Testimonials

"I first visited Cathirose Petrone in October 2009 soon after an orthopedic surgeon recommended surgery for degenerative bone disease in my thumbs, and my traditional doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist for digestive issues. Tests also found osteoporosis and osteopenia in my hip and spine. I was in constant pain with many food sensitivities, debilitating fatigue and chronic anxiety and constant nasal congestion with frequent colds and flus and unexplainable allergic reactions. I had recently become dependent on pain killers and SSRIs.

Her initial assessment was that my immune system was out of balance, including gastrointestinal imbalances, all going back to the muscular/skeletal issues, with plenty of indicators of physical, emotional and mental stress. A couple of things that stuck out of this preliminary session was that I had been flushing my money down the drain with many years of self-diagnosed supplements, detoxes, diets and other "researched" alternative treatments. At the core was chronic stress that was affecting the immune system and adrenals. There was much to tackle, so I was initially overwhelmed. Life had slowly, after many years of being a mother of four and a self-employed visual artist (having been known among family and friends as the "healthy one" with a consistent yoga practice and an obsession with a nutrient-rich diet) become unbearably difficult and stressful. She calmed my racing mind with "Nothing to worry about. The good news is it's all fixable!"

Dr. Petrone's recommendations included a mindfulness/meditation practice, physical therapy for thumb and hip pain, and a diet and nutrition plan to begin to address the GI imbalance and heal and restore digestive health.

Previous to my visit to Living Health Institute, I had spent years under the care of psychologists and conventional doctors, trying to find relief with anti-anxiety medications, sleeping pills , prescription and over the counter meds for pain, nasal congestion, and other ailments. They seemed to temporarily minimize symptoms, though none of these professionals could address the underlying reason I was unwell in the first place. I was not about to believe they were all the result of getting older, or that I inherited these illnesses from the family medical history! Since consulting with Dr. Petrone, I have found solutions to each and every challenge, including an unknown and pretty serious chemical sensitivity that was aggravating symptoms. One solution? Avoid chemicals! I so appreciate how she investigates thoroughly and extensively to "fix" it. With her help I was able to narrow it down and systematically heal each and every symptom.

I am now surgery-free and pain-free, having had the osteoarthritis and osteoporosis issues resolved, maybe even reversed. I will find that out for sure after another bone density scan later this year. The chronic anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms are almost completely eradicated after a lifetime of effects.

I am lighter mentally as Dr. Petrone has helped awaken my own capacity to relax my mind and body and drop the predisposition to worry and obsess. I've weaned off the Lexapro, trusting that the chronic anxiety and nervousness I've experienced for years will be gone as my brain adjusts to healthy serotonin production free of prescription drugs."

- C. W.

 

"My name is Joanne and I am a cancer survivor. It has been 9 years since I had been diagnosed with a stage II malignant tumor in my left breast. After surgical removal of the tumor and lymph node testing, a team of oncologists strongly recommended that I undergo radiation and chemotherapy followed by Tamoxifin as my treatment.

Having researched such treatments and their side effects, I decided to look for an alternative. I sought counsel from Dr. Cathirose Petrone, a naturopathic practitioner. Having confidence in the extensive program she laid out for me and after much prayer time, I proceeded with her holistic approach to healing. This included lifestyle changes, dietary changes and natural supplements to start. It was not easy, initially, but with Dr. Petrone's encouragement, guidance and understanding it became a way of life.

As I stated earlier, I have been cancer free for 9 years! I am grateful for the knowledge, care, and support that I have received from Dr. Petrone through the years. I will continue to trust her for all of my health and wellness issues.

Thank you, Dr. Petrone, for saving my life and for keeping me healthy!"

- Joanne S.

 

"I was referred to Dr. Petrone, a Naturopathic Practitioner, through a friend after having expressed a desire for general health improvement.  I wasn't sick, but did suffer from symptoms that I attributed to common allergies or just a normal occurrence that is found in the general population, for example, indigestion.

Dr. Petrone started me on a one month liver cleanse regimen utilizing a potent powdered drink.  It began with a strict vegan and gluten free diet that slowly introduced most other foods by the end of the month. Within 24 hours, all traces of indigestion completely disappeared.  For many years I had been taking antacids, especially at bedtime.  As the days and weeks passed without any recurrence of indigestion, I marveled at how my nearly 25 years of indigestion had been cured.  Now, a year and a half later, I occasionally use an antacid only when I overindulge in excessive and abusive meals.

I also suffered from a lifelong symptom that began in early childhood.  I was plagued daily with sinus congestion.  It made natural breathing difficult and contributed heavily to snoring.  Again, all traces of this symptom disappeared until I reintroduced wheat into my diet in the fourth week of my treatment.  Of course, I maintain a gluten free diet and no longer experience such symptoms.

I attribute all of the above to the care and expertise of Dr. Petrone."

- Ray S.

A NEW BEGINNING

"It was the fall of 2003 and I had been suffering for quite a while from various ailments such as: pains in my side, pains in my stomach, irregular bowel movements, acid-indigestion, coughing, a lump in my throat feeling and a general malaise. I underwent various testing; blood work, colonoscopy, and an endoscopy. All the results were inconclusive as far as finding anything specifically wrong except that my liver levels were high. The doctors did not prescribe any medication other than nexium for my "slight" hiatal hernia and minor acid reflux. I took nexium for a few months with only minimum results, plus, I wasn't comfortable with the possible side effects.

I had known a little about naturopathy and decided to seek out a naturopathic approach to my maladies. I contacted Dr. Cathirose, told her about my symptoms and asked if she could help me. She said she believed she could. She asked me to send her the results of all my testing and that she would be sending me some questionnaires regarding my daily activities, job environment, dietary intake and symptoms. I received the questionnaires within a few days and I was so impressed. Never in my 45 years of visiting traditional doctors had I been asked to fill out such a comprehensive questionnaire. This was an "ultra" questionnaire that obviously required much thought to put together and even more thought to evaluate. I filled out the questionnaire and mailed it to Dr. Cathirose. She contacted me within a few days with a program. The initial phase was pretty intense as far as eliminating certain foods and drink. It also involved taking a couple of natural supplements. This program would last for 90 days. I wasn't sure I could adhere to it but, after exasperating all traditional medicinal routes with no success, I was determined to feel better.

I started the program and after only 5-7 days I started to feel significantly better. As the program progressed I starting feeling better than I had felt in 20 years! I was a new person! All the symptoms that were wearing me down for so long had disappeared. I learned what foods and drink I needed to keep to a minimum, gained more knowledge of nutrition and my own body and most importantly my liver levels went down. Every year in February I contact Dr. Cathirose and tell her how I'm doing and she sets up a 28-day program that keeps me feeling great. I owe an abundance of gratitude to Dr. Cathirose for her genuine and earnest efforts and her true caring for my health and well being. She has been an important asset in my health and my life."

Sincerely,
Lou P.

 

Prior to this April I had never had my cholesterol level checked. Having been a vegetarian for the last 15 years, I was surprised to learn that my overall cholesterol level was 216, which put me in the "borderline risk" category. I sought Dr. Petrone's help, and after careful analysis of my dietary and exercise habits, recommended several changes, which I faithfully implemented.

I found that the changes in diet were easily integrated, with the added benefit of making me feel more energetic and healthy. Dr. Petrone provided me with the basic knowledge and awareness I needed to achieve a more balanced diet, without having to give up the foods I love to eat.

Through her encouragement I was also able to improve my exercise routine to the point of providing real benefits. I found I was able to accomplish durations on the stairmaster that I never thought were within my reach.

Four months later the results are clear. My cholesterol is now at 176. I lost eight pounds and am able to hold my weight steady. And as an added bonus, I no longer snore, much to my wife's delight.

Dr. Petrone not only provided me with the information I needed to make these changes, but also the belief that I could accomplish these things on my own. She wisely guided me to a health program that I can maintain for the rest of my life! Thanks Dr. Petrone!

David H.