“You will never heal from what you have. You will never get better. Don’t try alternative medicine because it doesn’t work!”
These are the words Kari was told by her rheumatologist when she refused to continue the drugs he prescribed her. Medications that made her feel like a completely different person. Thankfully, Kari didn’t accept these grim predictions. Instead, they inspired her to seek out a different approach. An approach that would help her reclaim her health and vitality.
We are thankful that Kari was willing to share her story and path to finding GrassRoots Functional Medicine. Unfortunately, many people are in similar situations and accept bad medical advice as their new normal. This scenario robs people of hope, happiness, and any chance of recovery. Kari is the perfect example of what is possible when you take your health into your own hands!
Kari’s Condition Before GrassRoots
Kari had been familiar with pain for most of her life, including childhood. She started to believe that this was her fate. She routinely suffered from debilitating pain and inflammation in multiple joints throughout her body.
In 2001, she was diagnosed with Lupus, but at this point, the pain was so bad that she could barely walk or use her hands. As a mother of three young children, this made life extremely difficult.
At this time, she was prescribed Prednisone by her rheumatologist (the same one who said the discouraging quote above). Prednisone changed her personality from being a cheerful person to being fearful and anxious. She began to isolate herself and gained an excessive amount of weight. When she expressed these concerns to her doctor, he quickly pulled out his prescription pad to prescribe an experimental drug with risky side effects. She chose to walk away from this care, and he arrogantly told her she would never get better. It was at this point that she began seeking alternative methods to help her condition. She was desperate and willing to try anything.
The Start of Her Healing Journey
Kari’s list of caregivers grew quickly when she began her healing journey. She tried acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, breath work, support groups, and other integrative health providers.
Although she had some small victories, Kari was still experiencing pain, stiffness, and problems with low energy. Seeing these incremental improvements, she was hopeful that she could get to the point of achieving better results. She eventually discovered GrassRoots Functional Medicine.
Kari’s GrassRoots Experience
Kari said: “EVERYONE at GrassRoots feels like magic to me. Their recommendations are sane and simple, focusing on how I can get educated and learn to take better care of myself.”
At GrassRoots, we are big proponents of partnering with patients on their health journey. We considered everything she had already tried and done, we listened, and helped guide her through her path to wellness.
We understand that the journey to optimal health isn’t always easy. We also understand that people can make the impossible a reality with the proper support, resources, guidance, and mindset.
When Kari started with us, we completed comprehensive testing and took a whole-body approach to optimize her health. With a few lifestyle changes and personalized supplementation, Kari learned how to eat better, manage her stress, and recognize the benefits of regular exercise. As a result, she sleeps better, is happier, and is no longer stiff and suffering from debilitating pain. Kari stated, “I am on the right road and feel much more confident. I used to feel fragile and unwell. I do not feel like that anymore. I have more energy. I feel stronger. I am so very grateful to the whole team.”
We asked if she had any advice for those going through their health journey and may be considering one of our Adaptation Programs; here is what she suggested:
- Get as much information about who Grassroots is before you start.
- Be as open and honest as possible with yourself and the GrassRoots team.
- Make the decision that you are worth it!
- Enjoy the journey.
If you are frustrated with your current care or looking for guidance with a team approach, check out our Adaptation Programs to see if we are a good fit for you. When you’re ready, schedule your FREE Discovery Call.
