I have been seeing Josephine since March 2005 when I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. At the time of the diagnosis I was feeling very ill and very stressed and very tired. Both my GP and my specialist consultant believed that I would have to build the thyroxine dose up gradually to at least 125 micrograms each day.

Josephine worked with me on my diet initially to stabilise my blood sugar levels and stimulate the thyroid gland. Initially I saw Josephine about once a month and she worked with me on my diet, food supplements and exercise.

The diet is basically a good diet with some foods which help to stimulate the thyroid gland and avoiding one of two foods which work against it. The exercise programme is based on ‘little and often’ building up very slowly and not overdoing it.

My supplements are helping with the thyroid and related high cholesterol problem, but I have also noticed a huge improvement in my immune system.

When I was initially diagnosed I was very stressed and mildly depressed. Josephine was able to spend time with me talking me through each step and explaining the things that would help. She has always worked in collaboration with the information and test results received through conventional medicine and one type of medicine supports the other. She has always been at the end of the telephone if I needed to talk.

Owing to family problems I have continued to be under severe pressure, however, with Josephine’s intervention I have only needed 75 micrograms of thyroxine each day for over a year and the situation seems to have been stabilised. I still meet with Josephine once every two to three months. Emotionally I am coping well with the ongoing stress, and have a great deal more energy. In fact I would say I am back to normal. I used to get regular severe respiratory infections and I can’t remember when I last had one. I am much happier and my confidence in myself is returning.

I am extremely grateful for Josephine’s support and patience and would recommend her services to others.