Anna has completely changed my life for the better.

 

Last year was not my year.  In January 2008, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which also caused severe jaundice.  While the fever and jaundice disappeared relatively quickly, I remained fatigued for months and my immune system was shot.  Over the next year and a half, I would be constantly sick with either a cold or the flu.  At 26 years of age, my doctor told me that I would be feeling the effects of mono for years to come.  She offered no advice as to how to remain well – illness was simply something I would have to ‘live with.’

 

At the same time, my normal vaginal discharge morphed into a yogurt-like consistency.  This change happened over the course of 2 days, so I was immediately aware of the problem.  My doctor dismissed my claims, concluding that it was a temporary issue that would go away on its own.  I did research, made changes, tried every naturopathic remedy I came across, but discovered no relief.  After being referred to an OB/GYN, I still found no empathy or solution. Last month (October 2009), my physician suggested that I go on anti-depressants so I would stop thinking about this problem, since it ‘doesn’t affect [me].’  Needless to say, I refused her pharmaceuticals.

 

To add insult to injury, on October 31, 2008, a careless driver plowed into my car at a stop sign, leaving me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  While EMDR (a specialized type of psychotherapy) alleviated the acute symptoms, I developed generalized anxiety.  My life as a graduate student and full-time employee was, to say the least, negatively affected.  The smallest of changes would create chaos: I couldn’t work on my thesis, I would periodically (and without reason) break out in tears at my desk, and household chores became torturous.  Visiting the gym was out of the question.  Friends noted that I wasn’t myself and family wondered why I wasn’t visiting with the same regularity.  Psychotherapy helped, but it didn’t cut it.  My therapist suggested I try acupuncture to move my energy around.  The results have been life changing.

 

In just four sessions, my anxiety was greatly reduced.  Having just finished my tenth session, I am happy to report that I am 90% better.   I’m now able to get through my days, work on my thesis, and still have the mental fortitude to walk my dog in the evening.  (Mojo, especially, thanks you for this, Anna!) My entire office has been sick with the flu this season, but I haven’t had so much as a cough.  My immune system seems to be functional again. We’re still working on the abnormal discharge, but I have no doubt that Anna, if anyone, will be able to rid me of this awful affliction.

What is, perhaps, the most remarkable thing about Anna is her attitude.  She refuses to let her patients live with problems that cause them pain – either emotionally or physically.  She has never dismissed my concerns or told me I would simply have to ‘live with’ something.  Her premise is that one’s mind, as well as body, must be healthy to be whole.  So, while I went to her with three major quandaries, we’re also looking at other on-going issues I’ve endured.  From tendonitis to sadness from a breakup, Anna continues to help me find the ‘me’ that has been missing for so long.  I have energy I haven’t had in years, dedication I lost on All Hallows Eve, and peace of mind that I will be 100% one day soon.  She has even helped reduce my addiction to food – I consume significantly less at every meal and have fewer compulsions to eat.  Her intuitive talent with needles, generosity of heart, and ability to connect will not soon be forgotten.