Patient Stories

“I was always envious of people who appeared to live an active life,” Cammie told us. Since adolescence, Cammie’s allergies and stress levels were a constant challenge, and often related. She said that she felt like she rarely felt healthy and well. At Avicenna, we were able to address the allergies through several therapies, as well as find new methods for managing her stress. “Even after a few weeks, I was able to spend more time outdoors without major allergy symptoms,” she said. “And with more time focusing on healthy living, my stress levels became more manageable, too.”

Raymi came to our offices with a combination of problems. Dealing with both a chronic pain from a previous injury and depression, Raymi was tired of treatment routines that addressed only one problem at a time. At Avicenna, Raymi received a different kind of treatment… one that helped her understand the connections between chronic pain and depression. Together, Raymi and the Avicenna team created a realistic, sustainable, and meaningful treatment process. “I always felt I was doing something wrong with my health,” she told us. “With Avicenna, I have seen significant results that keep me pain-free and emotionally uplifted.”

Tony had just retired, and was excited about the opportunity to be more physically active without having to go to the office every day. After a short hike left him winded and sore, he went to the doctor for a full check-up. In the office, he realized that his medical care practitioner had a different expectation for aging adults that included limited physical activity. Determined to make the most of every day, Tony made an appointment with Avicenna, and found what he needed: health and wellbeing support that has helped him get healthier and happier. Longer hikes (with no pain!) are now a part of his regular routine, and Tony feels that he finally has a stronger voice in his healthcare. When asked if he had a message for potential patients, Tony wrote, “Trust me, you don’t have to think your age is a negative factor each time you go to the doctor. As a patient at Avicenna, I know I am getting healthier on the inside and the outside!”

Tee and Rashelle heard about Avicenna from a friend, they were desperate. Tee had a back injury from high school sports, and it had recently become more aggravating. Tee wasn’t sleeping well, and both Tee and Rashelle were concerned about the pain medications being prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Rashelle told us, “Tee was really struggling to manage his pain, and was even considering quitting his job because the work environment aggravated his back.” At Avicenna, Tee and Rashelle were able to identify a better approach that led to working as a team, and eventually reducing the prescription risks. Tee was able to stay at work, and they both describe their family as “happier and more active, thanks to the care we received at Avicenna!”

Like many workers, Dara has been sitting many hours a day at work. After a recent “crunch time” at work, she experienced back and neck pain in the afternoons. “It was more than the ergonomic design of my desk and chair,” she said, “but this was a combination of stressful work, not enough movement, and the same position day after day.” When Dara came to Avicenna, she felt like acupuncture was the right approach to help ease her discomfort. “After just one session, I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders – literally!” Dara’s regular acupuncture sessions have been adjusted over time to suit her treatment needs.

Claire’s experience with previous health providers left her feeling like something was missing. Claire is an avid bicycler and skier, and while she describes herself as physically active and health-conscious, she wanted more participation in her routine visits. “I wanted to create a plan that emphasized my lifestyle and activity level.” When Claire visited Avicenna, she was pleased that her input was part of the healthcare process. “It was refreshing to have the Avicenna team collaborate with me,” she said. Claire’s “health maintenance approach” includes meditation, a personalized nutrition plan, and periodic physical treatment to keep her in top shape.