As of 2024, approximately 50 million Americans are affected by autoimmune diseases. Battling an autoimmune disease can be a frustrating and lonely experience. From narrowing down a diagnosis to managing symptoms, having a strong support system is essential. StretchLab member, Nikki, knows this from her own experience. After spending over a year struggling to diagnose her autoimmune disease, she not only found answers, but also a community that strives to support her health and wellness. Keep reading to learn all about Nikki’s journey and how StretchLab helped her as an autoimmune warrior!

The Journey to Diagnosing Nikki’s Autoimmune Disease

Nikki is a single mom to two daughters, and had been practicing Emergency Medicine since 2001. In May of 2020, she contracted Influenza B and COVID 19 at the same time, despite being immunized against both. Though initially she did not test positive, she continued to run fevers of up to 104 every day, in addition to coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, until finally testing positive 5 days later.

While she recovered from most of her symptoms, she continued to spike a fever of up to 103 every day. She was eventually referred to an Infectious Disease doctor after struggling with ongoing fatigue, nausea, and daily severe headaches. Despite multiple rounds of testing, the only tests that ever came back positive were an elevated white blood cell count, an elevated platelet count, and elevated inflammatory markers.

Over the next 6 months, she was referred to Cardiology, Neurology, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, ENT, and Hematology. She endured countless MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, EKGs, ECHOs, and X-rays. One Cardiologist agreed that something just was not right, and recommended that Nikki make an appointment with the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

Nikki spent most of December, including Christmas Day, in Rochester MN repeating the same tests as well as receiving new ones, even undergoing a bone marrow biopsy. With no changes in results, the neurologist diagnosed her with vertiginous migraines and placed her on a beta blocker. Given her improvement on the beta blocker, and knowing her youngest daughter has Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a form of dysautonomia, she wondered if she might have a variant of this and made an appointment with a specialist in Phoenix, AZ, at the Center for Complex Neurology.

Nikkie was initially diagnosed with POTS and the possibility of long Covid. However, after some digging into her family history, it was revealed that members on the paternal side of her family had Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. This sparked the possibility of Yao syndrome, a fairly newly recognized autoimmune disorder associated with a mutation of the NOD2 gene. Nikki was then referred to Dr. Yao himself.

She traveled to Long Island in February of 2023, where Dr. Yao was based, and received confirmation that her symptoms were consistent with Yao syndrome. After more tests and a genetic panel, Nikki waited 6 months to receive the results that not only had she tested positive for the NOD2 genetic mutation, but in fact had three different mutations of the gene. 

Over a year after her symptoms began, Nikki finally had a diagnosis. 

Finding Support at StretchLab

Nikki’s journey to diagnosing her autoimmune disease is one that may feel familiar for many autoimmune warriors. She states that, in many ways, she was lucky. As a medical doctor, she knew that her laboratory anomalies were not normal, but was still often dismissed. She shared that one physician even told her she was “just” in menopause, and that there was nothing actually wrong. 

Reflecting on her journey, Nikki shares, “I was simply normal. Even though I knew that wasn’t true, I doubted myself multiple times, wondered if I was simply a hypochondriac or anxious, and considered giving up. So many people with autoimmune issues find themselves in this position, and when the doctors they go to for answers tell them they are fine, they believe the medical professionals instead of themselves. I am no longer able to practice medicine due to the severe brain fog that impairs my thinking, but I am so thankful that I believed my medical brain enough not to give up trying to get answers.”

In 2022, Nikki began going to StretchLab to assist with her mobility. Knowing that debilitation is a significant problem when dealing with chronic illness, she wanted to make sure she kept moving as much as possible to avoid atrophy and cardiac insufficiency.

Nikki states, “assisted stretching seemed perfect. It would allow me to move, improve my function with regards to activities of daily living, and would also get me out of the house.”

Prior to her diagnosis, Nikki’s exercise routine included dancing, walking, and pilates. But dealing with a chronic illness prevented her from being able to do these exercises, and Nikki shares that when she initially got sick, she was significantly overweight. After starting StretchLab, she lost over 20 pounds within the first six months, and lost many inches from all parts of her body, but especially her abdomen. She says, “losing that weight and staying active helped me get back on my feet, both literally and figuratively, and I have now lost 4 sizes and am looking to shed more!”

In addition to the physical benefits, Nikki was pleasantly surprised to find a sense of community within her studio.She states that the Flexologists are all friendly, and often has great conversations during her stretches, not only with the Flexologists, but also with the other clients! “It is incredibly easy to become lonely while navigating the medical system, and knowing I would have some social interaction every week honestly kept me going many times.”

Protecting Your Wellness with an Assisted Stretching Routine

Nikki’s experiences are shared by many – navigating the medical system while doubting your experiences and feelings can be lonely. That, paired with managing uncomfortable and even painful symptoms, can have a negative impact on one’s wellness. If you, or someone you know, is battling an autoimmune disease, know that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

An assisted stretching routine may be exactly what you need to help protect your health and increase your overall wellness. At StretchLab, our assisted stretching services have helped thousands with improving mobility, reducing pain symptoms, and increasing energy. Plus, not only would you be supported by highly trained stretch practitioners who use the latest science and methodology to design personalized programs for every client, but you’ll also have a community that genuinely cares about seeing you feel your best.

When asked what she would share with other autoimmune warriors curious about trying assisted stretching, Nikki says, “What do you have to lose? Autoimmune conditions are usually painful. Assisted stretching helps with that tremendously, increases endurance, aids in restorative sleep, and helps with that “I am so alone” feeling. You are strong. It is not all in your head. What you are experiencing is real. You can get better. Do NOT give up!”

Interested in learning more about how our assisted stretching services can support your autoimmune disease journey? Find a StretchLab near you here!

Testimonial shared by Nikki S, member at StretchLab High Desert