Robert Johnstone FRSA, CF - United Kingdom
Board Member: European Forum for Good Clinical Practice (EFGCP), International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC).
EU Representative for the International Alliance of Patient Organisations (IAPO)
Since 1956 I have lived with the chronic & disabling condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Initially this was treated with Cortisone & standard Non steroidal drugs in large quantities.
Whilst at university in 1973 I learned Transcendental Meditation (TM) to help me cope with the stress of final examinations. This began to stimulate the body's natural healing processes & I started to explore complementary therapies, diet & exercise as a form of self help.
With support from a qualified doctor, I very gradually reduced allopathic medication after 3 years & have managed to live without this since 1976. In the 20 years beforehand I had taken about 40,00 disprin & 20 to 30,000 other tablets eg Cortisone, Prednisolone, Mepecrin & Butazoladine.
Since 1976 I have been a great supporter of natural therapies alongside allopathic treatments & an unofficial ambassador for for the integration of Ayurveda, Acupuncture & Herbal medicines + very enthusiastic about self-help dietary & exercise regimes.
As a volunteer I have been very active in advocating for the rights of all disabled people & for valuing & integrating the patient voice in global healthcare. I have served on the board of the European Patients Forum (EPF) , the International Alliance of Patients Organisations (IAPO), the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) & many others.
I always being with therapists & doctors to explore options to improve health care & and to avert / mitigate / cure imbalances in health to allow all people to live as well as possible.