Patient Background:
A Canadian 38-year-old graphic designer and mother of two, struggled with widespread musculoskeletal pain, crushing fatigue, and "fibro fog" for 5 years. Despite conventional treatments (duloxetine and gabapentin), her symptoms worsened, forcing her to reduce work hours and abandon hobbies. Lab tests from her rheumatologist showed "normal" results, leaving her feeling dismissed.
Initial Presentation:
Dr. Allan conducted a 90-minute evaluation, exploring:
Lifestyle Triggers: Chronic work stress, disrupted sleep (4–5 hours/night), and a high-sugar diet.
Biochemical Imbalances: History of IBS-C, recurrent antibiotic use, and mercury exposure from dental amalgams.
Symptom Complex:
Pain: 8/10 intensity, worst in neck/shoulders.
Fatigue: Unrefreshing sleep, energy crashes at 2 PM.
Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses.
Emotional: Anxiety due to diagnostic uncertainty.
Dr. Allan’s Functional Diagnostic Approach
Advanced Testing Revealed Root Causes:
Gut Dysbiosis: SIBO (hydrogen-positive) and leaky gut (elevated zonulin) → driving systemic inflammation.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Low CoQ10 and glutathione → impaired cellular energy.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Critically low magnesium, vitamin D, and B12 → exacerbating muscle pain and fatigue.
HPA-Axis Dysregulation: Flatlined cortisol curve → adrenal burnout.
MTHFR Mutation: Reduced folate metabolism → impaired detoxification.
Integrative Treatment Protocol
Phase 1: Gut Healing & Inflammation Reduction (Months 1–3)
Dietary Shift: Anti-inflammatory, gluten-free diet with low-FODMAP protocol for SIBO. Increased wild-caught salmon, leafy greens, and turmeric.
Supplements:
Probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG): To restore gut barrier function.
Glutathione + NAC: To boost antioxidant capacity.
Omega-3s (2,000 mg/day): Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) by 40%
Phase 2: Energy Optimization & Sleep Restoration (Months 4–6)
Sleep Protocol:
Circadian Reset: 15 mins morning sunlight + zero screens after 8 PM.
Nutrient Support: 5 mg melatonin and 400 mg magnesium glycinate for deep sleep.
Mitochondrial Support:
CoQ10 (200 mg/day) + D-ribose (5 g/day): Enhanced ATP production, reducing fatigue by 60%
Phase 3: Nervous System Regulation & Maintenance (Months 7–12)
Mind-Body Therapies:
Tai Chi: 3x/week → improved pain tolerance and vagal tone.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Addressed sleep anxiety.
HPA-Axis Support:
Adaptogens (Ashwagandha + Rhodiola): Normalized cortisol rhythms.
12-Month Outcomes
Over a 12-month period, significant improvements were observed across various health metrics. Pain intensity, measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), showed a remarkable 75% reduction from 8/10 at baseline to 2/10 after a year. Sleep quality improved dramatically, with an increase from just 4 hours to 7.5 hours per night, allowing for restored deep sleep. Additionally, energy levels transitioned from experiencing severe crashes to achieving sustained vitality, with no more afternoon crashes reported. Work capacity experienced a transformation as well, with individuals moving from a limited 20 hours per week to full-time employment, successfully returning to their careers. These outcomes illustrate the profound positive changes that can occur over the span of a year, enhancing overall well-being and productivity.
Patient Testimonial: A Life Reclaimed
"Dr. Allan saved me when I’d lost hope. For years, doctors told me my tests were ‘normal’ while I could barely lift my arms to hug my kids. His team didn’t just treat symptoms, they uncovered WHY my body was failing. The gut healing diet was hard, but within weeks, my brain fog lifted. The CoQ10 and magnesium gave me back my energy. Today, I’m painting again, playing with my children, and sleeping through the night. Fibromyalgia isn’t my identity anymore, it’s a chapter I closed with the right guidance."