proud of yourself!
If you can kick your addiction and live a good life even with chronic pain, then those of us without chronic pain should certainly be able to do it too! Thank you!
Hi Kathy,
I am glad that you enjoyed the show. Thank you for the words of encouragement. My family and I are doing fantastic. I am doing great now. I am almost pain free since I have had my knees and shoulder replaced.
Thanks,
Brooke
Brooke,
You are such a strong young woman. I felt so heartbroken for you to have to endure such pain at such a young age. I must admit, I was soooo angry at your mother and sisters. I guess words taken out of context can provide you with the wrong assumptions.
You and your family will be in my prayers. Good luck to you.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, a lot of things were taken out of context on the show. My sisters and my mother are the most kind and loving people. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I can never get enough of those.
God bless,
Brooke
Brooke,
I saw your episode of Intervention for the first time over the past weekend. I was so moved by your loving family and was so glad that you took the option of intervention, that I had to google you to see how you are doing today. You are such an inspiration…. Don’t ever give up!!
Thanks Susan for the wonderful comment. Yes, I am doing great, never felt better.
Take care,
Brooke
I just recently saw your intervention! Your story is amazing! You are a beautiful woman!
Thanks Cory. I am glad you enjoyed the show.
Take care,
Brooke
HEY BROOKE,I JUST SAW YOUR INTERVENTION; I MUST SAY THAT I FEEL YOUR PAIN. I TOO SUFFER FROM PAIN FROM RA MUCH LIKE YOU, AND MY DOCTOR DID THE SAME THING AND PUT ME ON A NUMBER OF NARC. MEDS. I TOO BECAME AN ADDICT OF HABIT. ONCE PEOPLE SAW ME GOING OFF TO HOOT-IN-VILL THERE UNDERSTANDING OF MY PAIN WENT OUT THE WINDOW. I MYSELF PUT MYSELF THROUGH THE SALVATION ARMY REHAB FOR SIX MONTHS. THOUGH AT TIMES IT WAS TOUGH I FOUND IT TO BE VERY HELPFULL. I AM ABLE TO NOW CONTROL MY PAIN WITH THE RIGHT MEDS. AND AM STARTING TO WORK AT THE SALVATION ARMY IN ANAHEIM AS THE SUPERVISOR RES. MANAGER. IF ANYONE HAS ANYQUESTIONS FOR ME FEEL FREE TO DROP ME A LINE DDUFFMAN4@AOL.COM
Hello Doug,
I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering from RA. Sounds like we are in the same shoes. It is great to hear from someone that understands. That is great that you are able to control your pain with the correct meds. Good luck and take care.
Brooke
Hey,Brooke!
I just watched your episode of “Intervention” yesterday. Oh my gosh, the crazy feelings and situation you were in must have been so painful! And then having your family not understand what you were going through would have made it four times as hard.
I’m glad recovery is going well! I have a couple of questions.
I don’t know how this RA stuff works but, it sounds like they aren’t sure whether you have Lyme’s disease. Have they ever tried treating you for it? I don’t know what that entails.
Also, How is life apart from pain management? Do you feel like you have friends in Southern California? Like you can get out and do things and spend time with people doing things apart from just trying to manage pain? How’s that going?
Anyway, your episode of Intervention was incredibly touching and I’m so glad to hear things are going so much better!
Elisabeth
Hello Elisabeth,
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the show. Yes I was treated for Lymes Disease and I also had three more tests done and they were all negative. My life is going great right now. I am working for Bay Recovery which is the same recovery center that I went to. I have many friends in California. I love going out with them. Thanks again for writing. Take care.
Brooke
Hi, Brooke i’ve seen your intervention a couple of times its my favorite your story gives me hope i too suffer from RA and am addicted to pain killers as a result. I was wondering if you could give me any advise as to treatment? I have no medical insurance and not so good credit. I feel like i am out of options and running out of hope as well. Keep fighting the good fight.
Kelley from AL
Hello Kelly,
I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from RA and addiction. I would love to talk to you and hear your story. What saved my life from addiction and chronic pain is Bay Recovery. Dr. Jerry Rand is a miracle worker. He slowly got me off the narcotics and switched my medication to suboxone. He also put me on other medications to control the RA. I have not had a flare up in my disease since I started seeing him. Which was almost 3 years ago. I don’t know how bad your RA is but another thing that helped me is I got both of my knees and my shoulder replaced. Now I am able to walk again. You should check out our website. http://www.bayrecovery.com Whatever you do is don’t give up hope. I have been there. There was hope for me when I was at my lowest. There is still hope for you. Keep your head up and I will keep you in my prayers. You can also email me at brookeb@bayrecovery.com if you need more advise. I hope it helps.
God bless,
Brooke
Hey Brooke,
So I never do this- respond to blogs, etc. – but I wanted to tell you how amazing you are for sharing your story and being vulnerable to your audience… the world is listening.
You have a compassionate heart and though you are suffering daily you have shown perseverance. God is good! Thanks for sharing your story. I’m praying for you. God Bless- Take Care.
Mindy
Hi Brooke,
You are awesome. Just curious what treatments you are using to control your RA. I understand the pain management for you has been miraculous with suboxone, I am more interested on how your disease is being kept in check. I also have been diagnosed with a related autoimmune disease, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), your plight with pain brought tears to my eyes because I can relate. I don’t yet have too much damage to my joints so I am looking to slow or halt this disease as much as possible, safely. Some these drugs and treatments are terrifying to me and would like to know from you first-hand what is working for you and if there have been any setbacks with your disease management.
Many Blessings,
Rod
Brooke, Your story touched me. I hardly ever do this kind of thing, but please write, I would like to have a discourse. Either way, I wish you blessings, and all the happiness you deserve.
Hello Brooke,
I am so glad to see that you are in the process of getting better. I have family that has been dealing with RA, so I have an understanding of what you were going thru. I have watched many episodes of Intervention, yours however was very tuching to me. I think I was as thrilled as your family when at the intervention you agreed to get help. I hope you have much continued success.
Dear Brooke ~
This is the 1st time I’ve simply had to have an update on a person I saw on television. Your story broke my heart beyond belief and I cried seeing you suffer. I felt like I knew you…maybe because I know what it’s like to suffer and not know what’s wrong. (I’m better now…and getting better everyday)
I admire your courage more than you’ll ever know. MANY would have given up long before you did…you just kept trudging forward, like a wounded soldier.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always for continued and complete recovery on all levels.
Thank you for being an incredible, beautiful, and courageous example of the human spirit!!!
With much love from Rhode Island,
Rhonda
Hi Brooke, I just wanted you to know how close your story hit to home. I have ulcerative colitis, which is also a chronic disease where your body tears holes in your colon. In fact, I have infusions of Remicade every 8 weeks and this medicine is also used to treat RA. But when I was first diagnosed, and before I went on the Remicade, I was simply treated with pain medicine and severely ineffective drugs when I was in indescribable pain. I became used to the pain medicine because without it, a person with a painful chronic disease feels absolutely powerless, like your disease has swallowed up your life and happiness. Although I never abused the dose of my medication, it was difficult to adjust once my doctors stopped prescribing it to me after my improvement on Remicade and the adverse effects narcotics have on stomach functions. Thankfully (for the most part) all the people in my life supported me throughout the disease both on and off the pain medication. They saw my face and understood I had to do what I had to do, and what the doctors allowed me to do. I cannot even imagine being in an environment where this realization is not reached. It made me cry so hard because when you have chronic pain sometimes pain meds feel like a life-line. I wished I could have been there to sympathize with you, like people sympathized with me, which made all the difference in my life.
Courtney
I am sorry the video was manipulated to show your family in a negative light. That was really wrong of the Intervention program and I’m sure it’s been hard on all of you.
The documentary was truly inspiring. I think we sometimes forget how debilitating chronic pain is. I hope you and your family all find peace, and you find some relief from RA.
Everyone I know in the Lyme community is so very proud of you. I completely understand your struggle. And as for me am working to make sure I do not end up in your shoes. Seeing your show really helped me understand how serious I need to take managing my medication while going through my own Lyme struggle.
Brooke, You rock. You were very brave all those years without the proper diagnosis, you were brave to do the show and you are brave in the way you continue on.
Thank you so much, Brooke.
Hi Brooke,
I just watched the follow up episode with you on Intervention are are happy you were able to finally get with a good doctor at Bay. When you mentioned in the episode you were on a non-addictive pain med I wondered if it was suboxone: I am a mx back surgery patient (3), who got hooked on vicodon after my third surgery and understand exactly the risks of pain meds for people who are suffering from true physical pain (although not near as bad as RA I’m sure). I went to rehab after my 3rd passout and found a doctor who was able to switch me to this medicine, and I think it is a wonderful alternative–although it needs to be tapered, it is much safer than traditional opiates and I still get a measure of daily pain relief that makes the chronic pain tolerable. Can you share what medicines worked for you so far for safe, medically supervised pain relief? Again, I wish the best for you and thanks for being brave and sharing your story on television and the net. Stay well and remember one day at a time.
My whole family watch your invention and they are very proud of you. My mother has the samething you had and she have to take pain meds everynight and day. She is trying to find a different meds because she still can feel pain. You hang in there and take care brooke and we are praying for you.
Suzanne, Tahlequah,ok
That a girl Brooke!!!
Hi Brooke, I just watched a reshowing of your follow-up show and was wondering how you are doing. You’re story has struck a chord with me. I hope you are doing well. My family is going through a similar situation with my father. His drinking has become habitual and he says he drinks to rid his body of his arthritic joint pain.
i JUST watched your show…but is your father co-dependent. I hope he does not kill you!! They sure need to give you “tough love.” You need to stop using your pain as an excuse to use. There are a lot of people in the world with your type of pain or worse that do NOT use narcotics for relief of their pain! If you use it call it want it is … for you its drug abuse! I hope for your sake that you fine some people that do not buy into your self pity and excuses to continue to use your drug of choice. You saying you have to be on pain meds for the rest of your life …is NOT true! And dad stop it!
It is a shame you are not doing much blogging anymore. I finally found your blog after watching your story on intervention a little over a year ago.
I too suffer from severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and diagnosed at 21 yrs old. My grandmother had severe RA and later my mother was diagnosed with Lupus. So, when I woke up one morning and could not move my shoulder or my arm over my head the thought of RA crossed my mind. A few weeks later, I could not move my wrist and stayed awake crying. I went to the doctor and they confirmed that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I am 39 and today I have Rheumatoid Arthritis in every joint and possibly Scleroderma. My mother passed away 4 years ago because of complications with her lupus. I recently I lost my grandmother who was in wheelchair and unable to walk because of Rheumatoid and she too was prescribed Oxycontin and Vicodin. Sadly, my grandmother did not even realize she was addicted until she completely stopped taking these drugs and suffered severe side effects. It took her a week to figure out it was the drugs her doctor prescribed to her for many years were these heroin type withdrawals. She had never taken a narcotic or illegal drug in her life and never warned about the physical addiction. She had to be placed on them again because she was too old for rehab.
I am happy you found the proper medications because these drugs were given to my grandmother a last resort and she died of the drugs long-term side effects.
Pharmaceutical companies fail to mention Oxycontin was originally prescribed to terminal ill patients. The addiction is not a concern for a dying person. Nevertheless, terminal patients take this drug for a short period before they pass away.
I am certain most will argue with me, but in my opinion, these pharmaceutical companies broaden their clientele in order to make a huge billion dollar profit by targeting people who suffer from any kind of pain. It is a fact; Oxycontin causes pain to become worse over time and does not stop the progression of RA or any other autoimmune disease. This was the best video i have found on the internet concerning pharmaceutical companies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AazObF_pHSU&feature=channel
I am not against the pharmaceutical companies completely, because I have to take drugs myself or I would not be able to walk or function in life.
Saw your episode and had to know how you were doing. I hope the lack of updates indicate you have moved on with your life.
Way to go Brooke. You are a beautiful person.
CC
San Jose, CA
Hello Brooke:
Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis cost me my career as a classical musician. My career ended when these diseases started and i was introduced to the world of chronic pain, in which i have lived for thirty-five years.
Fortunately, i found a competent Rheumatologist who wouldn’t permit me to become addicted to pain medication. I still do daily rehab exercises and therapy to cope with the physical pain, but nothing i have found has helped me cope with the emotional and spiritual pain of losing the only thing i ever wanted to be – a musician.
It’s difficult to explain this feeling of terrible loss to people who just have jobs. What i lost is something that i loved, and which consumed every part of my being. Being a classical musician is a calling, similar to that of a priest or nun. It’s total commitment and surrender to your art, which brings you to full self-actualization. The loss at times is just overwhelming.
Anyhow, i saw your episode tonight and it was amazing. I don’t think i’ve ever felt that kind of empathy for anyone that i felt for you. Your emotions in the intervention brought back the fear and dread i felt decades ago when i lost music forever.
I wanted to wish you the best of luck and God’s speed.
-Tom
WOW! Is all I can say! I don’t really watch tv but tonight I caught your intervention! I’m sure it was a re-run! Lol I’m always a “day” or so behind! Seeing you struggle, heart broken, hurting, dependent, left out of family milestones made me heartbroken. Sometime the coldness of your family made me MAD! I teach 7th and 8th grade Special Education (Autism) and I guess that my heart and mind will always see the good and possibility in people who struggle with uncontrollable illnesses. I wanted to reach through the tv and hug you and tell you that you can and you will get better one day at a time. I tell parents everyday that each day is a new day and tomorrow WILL be better. No matter how bad or difficult it may be, grab the positive and hold on tight because that little bit of positive will take you for an awesome ride. You are truly amazing! Here is your hug (*)! Look me up on Facebook by my email address. I’d love to learn from you and your success! Dana Morrow, College Station, TX
I watch every intervention. I love the show. I have never been as angry at the family members of the addict as I was with your family. When your sister had the baby and you were waiting for a call which u never got and then you called your mom and u asked if your sister was still in labor,the way your mom responded killed me, it broke my heart. And your sister who got married, I have nothing good at all to say about her. I hope u continue doing well, with of without the support of your awful family.
i totally hope u are good..
I just saw the episode and I can’t stop crying, u r now my hero girl u made me realize how much a person can be strong to over come anything and how important family can be.. Pleas please keep us posted on ur amezing life belive me we need u… Thank u thank u thank u
I can’t stop crying.. U r the most amezing women. Strong, u r my hero wow girl.. Please keep us posted on ur amezing life,, please please trust me WE need U.
Brooke,
You are such a beauty. Your episode of Intervention aired again today, and even though I had already seen it, I was deeply moved. I am happy that I found your blog and videos and just want to say that it is great to know that you have managed to overcome so many difficult things that have befallen you and are doing so well. Watching you on the show, I just kept wishing I could give you a hug or something… it would have been difficult to watch if it weren’t for the need you instilled in me to root for you. You are a beauty inside and out and I am so glad that you have been taking care of yourself. Keep it up and good luck with whatever is next for you!
Brooke
I just wanted to let you know I watched the show last night and was deeply touched by you and your family. It made me want to get on a plane and come support you and your family. I will keep praying for you and your family. Maybe we can be friends on facebook.
Hi Brooke:
I saw the Intervention episode for the first time last night. I have thought about it all day. My heart went out to you. I admired your desire to try hard under the most difficult circumstances. I wish you nothing but relief from your pain and an ever improving quality of life.
Hey Brooke,
I just saw your episode on A&E. What a brave girl you are. I have frieds that have had joints replaced and tried to live with the pain. I pray they will continue to search for help in this terrible disease. Which is interesting point. I was looking for something and saw a lady named Lisa Bevill, who is a christian recording artist who suffers from lyme disease, don’t know if you have heard of her, but she has a song on you tube called Until the healing comes. Maybe coincidence but since I have come across both of you in the last week just thought I would share. I hope and pray you continue to do well.
hi brooke,
saw you on intervention and you are amazing for your courage and strength, as well as for your forgiveness towards your family, especially your mom and sister who to me seemed so closed off emotionally to your pain. i hope and pray things are alot better now for all of you; i will try and show the same forgiveness to my own family members who, perhaps through no real fault of their own, fell far short of having a healthy relationship with me. i also pray that you are adjusting well to life in cali and continue to get the support of dr. rand. you have the support of thousands who only know you from tv, but that counts too!
take care
demetra
Your Intervention episode was very emotional, and very real. It made me cry.
But I just have to ask how you found it in your heart to forgive your mother and sisters. They did some pretty horrible and cruel things to you on the show (said you were embarrassing, hung up on you after your nephew was born, kicked you out of the wedding, judged you for having a chronic illness and being addicted to painkillers). Everyone I watched it with was pretty disgusted, especially at your twin sister. Did you guys go through more counseling?
I applaud you for being the bigger (and better) person.
Brooke, I also live with chronic pain, and I just want to say that you’re an inspiration. You look beautiful, and I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well. Keep up the great work.
Hi Brooke,
I was diagnosed with RA shortly after I moved to America. Evidently I’ve had it since I was 13, but I didn’t have access to a good medical system until I moved here, so it went untreated for 7 years.
I am on a regimen of prescribed painkillers and I think I may be addicted now. When I don’t take them I go into severe withdrawal and I can’t get out of bed. I was wondering how you dealt with the withdrawal and what medications they have you on instead – I feel like I’ve been on every drug under the sun.
Hi brooke,
I just wanted to share that ive watched many intervention episodes and never before have I shed a tear until I watched your story. Im not very emotional towards alot of things and it takes alot but I was so heart broken when you were absolutely fine and looked beautiful on your sister wedding day. I felt for you so much I just wanted to give you a big hug:) Im going through alot right now w/ my family and I just hope the best for you and yours.
Hey Brooke! As David’s sister, and a neighbor to you for awhile, I was so blessed to have you be apart of my life and to have gotten to know you. I am sooooo happy for you!! You are such a brave and beautiful woman. My family prayed for you constantly. You really are beautiful inside and out. Carlye and Taylor are growing like weeds:) WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!! Love you Brooke, –Amber Shannon
Brooke-
I too had a childhood illness and my sister (my only sister) felt very slighted by the attention I received. She may have thought some things that were expressed by your sisters but she never ever said them. Although we are all human and make mistakes, please don’t make excuses for their behaviour. Your sisters were horrific to you!! There is no amount of editing that could excuse things your sister to be married said. Period.
However, I do understand that you want to move past that and not focus on it. I have a brother (one of ten) who is mentally ill and needs intervention. I know how family dynamics work and as much as I resent what he’s put my parents through, I could never act like your sisters did.
Your father is truly amazing as are you.
Hi there! I was one of the people that, too, watched your Intervention (and I have seen it each time it has aired as reruns). I watched because I am also a recovering addict to pain medication. Brooke, I was taking 15 Oxycodone 10′s, 3 times a day; and had OxyContin 20′s as well. I did end up retaining the drugs off the street eventually. I was taking over 200 mg of Morphine, as well as taking 20 mg of Dilaudid. Gosh I was so sick. See, I was diagnosed with 6 different spinal diseases, in which I have 3 different fractures in my spine AND broke my neck. Thank the Good Lord that it was a stable fractue because I already had neck surgery, and the fracture was where I had it done. I was diagnosed with SLE (Lupus), Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Fibromyalgia. UGH. Need I go on? So, at the end, when I was taking the 15 pills at one time (not in one day, but all at once 3 times a day)I decided that since I was going through serious withdrawals, I wanted to end it once and for all. So I took 30 Lyrica and 15 Cymbalta 60mg each. I about lost my life, which at that time, would not have been so bad. I figured that I was such a burden on my mother, husband and my 3 children. I was also not mentally stable. I also have Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. I was abused by my step father. Gosh I could go on for a long time. But I really dont know if you check this anymore, since the last post was in March of 09. I want to tell you the story of my recovery. I have gone through a lot of what you have. I think that you and I could be a great team of support. I am on my way to being a Peer Councilor. That SHOULD happen in Sept. I hope I am well enough to get the certification for the state of Washington. Anyhow, please email me. I would love to chat with you. I have a great deal of respect for you, since you have dealt with a LOT of the same issues (even right down to ER visits and Dr.s telling me I was a drug seeker and Dr. shopper–to tell you the truth, I was, but at the time, they just did not understand what I was going through). So girl, we need to connect soon so we can chat. Thanks for reading, Brooke. Sincerely Your Friend, Rhonda Nelson
OOOPS. I read the last post again, and it I did see that its posted this year, so my bad!!!
I really don’t understand all this talk about Suboxone being the answer to everyone’s prayers. Suboxone itself is a very powerful narcotic. It has a component in it so that if you do take other drugs on top of that, you won’t get high or as high i should say, but it shouldn’t be referred to as a nonnarcotic med, because it simply isn’t true.
Don’t get me wrong. When i detoxed, i took suboxone, but over a four day period. You aren’t meant to take it for longer than that or otherwise risk addiction to the suboxone itself.
I sympathize with your situation. I also suffer from chronic pain- that’s how i got hooked on the pain meds- and i have been clean of everything for six months, but i want to see you succeed. Be careful with the suboxone. I have seen a lot of people relapse because they stayed on it.
Thanks for you feedback. I use both the support of my doctor and other professionals. I believe the pain relief garnered from the medication is worth it. Congratulations on your 6 months of clean time!
BTW, I would be dead if not for suboxone…so that’s why all the fuss over it from me!
All my best Brooke
Brooke,
I have recently become a fan of intervention having watched several episodes, including yours. Although I do not know you personally I have been through something similar and wanted to say that I am very proud of you and what you have been through. Please keep up the amazing life you have and remember you have many people who care for you. Big smiles.
Darren
Brooke,
I’m so proud of you!! After watching your episode, I was touched to perform a mini-intervention on a friend who had been battling heroin addiction for over 25 years. I was a bit nervous because I’ve never touched those types of drugs, so I didn’t think he would feel that I could relate to his suffering. I feared he would just ignore me.
It turns out that in 25 years, NO ONE has ever offered him help for his addiction. He cried, and agreed to go to rehab!!! He has been there for just a few days now and is in detox still. I spoke to his councilor this morning who told me that he is doing just great, and that he WANTS to be clean and have his life back.
Thank you SO MUCH for giving me the courage to ask him to get help. You are amazing and I’m so glad you chose to share your story with the world.
-Geo Vaughn
They don’t relapse from taking suboxone, they relapse b/c they are ADDICTS… I have taken that medicine for 6 years or so, and have been otherwise opiate free since. I can’t stop it b/c I also have chronic pain. An addict with chronic pain – I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy!
thank you very much brooke,i really enjoyed your story.im struggling with an addiction myself.i found your story to be very inspirational.congratulations on your sobriety.
bradley,17
arizona
that’s kind of an oxymoron- you aren’t opiate free if you are taking suboxone- suboxone is an opiate.
and i feel your pain- i have severe chronic pain myself and i am an addict as well. And when my doctors told me that the opiates were intensifying my pain- i told them they were being jerks and that they just didn’t understand how much pain i was actually in, but after being off of all pain meds- suboxone included- i have to admit that they are right.
Have you tried anything like physical therapy or toradol?
Hi Brooke. I have seen your show last week and couldnt hold my tears. Thank you for been alive and bless you on the years ahead. My brother is leaving rehab and I not quite sure how to react when hes back. I just watched intervention here in Brazil about Ryan Lawrence, and that was hard to see and when I got to know that he’s past away, the shock was also big. Thanks again, you are very beautiful girl and when i saw the show I was quite in love with you!!! even tough i have a 4 year relationship. This are just words of joy. All the best.
Rodrigo
Brooke,
I have to say that your story is turley touching. While “Intervention” sheds light on drug use and addiction I truely admire you for your story. Most people don’t wake up in the physical pain that would require multiple medications just to begin your day. Pain medication is one of the most addictive drugs there is and people become addicted while never being perscribed the drug for what it’s intended. I’m sure ther are many things not shown on the show however, I hope you can forgive your family for the manner in which they addressed your addiction. You are a strong amzing person. I can only imagine the strength you had to muster to not only go to rehab for addiction but the pain you endured due to your inlness. I hope you understand the platform you have given to others in your position to sucsceed.
Love,
John & Ricky
Brooke, please take the time to read the link below.
http://brendanwolters.blogspot.com/2010/12/chicago-tribune-twisting-truth_19.html
Judging by your symptoms and your positive diagnosis for Lyme disease it is pretty clear you are suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease.
My sister suffered from Chronic Lyme and it took five years of antibiotic treatment for her to recover. Many doctors do not know how to treat chronic lyme and there is currently great debate among the medical community regarding whether or not Chronic Lyme exists. Having seen my sister battle the disease I can garuantee it does. It was very hard on our family to see my sister dealing with so much pain and I can sympathize with what your family is dealing with.
In my opinion you should be on long term antibiotics to combat the disease. I reccomend going to a Lyme literate doctor