After repeated attempts, with my body inclined to that side and yielding to the drawing, I finally succeeded in walking—a violent trembling all the while in the parts affected.
Three months after the birth of my baby, I tried to take hold of my household duties—then my troubles increased, and with them came a series of "Doctors' bills."
I consulted two of the best physicians, besides trying all the medicines I heard tell of, that were recommended for such diseases; but failed in obtaining a cure from any of them; my relief was only temporary. My condition was growing worse each day; the womb was so low and the "bearing down" weight so great that I could scarcely stand on my feet at all. I was irritable and nervous with a dull headache and constipation; hands and feet cold and clammy, except the palms and soles; a burning on top of my head. At this stage of my disease my bladder was badly affected—the "neck" becoming enlarged and the water collecting there caused a protrusion to over half the size of a tea cup, leaving it so dry and harsh, that it was with the greatest difficulty I could walk at all; a sudden jar, sneeze, or even the slightest pressure, would force the water out, leaving me in a spasm of pain. At this stage (22 months after confinement) menstruation returned for the first time since the birth of my baby. I had already suffered as much as I thought it possible to bear, and live, but my sufferings were even greater after this; my womb was ulcerated and inflamed; nervousness increased to violent shaking, over which I had no control; circulation so feeble that the extremities were scarcely supplied with blood, they were constantly cold and clammy. My sleep broken and disturbed, life was fast becoming a burden to me, For months, however, I endured this torture; I had abandoned work altogether; I could be up but a few moments at a time and could not walk across the floor without excruciating pain. There was no sleep, no rest, and after a week and even more, would pass during which I would never close my eyes in sleep, even when morphine, opium and chloral, were administered. My body seemed a dead weight, while my mind was alive to all my sufferings. There seemed to be a burning pressure about my head all the while.
I would have shaking spells frequently, leaving me perfectly exhausted, my heart the while beating so rapidly, I could not count the pulsations; it seemed to cease altogether after that, with a sinking, fainting feeling over me, making it difficult to breathe at all. During my menstrual periods I suffered a "thousand deaths." My appetite was gone, mind and sight impaired, strength and flesh all gone. I was a pitiable object to look at, divested of all that made life endurable for me. I had baffled the skill of two physicians, and was left, after three years of agony, to die, a "hopeless wreck," worse than death.
Such was my condition when I applied to you for treatment. After using medicines only six days I began to improve; my nerves were steadier; circulation better, hands and feet warm. Nine days after taking your medicines they restored the function again. I will confess I expected to suffer death again—I did not think the medicines had had time to effect a change within so short a time. Imagine my joy and surprise upon waking next morning to find it had "stolen like a thief upon me in the night," I knew not when. I spent the day in grateful tears—how could I help it? It passed off as quietly as it came, leaving my head clear of that dreadful, burning pressure! My nerves were steady; indeed, my improvement was so remarkable, that it seemed almost a delusion. My appetite had returned, and I was hungry for the first time in over a year. I slept well—awoke refreshed and feeling stronger. After two weeks, I was able to walk around the house and yard without support; a day or two after that I walked a hundred yards, visiting and spent the day. In three weeks time I went home (I had gone to my mother's before treatment, as I and many others thought, to die).
At the end of one month there was no symptom, nor sign, of the old disease. I was able to be up all day, resting a short time at noon. To be sure of permanent results I continued treatment for one month longer, and have never had a return of the disease nor any symptom of it since. Before the end of the second month, I was able to be about the house, helping the children with the cooking, and milking. My weight increased fourteen pounds in five months after treatment. I have taken no medicine since except one bottle of Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription, four years ago. At this time (nine years after treatment), I find my health still good, having no aches nor pains, a splendid appetite, sleep well, no headache, no backache and no womb trouble. I am able to do my house work and everything; can do a day's work with less fatigue than I have for years before treatment. I feel sure that I would have been in the grave years ago if it had not been for your medicines. I advise all other ladies who are troubled with the same disease to apply to you for treatment.
Be assured, that whenever I have it in my power I shall recommend your invaluable remedies. I thank you a thousand times for what you have done for me, and for the kindness which you have extended to me throughout.
Wishing you long life and continued success, I am, with much gratitude,
Very truly yours, Mrs. JENNIE S. MOODY,
Isney, Choctaw Co., Ala.