Near-miraculous stories about patients who wouldn’t quit—even when their treatment did.
When journalist Susannah Meadows’s 3-year-old son, Shepherd, developed juvenile idiopathic arthritis, medicine did little to relieve his pain. So Meadows took matters into her own hands, putting her son on a special diet (for example: no to gluten, yes to fish oil) while keeping him on his meds. Several months later, Shepherd, who had been limping, was pirouetting and running.
As Meadows began doing research for an article about her experience, she heard of other patients who’d found ways to get better on their own. Their stories—compiled in Meadows’s book, The Other Side of Impossible: Ordinary People Who Faced Daunting Medical Challenges and Refused to Give Up—involve cases of multiple sclerosis, food allergies, intractable epilepsy, and ADHD. While the microbiome of gut bacteria, thought to influence health and immunity, features prominently, this is not an ode to green juice or gluten avoidance. Meadows is more interested in unpacking how her subjects found hope—and relief—in the face of dispiriting diagnoses. We asked her to share what she’s learned about unconventional healing.
O: How is your son doing?
SUSANNAH MEADOWS: He’s a regular 9-year-old who doesn’t even remember what arthritis felt like. I often take a moment to think how lucky we are.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
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This story is from the May 2017 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
WOMAN, INTERRUPTED
Menopause with its hair loss, weight gain, and crepey skin doesn't just hijack our beauty at midlife. As Anne Fulenwider, former editor in chief of Marie Claire and cofounder of Alloy Women's Health (myalloy.com), a digital health platform solving aging and the symptoms of menopause for women over 40, writes, the sudden loss of estrogen which explains everything from ballooning midsections and painful sex to brain fog and anxiety does a serious number on heart, brain, and bone health. Luckily, there are topical and ingestible treatments that are, in fact, a panacea.
Judy In Full Bloom
For more than 50 years, Judy Blume's books (like Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret., Blubber, and Deenie) have guided teens and young adults through some of the more taboo parts of adolescence, from periods and body hair to masturbation and first sexual relationships.
To Her, with LOVE
What makes the relationship between mother and daughter so fraught, so ferociously loving, so freighted with meaning whether you speak daily or she's been dead 20 years? Four women weigh in on the wonders of this singular bond.
What's Up, Doc?
If you're considering an in-office treatment, these are the ones dermatologists deem most effective.
GREAT SKIN AT EVERY AGE
As we're sure you've noticed, your skin changes almost as frequently as the science does. The good news: A calm, clear complexion is more achievable than ever. Today's formulas contain immensely helpful active ingredients, says New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. And many penetrate better because they're delivered in extended-release, encapsulated, and increasingly smaller molecules. To help you navigate this ever-evolving world, we've gathered our most enduring skincare wisdom, plus all the upgrades and updates you'll want to know about.
WHAT'S Beautiful TO YOU?
A Renaissance painting, a flawless double axel-yes, of course. But also, perhaps, a small or curious or simple thing only you can appreciate. On the pages to come, behold the proof that, if you are willing to take the time and really look, beauty is all around us.
Books for Every Mother
Celebrate the mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, godmothers, and all the other motherish women in your life with a book that honors their gifts.
Spring Reading Is Here!
Now is the time to stock up on the freshest, most delectable books of the year. Read them in the backyard, read them on the back deck-or just read them under the covers instead of getting to work in your flower bed.
Introducing Hello Beautiful
This excerpt from the 100th Oprah's Book Club pick has it all: first love, nosy sisters, embarrassing dads, and a little poetry.
The Ties That Bind
Puerto Rican artist Gabriella N. Báez combines family photos and archival materials into works that strike a deep, visceral chord. Yearning, after all, is universal.
WENDY & SHERRI BARE THEIR CLAWS!
TV talkers in new catfight
RESCUE DOG RETURNS THE FAVOR!
THE FAVOR! Pulls owner to safety after devastating stroke
Sonic Blue Persuasion
LONGTIME STRAT ADDICT KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD UNVEILS HIS NEW SIGNATURE OFFERING FROM FENDER — AND A NEW LIVE DVD/ALBUM
SPACE STATION MARKING 20 YEARS OF PEOPLE LIVING IN ORBIT
The International Space Station was a cramped, humid, puny three rooms when the first crew moved in. Twenty years and 241 visitors later, the complex has a lookout tower, three toilets, six sleeping compartments and 12 rooms, depending on how you count.
We Can Trust The Shepherd
Carl Corser is an ordained bishop, serves as president of the Gideons Cleveland North Camp, board of directors and chaplain of the Peach State Tractor Club, and owner of Carser Enterprises.
SPEEDBOAT KILLER & TV REPORTER LOVER SPLIT
PAL SAYS SHE'S 'TURNED PAGE'
Ricky:After Life goes on...for a bit longer
SUPRISE HIT BLACK (COMEDY BACK FOR THIRD SERIES BUT THAT'S IT...
Attention to detail: the key to broiler production
Poultry production has significant challenges, with high input costs and narrow margins being near the top of the list. However, Dale Shepherd, owner of Plaston Chicken Farms in Mpumalanga, has found that meticulous management and keeping a close eye on finances can bring business success. Lindi Botha reports.
Shepherd Neame CEO: ‘Beer and pubs still core to British life'
BRITAIN’S oldest brewer struck an upbeat tone today even as it warned that inflation and supply chain problems will continue to plague its business into next year.
A LIFE'S WORK
Since qualifying as a doctor in 1977, Richard Shepherd has seen more trauma than most. He tells James Rampton about his career, and the importance of having a sense of humour