Mrs. Ann M. - Atlanta, GA - A very special and sweet lady with Fibromyalgia-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Torticollis (wry neck). She has also suffered from controlled chronic pancreatitis due to a distant history of alcohol abuse, which had debilitated her.

She is the kindest woman I have every met. 

This is her story  via Email letter sent on Sat 2/24/2001 12:17 PM: 

"After some twenty-five years of suffering from involuntary pulling, twisting movements in the cervical area - right side of neck - which caused severe and constant pain, soon beginning to graduate to migraine-type headaches, and after trying to research on my own, I began to seek help from various neurologists, attempting to obtain an accurate diagnosis, treatment and most of all, relief from the pain which interfered with my daily functioning, causing lack of coordination, falling numerous times (realizing there is a purpose for my still being on this earth.) Many doctors seemed concerned and attempting through various neurological testing and being numerous medical histories to find some answers. Some seemed amused, indifferent - trying myriad drugs - to no avail - few even touching what seemed the problem.

Two years ago, after losing contact with a doctor I had been seeing for ten years, due to his giving up his practice, through the Powers that be, my husband found a listing of chronic pain physicians, one of whom was Dr. John Gatell. I felt hopeful, but was prepared for possibility that this might be a lost cause. Instead, Dr. Gatell, after talking with me, taking medical history, carefully examination, doing the things that competent physicians seem to do, I felt in my heart of hearts that I had been blessed with opening the right door. Having been diagnosed ten years ago with Cervical Dystonia by Drs. at Piedmont and Emory Hospitals, and still obtaining no relief from various treatments and medications, this man not only offered hope but was forthright, intelligent (to my mind) and compassionate - He referred me to a book, “What Doctors Won’t Tell You About Fibromyalgia” and he discussed the theory of Dr. St, Amand, author of this book - which was an all- encompassing theory regarding chronic pain and illnesses causing same.

I tend to be too wordy when trying to reach the point of the issue, but so be it. I would strongly urge anyone within traveling distance to contact Dr. Gatell ASAP and at least make an appointment to speak with him. His cautious and careful and compassionate manner and treatment will offer hope to anyone who, like myself, had almost resigned to having no other option but to cope with the pain and attempt to resign as best as possible.

His approach to pain, his willingness to listen, and his treatment have changed my outlook and ability in not merely existing, but living my life!

( Dr. Gatell, feel free to use my name.) Thanks!"