We’ve been using enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) at the Whitaker Wellness Institute for 20 years. And for good reason. This noninvasive therapy—often referred to as a “natural bypass“—has saved thousands of patients from unnecessary heart surgeries, alleviated countless cases of chest pain and other symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease, and been an integral part of restoring health and vitality to people with a wide variety of health concerns. In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at how EECP benefits patients with two common conditions: heart disease and diabetic neuropathy.
EECP: A Noninvasive Option to Conventional Cardiology
Symptomatic cardiovascular disease is a serious condition that must be addressed. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the minefield of conventional cardiology. But as Mary Morton’s story illustrates, there are safe, effective options.
“Two years ago, I had a very scary episode of shortness of breath and pain in my chest, back, arms, neck, and jaw. The symptoms continued during the next few days, though not as severe. I know Dr. Whitaker, so the first clinic I consulted was Whitaker Wellness. I was recommended to begin a course of EECP as soon as possible, so I went home to make arrangements.
“Meanwhile, at a friend’s suggestion, I got a second opinion. This doctor sent me to a well-regarded cardiologist, who did a stress test and told me I would have a major heart attack within 30 days. He wanted to put me on two prescription drugs and admit me for surgery that day. He later called to say he had misread the results. I did not need surgery but should follow up with my Kaiser doctor.
“A week later, I suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy, so I went to see my GP at Kaiser. This physician referred me to another cardiologist, who also determined that I needed an angiogram immediately. I asked about EECP, but he said it was for ‘last resort’ patients and could be prescribed only after bypass surgery, which was not true.
“At that point, I did what I should have done in the first place. I went back to Whitaker Wellness to reap the benefits of EECP and other treatments (hyperbaric oxygen, chelation, acupuncture, supplements, and lifestyle changes). The transformation has been extraordinary. During the worst of my symptoms, I could not walk more than 50 feet. Just two months after I left the clinic, I was walking two to four miles a day, kayaking—and taking no drugs.”
EECP Helped Holly Get “Back in the Saddle Again”
Some situations aren’t as extreme as Mary’s. But the benefits of EECP are just as important for helping our patients feel better and get back to doing the things they love. Take Holly’s story, for example.
“My heart problems made it impossible for me to take care of the animals on our farm, and my husband and I had to sell everything. After our visit to Whitaker Wellness, where I was treated with EECP, IVs, acupuncture, and APAP for sleep apnea, I am back in the saddle again. I am now able to do my farm chores without huffing and puffing and stopping every five minutes to catch my breath. I can also tend to my animals again, including goats and chickens given to me by our neighbor.
“My blood pressure was 180/98 when I arrived at your clinic, and when I left it was 132/60. Your wonderful staff worked with us to stay within our budget, and we really appreciated all the kindness, professionalism, and respect they displayed with us and all of the patients.” — Holly Strickland, Owen, WI
EECP Benefits Diabetic Neuropathy
Though EECP is a well-known therapy for naturally treating heart disease, EECP benefits diabetic neuropathy in a big way.
Neuropathy is among the most devastating complications of diabetes. Triggered by diabetes-induced damage to the blood vessels and nerves, it causes excruciating pain, disability, and, in more than 86,000 cases per year, amputation, usually involving the lower extremities. We see many patients with diabetic neuropathy at the clinic, primarily because conventional medicine has little to offer besides pain-relieving drugs and wound care. Although our success rate in treating neuropathy may seem miraculous, it’s really just good medicine. We simply help patients get their blood sugar under control and use therapies that dramatically improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, thereby stimulating the natural healing process. William Edwards from La Belle, FL, is an excellent example.
“I came to the Back to Health Program because my diabetic neuropathy was so bad that despite taking Lyrica for pain relief, I was miserable. I was only sleeping 2–3 hours a night, I was unable to work because I couldn’t sit for more than an hour at a time due to severe leg pain, and my life was steadily going downhill. The last straw was a family vacation to Disney World where my wife had to push me around in a wheelchair. After that, I made up my mind that this had to change.
“When I first arrived at the clinic, I had to use a cane because I was very unsteady on my feet. But after just four days of undergoing EECP, HBOT, microcurrent therapy, and receiving IV nutrients, I put my cane away—and I haven’t used it again to this day!
“My family and friends cannot believe the difference in me. I can now walk and do things I hadn’t been able to do for three or four years! I bought a microcurrent machine to use at home for pain relief, and I watch my diet because I never want to be in the shape I was before I came to the clinic.”
Even More Benefits of EECP
The benefits of EECP for treating heart disease and diabetic neuropathy are undeniable. Additionally, EECP benefits virtually any condition in which poor circulation plays a role. These include, but are not limited to: erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, memory disorders, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral vascular disease, vision problems, and more.
To find out if EECP is a viable treatment option for you or a loved one, call (866) 944-8253 or fill out this form for a consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Patient Services Representatives.
