ShareOne ReviewsIs functional medicine worth it for chronic illness?
40 people answered this on the record, across 18 organisations. The change they described most often was symptoms resolved or reduced — 15 of 40 raised it unprompted. 11 described clearer systems and processes. The timeframe described most often was 2 – 6 months. Each figure is a count of what someone said in a recorded interview.
Based on interviews recorded up to 2026-06-29T11:40:28.591+00:00. Updated as new interviews arrive.
Individual results vary. This is one customer's first-hand account of their own experience, recorded on camera and published unedited. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
What the answers had in common
Counts of interviews where the person described this in their own words.
| What changed | Interviews | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom relief | 15 of 40 | 38% |
| Better systems | 11 of 40 | 28% |
| More clients | 10 of 40 | 25% |
| More energy | 8 of 40 | 20% |
| Digestion | 7 of 40 | 18% |
| Mood & stress | 6 of 40 | 15% |
- “And so it really helped me to understand the gut process and how to, with symptom presentation and also really good testing, that we don't guess anymore.”Suzanne Subaitani
- “And so it really helped me to understand the gut process and how to, with symptom presentation and also really good testing, that we don't guess anymore.”Suzanne Subaitani
- “Not only like with what I was doing with clients, but what I was doing with myself and being able to just overcome the gut issues I was experiencing with healing my own gut.”Suzanne Subaitani
- “I feel a lot more energy on a day-to-day basis, I can get out and go on my walks without feeling extreme fatigue, my mood has improved greatly, I feel like it's impacted my interpersonal relationships in a better way…”Julia Burnham
How long it took them
- 2 weeks – 2 months · 1
- 2 – 6 months · 2
- Over a year · 2
The interviews behind this answer
WatchPediatrician Overcomes Chronic Pain and Autoimmune Arthritis Through Qigong and MindfulnessLaura Bierwagen credits Urban Monk Productions with helping her overcome ten years of chronic pain and autoimmune arthritis. After attending the retreat and committing to a 100-day Qigong 'gong,' she transitioned from using crutches to performing physical rou…Laura Bierwagen · Urban Monk Productions
WatchElectrician Returns to Work and Expands Family After Chronic Illness RecoveryBen Hays achieved a full recovery at Dr. Autoimmune after struggling with chronic illness, anxiety, and fatigue. By following a nutrition-based approach, elimination diet, and mold detox, Ben met all three of his primary goals: returning to his normal life, r…Ben Hays · Dr. Autoimmune
WatchMaster Practitioner Achieves Clinical Confidence and Root-Cause Gut Healing ResultsSuzanne Subaitani found that the Institute of Restorative Health (formerly Restorative Wellness Solutions) provided the evidence-based protocols necessary to move beyond conventional medicine's limitations. By utilizing tools like MRT food sensitivity testing…Suzanne Subaitani · Institute of Restorative Health (formerly Restorative Wellness Solutions)
WatchOvercoming Chronic Gut Issues Through a Holistic Neuroplastic and Functional ApproachMiranda Rudegeair turned to Inner Genius Health after Western medicine failed to solve her chronic gut problems. By working with Dr. Traci Potterf, she achieved a higher baseline quality of life, lost 10 pounds, and adopted a sustainable 'healthy hedonism' li…Miranda Rudegeair · Inner Genius Health
WatchRetired Patient Reclaims Life and Energy While Reducing Six Prescription MedicationsJudy Bonville credits F8 Well Centers with helping her reclaim her life after years of chronic fatigue. By addressing systemic imbalances through virtual consultations, she successfully eliminated six prescription medications and regained enough energy to ret…Judy Bonville · F8 wellcenters
WatchOvercoming 17 Years of Chronic Symptoms to Regain Travel and MobilityDenni David achieved a life-changing recovery with Functional Medicine for Life after 17 years of undiagnosed symptoms. By utilizing Dr. Whisler’s targeted testing and cellular protocols, Denni resolved chronic circulation issues and digestive distress, regai…Denni · Functional Medicine for Life
WatchKristina Birkholz Achieved 95% Recovery From Chronic Lyme and Neurological PainKristina Birkholz achieved a 90-95% recovery from chronic Lyme disease symptoms through My Lyme Doc. After suffering from neurological pain, muscle aches, and bullseye rashes that other doctors couldn't explain, she joined Dr. Diane Mueller’s group program. W…Kristina Birkholz · My Lyme Doc
WatchOvercoming Chronic Fatigue and Neurological Symptoms Through Root Cause Functional MedicineJulia Burnham achieved significant health improvements working with Dr. Jess at Dr. Tom Moorcroft’s Origins of Health. After struggling with chronic fatigue, unexplained rashes, and neurological tingling, Burnham reported that many symptoms have vanished. She…Julia Burnham · Dr Tom Moorcroft
WatchPersonalized Compounding Solutions for Complex Chronic Illnesses and Integrative HealthDr. Jennifer Letitia recommends Pioneer Health Center as her go-to compounding pharmacy for treating complex illnesses like tick-borne disease and long Covid. She highlights their ability to create clean, allergen-free compounds for sensitive patients and the…Dr. Jennifer Letitia · Pioneer Health Center
What they doubted first
- “If you are thinking about joining the Institute of Restorative Health, I would say don't hesitate.”Suzanne Subaitani
- “It can be expensive to invest in functional medicine, but my health was the most important thing to me, and so the money was worth it in the end. I could either be sick forever or I could spend money on my health and get better. There's no point in spending m…”Miranda Rudegeair
- “Judy Bonville noted that while the initial cost caused her to hesitate, the center offered a financing plan through a third-party company. This allowed her to manage the investment through affordable monthly payments.”Judy Bonville
Follow-up questions they answered
- Is the Urban Monk retreat worth the financial investment?
- Laura Bierwagen initially needed to justify the cost, which she did by focusing on the opportunity to discuss the 'Upstream' microbiome program directly with Pedram Shojai. Ultimately, she concluded the experience is a 'gift to yourself' that provides value in ways you cannot anticipate. — Laura Bierwagen
- How did you feel before engaging with the program?
- I did feel an emotional shift. I had been struggling personally with where am I gonna go? I was on crutches for 10 years, and I had horrible autoimmune arthritis and chronic pain and just it was ... It hurt to move at all. — Laura Bierwagen
- What was your motivation for joining the Urban Monk Academy and attending the retreat?
- I wanted to be in the room with Pedram. I have been a member of the Urban Monk Academy for a long time. I know that he is science-based. If he says something, he's got evidence and he knows it. I also wanted to talk to him about Upstream, a program talking about the microbiome. — Laura Bierwagen
- Is Dr. Autoimmune worth the financial investment?
- Ben Hays noted that while his provider mentioned it was a bit of a financial investment, he found the treatment gave him his life back. He felt the approach made sense, similar to how he solves problems as an electrician, giving him the confidence to pursue it. — Ben Hays
- What is the treatment process like at Dr. Autoimmune?
- Ben described a comprehensive approach involving a nutrition plan, an elimination diet, and a mold detox. He worked closely with Stevie and Dr. Ian, who provided hands-on support and clear communication throughout the recovery process. — Ben Hays
- Will symptoms improve immediately with functional medicine?
- According to Ben, it actually got worse before it got better once the 'real treatment' started. Dr. Ian was truthful about this possibility upfront, which helped Ben maintain trust and faith in the process until he saw results. — Ben Hays