“I am a different person because of the Moday Center!”
SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 by OLIVIA NEELY, RDN, LD
“I feel like a different person. When I started at the Moday Center, my hypothyroidism was causing symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, weight gain, and a general depressive mood. I didn’t feel like myself, and my symptoms were making it difficult for me to have the energy to keep up with graduate school. Now that I have a diet and supplement plan that fits my needs, I feel 100% better.”
We are excited to launch a new series of health and wellness news that brings you the real stories from real members of The Moday Center. The fact is, we see people just like you every day heal their bodies and embrace a new take on life through our personalized, functional medicine approach and we want to share it with you!
This week we are sharing Danielle’s story. Danielle is a 26-year-old graduate student living in Philadelphia. She had been experiencing thyroid and digestive issues since college which was affecting her mood and energy. Here is her story on how she was able to use functional medicine, diet and lifestyle changes to feel like a completely “different person.”
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 26 years old and currently a graduate student working on my doctorate in clinical psychology. I’m passionate about infant mental health and providing treatment to underserved populations, and I currently work with families in West Philly. I moved here from Wisconsin 5 years ago to pursue my doctorate and have loved getting to know Philly and all it has to offer, including yoga studios, restaurants, and coffee shops.
2. Give us a little insight into your personal health story.
I found out that I had a gluten intolerance when I was a junior in college, and slowly discovered more and more about my health after that. I experienced acid reflux and other GI issues, and finally saw a doctor my senior year of college. I was disappointed with the treatment options provided to me, and kept thinking, “there has to be another way to fix this.” My parents moved to another state and I began seeing a functional physician there, who provided me with my hypothyroid diagnosis. It was then that my health concerns started to make more sense. I ended up with a pretty complicated treatment plan, including upwards of 15 daily supplements and a very rigid diet plan. I was struggling to keep up with the plan and see results. Then I found the Moday Center in Philly!
3. How did you find The Moday Center and what made you decide to sign up?
I was attempting to find a more local functional physician when I stumbled across the Moday Center online. It was the first result in my google search, and I knew after perusing the website that I needed to find out more information. I attended one of the information sessions, and after hearing Dr. Moday explain her perspective on health and wellness, I knew she was the right fit for me. I signed up that night!
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4. How was your experience at The Moday Center different?
I have never felt so cared for by a doctor’s office than I was at the Moday Center. Dr. Moday, Olivia, and Kristie genuinely care about their patients. They remember exactly what we talked about in previous sessions and ask follow up questions about how certain diet changes or supplement additions are going. The online portal access allowed me to ask questions and stay in contact at any time, even between appointments. None of my questions ever went unanswered. Unlike my first experience with a functional physician, I always felt informed about why I was taking certain supplements or why I was making certain dietary changes. I felt like I was in charge of my health for the first time in my life, and it was all due to the empowerment and knowledge provided by Dr. Moday and Olivia. You also cannot beat Kristie’s warm welcome and comforting smile at the front desk!
5. How do you feel differently now than you did before?
I feel like a different person. When I started at the Moday Center, my hypothyroidism was causing symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, weight gain, and a general depressive mood. I didn’t feel like myself, and my symptoms were making it difficult for me to have the energy to keep up with graduate school. Now that I have a diet and supplement plan that fits my needs, I feel 100% better. My hair is growing back, my nails are long for the first time in my life, and I have so much more energy. I actually feel compelled to care for myself and make healthy choices, where as I resented eating healthy before.
6. How has your improvement in your health impacted the rest of your life?
I have more energy for school, yoga, and my personal life. My symptoms used to make me feel unattractive and unhealthy, but my self-esteem has bounced back and I finally feel like myself again, which is such a gift.
7. What do you think really made the difference for you at The Moday Center?
Dr. Moday never pushed traditional thyroid medication or other medications that I was not comfortable taking. She was open to my preferences and willing to work with me on a supplement regimen that would work for me. Olivia was open to working around my pre-existing food allergies and making her recommended diet work for me. The combination of diet and supplements was transformative for me! I never knew how easy it was to make choices that were right for my body and mind. I felt incredibly supported by Dr. Moday and Olivia, and I am so thankful that I went to that information session last year! I am a different person because of the Moday Center.
