9 Years, 3 States and Endless Practitioners of Multiple Disciplines Until I found the Right Doctor

It started as general joint pain, hip and lower back pain and progressed to pure exhaustion, severe pain throughout every joint and muscle, unable to sleep, and a feeling of I cannot keep living like this. Primary Care, Chiropractors, Yoga, Massage, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Surgery, NSAIDS, Medical Marijuana, Special Diets, Prescriptions both on and off label for Pain, Depression, Muscle Relaxers, Anti-Convulsants, and Amphetamines. I spent years and so much money trying to figure out what was destroying my body, my mind, and like dominos every piece of my life that I worked so hard to create. In 2018, after another move I decided I needed more than a doctor, I needed a network with a better way to handle healthcare and that's when I found MDVIP and Dr. Alicia Chen. At this point I was presenting with multiple symptoms and she ran so many tests, referred me to a number of specialists, ordered imaging, and tried a myriad of treatments. Then finally she had a theory, a type of Connective Tissue Disorder possibly Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Through her partnership with MDVIP she was able to get me into the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville where they have a group dedicated to EDS. My diagnosis was confirmed and while there is no cure and I am by no means living my best life yet, I have new resources for dealing with the symptoms and a doctor who works with me, spends countless hours researching, and is never closed minded about treatment options to help me get back to the life I want to live. For that I am forever grateful to have Dr. Chen as my primary care provider and so thankful that she is the person she is. Doctors like her make a difference.