My Healing Journey
Dr. Anya’s Healing Journey: From Military Officer and Corporate Career Woman to Holistic Health Advocate
Greetings from a small town in Hungary, where I find myself immersed in the beauty of nature and exploring the potential of homegrown vegetables and herbs. Reflecting on my life's path, I can't help but feel grateful for the unexpected turns that led me here. But how did I reach this point? What pivotal shift altered the trajectory of my existence?
After serving in the military, I embarked on a career in surgical medical device sales. As I climbed the corporate ladder, my territory expanded, and so did the demands on my time. I found myself traveling extensively, spending up to four nights a week in different locations across eleven states. The toll of this hectic schedule, combined with training for my second Ironman triathlon, left me depleted and stressed. Unfortunately, my health took a backseat, and I made compromises when it came to nutrition and self-care, succumbing to convenient airport and hotel food.
Feeling run-down, I decided to consult my doctor, who ordered routine blood work. To my dismay, all the results came back "normal," but deep down, I knew something was amiss. Refusing to accept this dismissive diagnosis, I advocated for further testing. Finally, the additional blood work revealed elevated antibodies, confirming my suspicions. However, my doctor's response was disheartening – she told me there was nothing to be done at the moment except wait until my condition worsened, after which I would be medicated for life. This was simply not an option for me, so I began exploring alternatives.
Fortuitously, I was introduced to a holistic functional doctor in Colorado who provided virtual consultations long before it became mainstream. He recommended dietary and lifestyle modifications, along with targeted supplementation. Several months later, when I returned to my original doctor for follow-up blood work, she assumed her prescription pad would be necessary given our previous inaction. However, to her surprise, my results had significantly improved. Curious, she asked about the changes I had made. Excitedly, I shared the details of my lifestyle and dietary modifications, but her response was dismissive, instructing me to continue without delving further into the transformative effects. It's still unclear whether she failed to grasp the significance or simply lacked the time (likely due to a busy schedule). Nonetheless, this profound impact on my life inspired me to quit my job and return to school so that I could assist others who, like me, were once trapped in the grip of suffering.
Amidst my health struggles, fate introduced me to an incredible man through Match.com, a man who hails from Hungary. We now make it a point to visit Hungary annually, reconnecting with his family and relishing the tranquility of our beautiful home here. My in-laws have a passion for gardening and have blessed us with a thriving garden, teeming with tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, onions, garlic chives, rosemary, oregano, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, nectarines, apricots, figs (and surely a few more that escape my recollection). This year, we even acquired two organic mushroom kits, cultivating lion's mane and white baby portabella mushrooms in our cellar. Furthermore, my husband's aunt and cousin boast impressive gardens, boasting zucchinis, kohlrabi, parsley, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, grapes, currants, carrots, pears, apples, peas, and an abundance of other delightful produce. With each passing week, a new vegetable, herb, or fruit ripens before our eyes, bringing us immeasurable joy.
My true passion lies in empowering, educating, and equipping others to become their own health advocates, making the best informed decisions for their well-being. I achieve this by sharing my personal health journey, leading by example, and instilling hope in those who are suffering, as I did. Through one-on-one consultations, virtual education programs, and a relentless pursuit of innovative approaches, I strive to guide individuals on their path to a vibrant and healthy life.
Join me on this transformative journey as we navigate the maze of health choices, armed with knowledge, and determined to live our best lives. Together, we can unlock the potential within ourselves and create lasting change.