I came to Dr. Sharp feeling disgruntled with a doctor who,…
…after a very quick appointment, told me I had absolutely no other choice but to go on a strong type of cholesterol-lowering drugs and possibly blood pressure medication. I had been living my life continually working towards being healthier in all ways, and was at that time eating decently well, exercising, and searching and researching for what I could do to improve my health, so I did not want to go the drug route if I could avoid it. I knew I was on the right path but I needed help to make the changes I needed to without having to resort to drugs.
I was immediately struck by how Dr. Sharp wanted to listen to what I had to say. Not only did he listen, he also considered my opinions before forming his own. I had never had this experience before, where someone who was so knowledgeable and experienced considered my feedback vital to the process and used it in his decision-making. My belief is that health issues originate in emotional and spiritual issues so it was the most thrilling experience to have a professional be in sync with me on this point. We worked together as partners.
Dr. Sharp truly integrates all aspects of health as you move down the path towards more vibrant health. He looked at all of my numbers and certainly made sure it was fine to try alternative therapies first, and after we met and spoke further, he concluded that it was totally possible for me to heal these health issues without drugs. His knowledge of the supplements that would help me was crucial to this process, and Dr. Sharp helped me come to decisions that made major changes in my life.
Within a year of working with him, I had lowered my risk of heart attack and stroke without ever having to go on chemical drugs. That alone speaks volumes.
What strikes me as one Dr. Sharp’s most powerful abilities is the way he addresses all levels of your health — physical, emotional, and spiritual. He truly works with you holistically and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Barbra B., Raleigh, NC
Kathleen has a real gift! She is a wonderful listener …
and has a unique ability to synthesize all you’re communicating and get to what’s really at the heart of the matter. Her non judging, caring personality and thoughtful encouragement is just the right touch. Kathleen helped me articulate my goals and find just the right path to finally get me there! And, you can’t beat the tranquil setting…it makes you feel like you’ve really gotten away from it all!”
Rose W., Raleigh, NC
It has been my good fortune to…
…work in recent months with health coach Kathleen Williams and with Michael Sharp, M.D., toward achieving goals for greater balance in my life. Kathleen, by gentle sleight of hand, has led me to visualize and to put words to previously unformed ideas about my goals for balanced living. As a thoughtful listener and a skillful coach, she has helped guide me from vague ideas to realizations about how to achieve balance in areas of physical, emotional, and intellectual realms. She has helped me to begin to weave loose threads into a tapestry of career, family, future, present, interests, dreams, and possibilities.
Dr. Sharp works closely with Kathleen and clients to address holistically the often difficult overlap of the physical, emotional and psychological areas of health. As a strong believer in the importance of that overlap, I have found Dr. Sharp to be a wise, experienced, and thoughtful practitioner. His approach to medical problem-solving is gentle and thoughtful, his guidance informed, and his respect for the client’s role in the process extraordinary. I have the highest regard for the Williams-Sharp professional team.
Lynne W., Chapel Hill, NC
The real reward of Dr. Sharp’s program…
…was not the ten pounds that I lost or the 50 points that I cut off my cholesterol score, but what I learned about myself and my styles of eating and exercise. This is life-course education, and it’s life-changing.
David P., Chapel Hill, NC
The First Line Therapy Therapeutic Lifestyle Program…
…is the first thing that has ever worked to reduce my cholesterol, triglycerides and eliminate all prescription medications. My total cholesterol has gone from 233 (on medication) to 117 without prescription medication (LDL 142 to 55, HDL 39 to 45). Triglycerides have gone from 258 to 84. And I have also stopped taking medication for high blood pressure and it now runs 114/60.
This program has really made a difference in my life, more energy, sleeping habits have really changed, no more restless nights, have stopped snoring, able to get the rest needed, lost 25 pounds within the first few months after starting the program and have been able to maintain that weight for the past year, great program.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to take back control of their health, it is a program that you can live with.
John H., Fuquay-Varina, NC
I have been a patient of Dr. Sharp…
…for many years now. He first introduced me to “The First Line Therapy Therapeutic Lifestyle Program” as support for my husband. I lost about 12 lbs.
I have Hypothyroidism and was taking Armour thyroid, but due to a shortage, I had to switch to Westhroid. My thyroid then went haywire, with my TSH 33.38 (which usually ran 2.55 or less), by all counts I should have been quite tired. I truly was not exhausted like I had been, when I first was diagnosed with hypothyroidism years ago.
I completely contribute it to the First Line Therapy Therapeutic Lifestyle Program. I feel better, have more energy. My female Dr. & I are still working on getting my thyroid straightened out. I really would hate to see where I’d be right now (physically) without this program. This is a great program for anyone whether you have health issues or not. You are learning to eat in a completely new & healthy way. Great program!!
Fay H., Fuquay-Varina, NC
This is a testimonial of my experience…
…with Dr. Sharp. I trust Dr. Sharp and believe in all my heart I would not be as far along in my recovery had it not been for the personalized treatment received in the past eighteen months. Prior to seeing Dr. Sharp, there were many costly visits to three different doctors. They all meant well, but either could not or were not willing to take time to hear intimate details that were necessary for my recovery. Dr. Sharp not only felt it was necessary to have a clear understanding of my perception and feelings to better access my situation, but encouraged the participation of my wife. Thankfully, through the use of pharmaceuticals and supplements, I am physically able to return to work and enjoy my family.
Living two hours away and having a fairly serious situation, Dr. Sharp made himself accessible, which I was careful not to abuse. That shows a characteristic not found in the modern doctor. It is obvious through his demeanor and treatment plan that Dr. Sharp personally cares for the welfare of his patients. He and Kathleen are a breath of fresh air.
Robbie E., New Bern, NC
Many years ago, one of my favorite TV shows…
…was “Touched by an Angel”. In that show people’s lives were healed by angels who looked like regular people. This year I too was touched by one of these “angels”and this story is true! 10 years ago, after over 30 years of marriage, my husband left me for another woman. In my mid fifties, I moved and started over. Then four years later, my stepfather had a heart attack and I was left with the 24/7 care of my Mom who was in late stages of Alzheimer’s. It is an understatement to say that I was under considerable stress. Last summer I became so tired that I could not function. My sister came and took our Mom to her home in Virginia. At first I thought that if I rested and took care of myself that I would soon feel better. I tried taking supplements and special diets. I tried exercising and getting extra sleep. I tried repeating positive affirmations and I prayed. But instead of getting better, my energy became more and more depleted. I went to a conventional doctor in Pinehurst who had no explanation for my symptoms.
He prescribed some medication, but it was so late in the day that the drug store was already closed. Evidently out of everything that I tried in order to feel better, it was the prayer that worked. During the night an inner voice insisted that I not take the medicine prescribed by my doctor. The next morning I began searching the internet for another doctor. I called two other doctors that seemed like they might be able to help me, but they were so booked that it would have been several months before I could get an appointment. The third doctor was the charm and because of a cancellation he was able to take me the next day. When I walked into Dr. Sharp’s office, he looked like a regular human, but he was really an angel in disguise. Unlike my conventional doctor, Dr. Sharp really listened as I described how I felt not only physically but also emotionally. He took the time to understand me as a whole person and consequently from that developed an individualized treatment plan for me that restored balance to my depleted mind and body.
In August, unable to function, I was depressed and had lost hope. This Christmas, Dr. Sharp could not have realized that it was he that gave me the greatest gift of all. Because of his insight and extremely effective treatment program, my batteries have been recharged and I feel like the energizer bunny. I have lost 20 pounds and I look and feel great! This January I will be 62, but I don’t feel old. I feel vibrant and totally alive! So much so that I am enrolling in courses that will enable me to get certification as an exercise therapist. I thank God that I was truly touched by one of his “Angels” and totally healed.
Anne H., Pinehearst, NC
Working with Kathleen, I have been able…
…to make positive changes in my life that have benefited my health and ability to do the things I want to do, such as increased sleep and physical fitness and reduced pain and anxiety. Kathleen has coached me on using tools that help me cope with difficulties and feel more positive and confident. She personalizes our sessions to my interests and needs.
The coaching from Kathleen and the care I’ve received from Dr. Sharp really complement each other. For example, Kathleen has been able to help me implement suggestions made by Dr. Sharp. I truly appreciate the time they spend listening to what I have to say, and the care that they give.
Teri W., Durham, NC
Last year, I listened to a PBS special…
…in which Dr. Mark Hyman described his common sense techniques and solutions that would help a person totally regain their health, fix their broken brains and become free from pain. Dr. Hyman has written a book called The UltraMind Solution for regular folks and has founded “The Institute for Functional Medicine” for doctors. These doctors don’t treat just your symptoms with a quick and easy fix. These doctors, like Dr. Sharp, uncover what is causing your symptoms and then devise a treatment plan that will restore chemical balance and enable you to totally heal. All Dr. Sharp could do though was to give me a plan. I had to carry out the plan. This is where Kathleen was able to help me. The approach of integrative and functional medicine was quite different from the conventional approach. It definitely wasn’t quick and easy. It was difficult, but absolutely worth all the effort. I am 62, but since I am divorced, I cannot afford to retire. I am now taking classes that will enable me to start my own business. To keep in shape, I am taking Zumba dance classes and Yoga. I can do everything that the “sweet young things” can do and sometimes more.
As I write this, it is really cold tonight and I’m glad that Sandhill’s Propane was finally able to deliver the propane that I needed. As soon as they left this afternoon, I pressed the switch that provided sparks that ignited the pilot light to my gas logs and now they are burning brightly. My return to health was similar to getting the fire back in my hearth. My “tank” was completely on empty. Dr. Sharp provided the “propane”, but Kathleen’s coaching provided the sparks that I needed in order to stay with my program over 6 months. Dr. Hyman in his book explained that usually there are a combination of interrelated reasons why the mind and body are not functioning properly. Leaving out part of the treatment plan can throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing and cause it not to work. Commitment is very important. Kathleen helped me become aware of the way I felt emotionally and physically, why I did what I did and how I could make changes that would lead me toward my goals. My new found awareness has enabled me to feel empowered and I love feeling this way. I really enjoy being the new me that I have become. Kathleen has been the spark that has ignited a new fire within me and I am so happy that I made the decision to go to her for coaching.
Anne H., Pinehurst, NC