Aspartame Case History
Name: DJ;
City: Turlock;
Age: 45;
Gender: Male;
Aspartame Usage: Not any more;
Comments: After reading your stories, I felt I had to write and tell you about my wife, Theresa. In and around June 2004, she began having pains in her body that our doctor said were most likely arthritis, and he sent us to a rheumatologist for tests. He confirmed that she had arthritis, and that she should quit work and just try to make herself feel better. On a return doctor’s visit, my wife made a reference to getting a second opinion, and the rheumatologist told her that if she didn’t believe him, maybe she should get a second opinion.
After talking to our family doctor, he got us an appointment at UC San Francisco in January 2005. We were glad to go, and we thought we could get a real answer as opposed to the first rheumatologist’s visit. Indeed, this rheumatologist told her that she did not have arthritis, but did not know what she did have wrong with her. After 3 more visits for tests, they told us that sometimes symptoms show up but their tests don’t confirm it, and that arthritis might take a few years to finally show positive on their tests. Now discouraged again, and still in a lot of pain, we went home with no logical answers.
After months of continued pain, a friend sent us one of your articles on the effects of aspartame and arthritis. At the end of June 2005, Theresa stopped using anything with aspartame, and by the 4th of July, she was playing volleyball at a July 4th party.
I believe that this letter, and Theresa’s faith, brought us to this happy ending, although it took until about November 2005 for her to fully recover. She now is back to work, and aspartame-free.
Thank you for helping us get our life back.
Reply From Dr. Hull
Dear DJ,
I’m so glad you wrote to share your wife’s experiences (and your’s too, since you supported her through all of this!) We hear from many people sharing their negative health reactions caused by aspartame, and we are always so elated to hear the positive stories.
Unfortunately, your experience is not uncommon. Inexcusably, too few medical doctors are aware of the problems associated with artificial sweeteners, but will not touch this topic with a barge pole; most medical schools only require a cursory course in nutrition, and the AMA has encouraged their members to avoid addressing this very litigious issue.
I’m so glad that you solved the problem, and that your wife is doing so well after all this time. You also have a very good friend who cared enough to help you both.
I would love to share your story with others.
My best in health to you both.
