From Overwhelmed to Empowered: A Patient’s Journey at PIM

Cora’s Story: A Journey to Transformation

Cora (alias) came to PIM in May 2024, feeling frustrated and unheard. For years, she had struggled with unresolved perimenopausal symptoms, including inconsistent sleep and challenges with weight loss. Despite her efforts, which included research and self-experimentation, she felt stuck. “I’m a little tired of researching and experimenting on myself!” she said. What Cora truly desired was to live her healthiest, happiest life while maximizing her time with her family. She also wanted to better understand her optimal diet and exercise regimen and explore genetic testing, as she was adopted and lacked insight into her biological family’s medical history.

At PIM, we approach every patient as a unique individual, and Cora’s journey began with an in-depth new patient appointment. One of the most common frustrations in traditional healthcare is the lack of personalized attention, but that’s where PIM stands out. Our team prioritizes understanding your story and building trust from the very first visit.

A Comprehensive and Personalized Approach That Goes Beyond the Basics

To dig deeper into Cora’s health, we conducted comprehensive bloodwork, assessing her systemic inflammation markers, three-month nutrient levels, serum methylation biomarkers, thyroid function, vitamin D, lipid profile and more. At PIM, we believe that uncovering root causes requires cutting-edge science and personalized testing. No two people are the same, so why should their treatment plans be? If it looks like there will be too many vials taken at the lab, we break the requested tests into two requisitions. We review the past 6-12 months of existing blood work so that labs are not unnecessarily repeated – all this is part of our preparation for a new patient appointment 3-5 days before you come in. The PIM team collaborates in a live meeting daily to discuss approaches to your care, to help ensure timely progress toward your goals. We know your time and resources are valuable and we want you to be well and not need us.

Cora opted for a comprehensive stool study to assess her gastrointestinal health, which revealed critical insights into her microbiome. The test screens for GI inflammation, unwanted microbiota like parasites, fungi, viruses and pathogenic or atypical bacteria, and gives a stool zonulin level - this marker reliably indicates presence or absence of intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”). 

Cora’s stool study identified two bacteria that could act as inflammatory autoimmune triggers as well as antibodies to gluten, which she hadn’t realized were a significant factor in her symptoms. With this information, we crafted a plan to reinoculate her microbiome, focusing on restoring Akkermansia bacteria levels, crucial for metabolic health and weight regulation. Cora’s specialty test stool result helped us tailor her program to meet her health goals more quickly and effectively. It helped her to lose weight and restore a balanced microbiome - essential for mood balance and hormonal stabilization during perimenopause - as hormones including estrogen are detoxed in the gut and as hormones fluctuate significantly - detox becomes even more key to feeling steady energy, mood and well-being.

Empowering Through Genetic Testing

To further personalize her care, Cora completed 3x4 genetic testing. This genetic platform identifies the top 3 significant genetic pathways that help optimize health and recovery from illness. A powerful computer algorithm analyzes countless SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) to find the most important patterns, so you receive specific, targeted lifestyle and supplement recommendations based on your unique genetic makeup. There is nothing scary about this test and our patients feel empowered when they learn more about themselves and what they can do. Cora’s 3x4 result identified three areas of vulnerability: vascular health, blood pressure, and mood regulation. These results allowed us to create targeted lifestyle and supplement recommendations to support her long-term health goals - including personalized exercise recommendations, key herbs that optimize cardiovascular and blood vessel health. We discussed if mood support was needed, what to look out for so she could be in prevention mode, and what to do if she began having mood instability, anxiety or depression. 

To address her vascular health, we conducted a specialty test to assess the health of her blood vessel lining, including specific endothelial markers not available through conventional labs. This proactive approach is just one way PIM goes above and beyond to provide expert, tailored care. You can learn if you are likely to have a problem in the future, and if so, you are offered the option to take action now. In Cora’s case, she knows she can retest to ensure what she is doing is making a difference and reducing risk of stroke and heart attack. She does not need to wait for symptoms or an emergency to occur - she can proactively protect herself.

Cora’s Success: Evidence-Based Interventions That Work

Based on her unique needs, Cora’s treatment plan included high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, providing over 2 grams of EPA and DHA in just two capsules, and an independently tested, triglyceride form was selected to ensure absorption and efficacy - omega-3’s balance mood, reduce irritability and powerfully reduce GI and systemic inflammation. We optimized her vitamin D levels to 50-60 ng/mL and provided a personalized B vitamin recommendation based on insurance reimbursed LabCorp / Quest testing. This included review of her methylmalonic acid (MMA) level - much more accurate than serum B 12 and always covered by insurance - as well as a homocysteine level. PIM practitioners have learned through Integrative Fellowship training (2 years) and Institute for Functional Medicine Certification (2+ years) how to order and interpret insurance covered testing. MMA levels should be 125 or less and higher values indicate B12 deficiency. Homoscysteine goal should be 7-8 - something that physicians do not routinely learn in their 4 years of conventional medical school and three to five years of specialty residency. Cora also received updated gynecological recommendations, as requested; PIM has an extensive directory of local providers, with whom we regularly collaborate, ensuring that each patient gets the best care from the members of their medical team, in a coordinated approach.

As her treatment progressed, Cora began to notice significant improvements. Her energy levels increased, her bowel movements became more formed and more regular, and she experienced less fatigue after meals. Adopting a gluten-free diet significantly reduced bloating and gas, as well as food sensitivities. Body aches and brain fog diminished, and she was able to transition off fluoxetine (Prozac), which she had been taking for crying spells. By her follow-up appointment, Cora’s medical symptom questionnaire showed a 50% reduction in symptoms, and she celebrated a 20-pound weight loss.

The PIM Difference: Expert Care with a Personal Touch

Cora’s transformation highlights the power of PIM’s integrative approach. We uncover the root causes and empower our patients with personalized solutions and compassionate support. When you see one of us, you see all of us! Our provider team collaborates daily to empower our patients and change lives. We understand that navigating health challenges can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to make the process easier. Communication is a cornerstone of our care, and we respond to patient messages within 48 business hours, often the same day.

Our team prepares up to a week in advance for new and follow-up patient appointments, crafting detailed summary assessments based on intake paperwork and available labs or studies. This meticulous preparation ensures that we fully understand your story and can provide care that is not only effective but also compassionate and tailored to your unique needs.

Cora’s Happiness and Gratitude: A True Transformation

Cora’s journey with Philadelphia Integrative Medicine (PIM) is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when healthcare is personalized and from the heart. Her transformation wasn’t just physical, it was emotional, mental, and holistic. “I never imagined that a personalized approach could make such a big difference,” Cora shared with us. “I feel like I’ve finally found a team that truly listens and cares about me, not just my symptoms, but me as a person.”

At PIM, we are proud of the life-changing outcomes we see when our patients feel heard, understood, and supported. Cora’s experience is a perfect example of how our integrative approach empowers patients to take control of their health and thrive. Her energy, confidence, and happiness are restored, and her journey has been a true partnership with our dedicated team.

Cora’s success story highlights the difference that personalized care makes, and it’s the reason we do what we do. At PIM, we’re not just treating symptoms; we are hearing and connecting with you as a person, meeting you where you are, and partnering with you to achieve optimal health. Our team’s collaborative, patient-centered approach is designed to empower each person who walks through our doors to reach their fullest potential.

Your Health, Your Journey

Start your journey toward better health today. Schedule your consultation with us, and let us help you unlock your true potential with the care that’s uniquely yours.

Step Into Wellness with PIM!