Success Stories: The pursuit of healing
Helping women go from helpless to healed is one of the most powerful parts of our work at Vitality. Beth’s story is a great example of how committing to healing, despite what you hear from others, pays off. Working with Beth over the last few months has been such a joy and we are so excited that her hard work is paying off!
Beth’s journey to healing:
What brought you to Vitality?
I started going to Vitality after suffering from urinary frequency and urgency, and burning sensations (UTI-like symptoms) for about a year. After seeing several doctors and going through an endless amount of testing, I was finally referred by a gynecologist to Vitality.
How did your symptoms impact your life?
They impacted every part of my life. My marriage suffered because the symptoms made it a challenge to have sex and my work suffered because I work a desk job, and the symptoms would flare up while sitting.
What was your experience with Vitality like?
I was skeptical of PT at first – I never associated PT with vaginal issues and I avoided doing any research online ahead of time because, after all of the previously unsuccessful doctor visits, I did not want to know what was ahead of me.
Vitality felt different from the start. Their office is very inviting and clean, and feels more like a spa than a doctor’s office. I experienced so much “white coat syndrome” from other offices and it was a relief to walk into an office that immediately made me feel comfortable.
I met one-on-one with Jennifer during my visits. She was kind, understanding, and very thorough, but more than that, she identified right away that I had pelvic floor dysfunction. After a year without answers, I can’t tell you how relieved I was to hear someone identify and validate my symptoms and diagnosis so quickly. My experience with Jennifer and Vitality has been very positive and I am so impressed with the care I’ve been given.
What did your treatment plan consist of?
To start, Jennifer had me keep a log of how many times I went to the bathroom and I also tracked the liquids I drank throughout the day. Then, we started meeting twice a week, which eventually dropped to once per week with homework as my symptoms started to improve. The homework mostly consisted of stretches I could practice on my own.
When I reached the limit of sessions my insurance would cover, Jennifer stepped in and helped advocate for me, handling all of the details for the approval of more sessions. It was such a relief to not have to stress about that part of my treatment!
What sort of impact has Vitality had on your life?
When the gynecologist who referred me to Vitality told me she knew what was causing my symptoms, I started to cry. Jennifer and the team has had such a positive impact on my life. Thanks to them, I am finally starting to feel like myself again, and am returning to my daily life with less pain.
What advice do you have for other women who experience similar issues?
Don’t second guess yourself! If something is really bothering you, you have to keep going until you find answers. Never settle for, “I’m just going to live with it.” These symptoms can happen gradually and sometimes, you won’t even notice something is wrong until it’s so bad that you can’t ignore it anymore. Go with your gut and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to speak up.
What advice do you have for clients who are new to Vitality?
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed, and be honest about what you’re experiencing. The women at Vitality have seen and heard everything in the book. Go in with an open mind and know that they are there to help you get better. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Beth, thank you so much for sharing your story and for being such an amazing member of the Vitality community!
At Vitality, we help women be at their best by specializing and treating disorders related to pelvic and back pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and restricted movement. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you support you in achieving your health and wellness goals.