What has actually helped people with chronic illness?
40 people answered this on the record, across 22 organisations. The change they described most often was better family or relationship life — 10 of 40 raised it unprompted. 9 described improved mood, anxiety or stress. The timeframe described most often was over a year. Each figure is a count of what someone said in a recorded interview.
Based on interviews recorded up to 2026-08-13. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Family & relationships | 10 of 40 | 25% |
| Mood & stress | 9 of 40 | 23% |
| Symptom relief | 9 of 40 | 23% |
| More clients | 9 of 40 | 23% |
| Digestion | 7 of 40 | 18% |
| Better systems | 7 of 40 | 18% |
- “And then as I continued forward going through each level one through four, because healing's not linear, so I'm so grateful for the education I received because I'm not only able to help myself and my family, but make…”Suzanne Subaitani
- “And I felt a calm and a sense of more of a direction, I think.”Laura Bierwagen
- “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
How long it took them
- Over a year · 1
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
WatchFrom Chronic Pain to Running 25 Miles Weekly with My Lyme DocErica regained her health at My Lyme Doc after struggling with Lyme disease, mold poisoning, and gut issues. Previously unable to play on the floor with her children, she now runs 20 to 25 miles per week and manages two companies. She credits the clinic's edu…Erica · My Lyme Doc
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)
WatchEliminated chronic digestive pain and parasite symptoms within ten daysViki Scudiery found relief with Nature Provides after years of chronic digestive issues and parasites. Using plant stem cell extracts, she reported that her belly aches after eating vanished within seven to ten days. Scudiery highlights the formula's ability…Viki Scudiery · Nature Provides
WatchOvercoming 20 Years of Chronic Hives and Achieving Two Successful PregnanciesTito Ogunsola-Smith credits Full Spectrum Integrative Medicine for resolving a 20-year battle with chronic hives and fatigue that specialists could not solve. Through evidence-based functional medicine, hormone replacement, and IV therapy, Tito achieved two s…Tito · Full Spectrum Integrative Medicine
WatchOvercoming Severe Brain Fog and Joint Pain Through Root-Cause DetoxificationAudrey Baranishyn-Krause found relief with Detox Rejuvenation after traditional medicine failed to address her chronic symptoms. By identifying mold exposure and parasite infections, she successfully lifted her debilitating brain fog and reduced joint pain so…Audrey Baranishyn-Krause · Detox Rejuvenation
WatchRestoring Health and Vitality for a 71-Year-Old Athlete After Chronic IllnessJim Huling credits Innovative Wellness Resources for restoring his health after chronic sinus infections and antibiotics wrecked his system. By using a custom-crafted, multi-modality approach, Anna Powers helped Huling return to his life as a full-time execut…Jim Huling · Innovative Wellness Resources
WatchChronic Migraines and Gut Issues Resolved in One Month for PatrickJennifer Brown reports that Atypically Awesome and Dr. Yana Kleyman helped her son, Patrick, overcome chronic migraines, vomiting, and severe stomach pain. Within one month of implementing personalized diet changes and supplements, Patrick saw his skin clear,…Jennifer Brown · Atypically Awesome
What they doubted first
- “If you are thinking about joining the Institute of Restorative Health, I would say don't hesitate.”Suzanne Subaitani
- “Tito noted that while she considered the cost, it eventually evened out when compared to the frequent copays and visits to other physicians. She felt the 'elevated aspect of care' and the fact that Dr. Staid actually listened made it well worth the investment.”Tito
- “Audrey Baranishyn-Krause initially had hesitations regarding the cost and time required for the program. However, she decided to move forward because she was 'tired of being tired' and found success by implementing the program in small, manageable steps rathe…”Audrey Baranishyn-Krause
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