Rae’s Patient Journey Story – Part 3
A year and a half ago, when a pandemic abruptly changed the world’s trajectory, Rae had no idea her life was about to take an even more unexpected turn. She’d set a goal for herself: use this time to recommit to fitness and transform her health for the better. A tick bite and subsequent Lyme disease diagnosis soon derailed her plans, sending her health into a downward spiral that left her struggling to complete basic tasks.
Today, she calls the experience a gift. Although the path was neither straight nor smooth, Rae met and exceeded her original health goals with the help of Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, and now has her sights set on inspiring others with her journey.
“I’m super excited to share my story with other people because I want them to have the success I had and to have gratitude for being able to live your life to its fullest,” she says.
LIFE-SAVING BECOMES LIFESTYLE
When Rae began working with Dr. Young, all she could think about was finding a road out of rock bottom. Extreme fatigue and other symptoms had robbed her of her active lifestyle, her social life and her ability to care for herself without assistance. The vibrant spirit who loved hiking around the Bay Area and taking dance breaks with her middle school students could barely do more than work and sleep. She saw naturopathic medicine as a chance to get her life back.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she says. “It was a life-changing experience the moment I picked up the phone and booked an appointment.”
The success of her Lyme disease treatment piqued Rae’s curiosity. If naturopathic medicine could relieve her of symptoms that left other doctors stumped, what else could it do? How could it help her make the most of the new lease on life she’d received?
“I knew Dr. Young provides outstanding services, so I was more than willing to explore anything I could do to improve my health through her guidance.” Rae says.
Rae underwent comprehensive testing. Often, patients like Rae have more than one issue, and her testing revealed a variety of issues including food sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues and elevated levels of lead in her body. Armed with this information, Dr. Young created a personalized plan to help Rae improve her energy, reach new fitness goals and optimize her health.
“Dr. Young helped me think of food as medicine. I always tell people that if you want to wear your bikini, go do the allergy testing!” she says. “I also did the hCG treatment for weight loss. Because I was overweight, my body was aging at a faster rate. I did 15 weeks and lost 40 pounds.”
Rae continues to visit Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness on an as-needed basis. She likens her visits to brushing your teeth — something you do regularly to ensure your health is the best it can be.
“I see it as an opportunity to better my life and move forward in a positive direction,” she says. “Dr. Young has given me tools to heal my own body.”
PAYING IT FORWARD
It’s the little things that remind Rae how far she has come.
“I was able to cook a meal for the first time last night. I lived off of DoorDash for a year before this,” she recalls. “When I was taking those bites and enjoying my dinner on the patio, I had such gratitude for Dr. Young. She gave me my independence back.”
“Today I went swimming. How cool is it that I have the energy to swim?” she adds with a delighted grin.
Rae is not the only one who notices a difference. Friends who once expressed concern over her deteriorating condition now express joyful amazement at her transformation.
“People saw my energy levels go up, people saw me get back on my feet, people saw me get my independence back. They’ve been so impressed,” Rae says. “I’ve referred three friends to Dr. Young now.”
Having personally experienced the profound impact naturopathic medicine can have, Rae now considers it a regular part of her health routine. She encourages others to be open-minded and consider the benefits of taking a holistic approach to well-being.
“My whole outlook on medicine and health has completely transformed. There’s something to be said for being receptive to trying something new,” she says. “I was given the gift of desperation, but for someone who is on the fence, I would say what do you have to lose? It’s an experience unlike anything else in life.”
VICTORIES BIG AND SMALL
Rae is gradually returning to a life where she can run errands without exhaustion, where she can join her students in active movement breaks, and where DoorDash is an occasional treat rather than a necessity. She has even started hiking again — this time, armed with tick spray.
“It felt like everything had come full circle on my first hike. I was back out in nature. I wasn’t afraid. This journey brought me back to where I started,” she says. “But now I see the world with so much more appreciation for the small things, like being able to cook yourself dinner or go on a walk with a friend.”
This life has a familiar shape, but its colors are infinitely more brilliant.
“I have a sense of gratitude. I feel like this experience really grounded me, because things that you take for granted every day were taken away from me,” Rae says. “I knew that, once I healed, I would have little victories throughout the day — I would know that I persevered and I was resilient and I kept going. I’m going to find so much more joy in my life.”
With her characteristic warmth and optimism, Rae sees silver linings behind her and blue skies ahead.
“If I had to go through this hardship to learn this lesson, I know it was worth it,” she says. “I hope my story can inspire and encourage other people.”
We wish Rae all the best and thank her for sharing her beautiful journey with us! If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation at Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, please give us a call at (408) 761-6781 or fill out our convenient contact form.
