Trainer to the stars and the wealthy, Tish DeTata states that recovery from fibromyalgia is 70 percent nutrition and 30 percent exercise.

In 2005, at the age of 35, Tish DeTata was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. No one else in her family had ever had the disorder. Within one month she had gone from being an athlete to being bedridden due to full body weakness.

Tish DeTata is a trainer to the famous and the rich — a selection so exclusive that their names are taboo to the press. Each week, several of them meet her inside a private spa on the island of Palm Beach. Tish has worked passionately in this field for over 20 years.

Fibromyalgia is called a disorder by the Mayo Clinic, “characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.” Those with the disorder call it painful.

Fibromyalgia affects more women than men, within ages 20-50. About one in 50 U.S. citizens has the disorder—in 2004, the American College of Rheumatology reported the number at between 3 and 6 million.

The disorder costs the U.S. economy approximately $20 billion yearly.

Fibromyalgia is without a cure. While many of those diagnosed with the disorder have become disabled and take medication, Tish DeTata has recovered and is not on medication. Her story is remarkable.

At the time of Tish’s diagnosis, she had 17 years of experience as a trainer, seven certifications, owned her own personal training studio and was working corporately with such companies as AT&T and UNIX.

For one month Tish was only able to crawl around. She also used her pool, which kept up her circulation and mobility. Each day as she floated in the water, Tish prayed, “Please God, just let me die.” The pain was excruciating. As an active person, the inability was disheartening.

Then one day, Tish realized that she wasn’t going to die. She set a goal for herself. “In four months, I want to be back in my studio.” She made it. That was a life-changing moment for her.

When asked how she recovered, Tish responds:

First, prayer is what kept me going. I tell people, “Pain is real—so is hope.” Prayer gives us hope.

Second, I slowed down my heavy load of teaching.

Third, I enrolled myself in the Hippocrates Health Institute for one week, where I learned more about taking care of myself nutritionally. I’d been to see other doctors—all they could offer me was medication. I said, “No” to that route.

Fourth, I began walking slowly. For anyone who is not an athlete, get a pair of sneakers and begin walking 10 minutes a day—then build up. Walking gets the blood circulating, and keeps the muscles and bones pliable.

Fifth, I began to eat cleaner than I ever had before. I avoid alcohol and eat little red meat. Most of my diet is fish, vegetables, raw nuts and limited grains. Juicing, especially green drinks is essential. Juicing significantly changed my health. If you smoke, stop. I also started on supplements. Personally, I like the raw whole food nutrition of Garden of Life products.

Sixth, I educated myself on fibromyalgia. Massage is beneficial. I have one two or three times monthly.

Since that first day back to work, I have not missed a day of work again. I made a commitment. My commitment in life has always been to help others physically. We need to fix our insides and stay healthy to survive.

Tish DeTata believes that recovery from fibromyalgia is 70 percent nutrition and 30 percent exercise. For many, a psychologist or counselor is helpful during this period of time, because most with the disorder are dealing with depression and anxiety.

The horrific pain Tish experienced has become 65% better following this plan. She still has some chronic pain, but it varies in degree.

Tish has learned that struggle and suffering have made her a stronger person. Today she is grateful to say, “I’m alive.” Without the trials of life, she believes that there is little appreciation for life’s blessings.

Tish DeTata is a fibromyalgia overcomer and a hero not just in her hometown of Port St.Lucie, but around the world.

HAVE A HERO TIP? Hometown Heroes are in every town and city. They are regular people who have made a positive difference in their community, impacting others for the better. Send your Hometown Hero tip to Kelly Jadon kfjadon@gmail.com or find her online at kellyjadon.com.

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