Testimonials

Infertility & Pregnancy

Testimonial #1

From the very beginning, I always had irregular periods and was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries. I was told by one physician that it would be very difficult for me to ever conceive. I lived with this in my mind for many years and when I got married at the age of 34, my husband and I started trying to conceive right away. When nothing happened we tried clomid and got pregnant only to see it end in an early miscarriage. Heartbroken I sought out the advice of a fertility specialist and after multiple intrauterine inseminations we still were not pregnant. We made the decision to take a break from treatments and then move on to IVF after a couple of months. During this break, I decided to look into acupuncture. I had read articles which talked about how acupuncture could help with fertility and how it can increase success rates of IVF. I decided to try acupuncture prior to taking any more medication or undergoing any further procedures. I also hoped that it would help to alleviate the stress that infertility can cause not only physically but emotionally as well, and it did that for me. I actually conceived after just 2 months of seeing Lauren - no meds, no procedures. Unfortunately it ended in another miscarriage but it made me very hopeful that my body could conceive again and I would become a mother one day with the help of acupuncture.

We moved onto IVF after a couple of months and I continued to see Lauren during my IVF cycle. Well, we were successful on that very first cycle and I am writing this now after just having put my 7 week old daughter to bed. I cannot express in words how grateful I am to Lauren for all of her help and compassion during my journey. She always made herself available to me whenever I needed her and continued to be of great assistance during my pregnancy when I was plagued by migraines. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
---Michelle C. S.I., N.Y.---

Testimonial #2

By May of 2006, we had been trying for 15 months to get pregnant and had decided to pursue fertility treatments. After a multitude of testing, 3 intrauterine inseminations without medication and 3 intrauterine inseminations with medication that I had to inject into my own stomach, we found ourselves still not pregnant and a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. The only option we were provided was IVF.

If you are having trouble getting pregnant, I do not have to explain what a lonely and desperate experience it is: what a tremendous stress it puts on a marriage and how invaded and violated you can feel discussing and pursuing your fertility with a specialist. When I heard that acupuncture could help with infertility, although slightly skeptic, I decided it was something I wanted to try before in-vitro.

I was quickly transformed from skeptic to believer. Since I was 12, you could set your clock by my monthly cycle, it never varied. The first month Lauren worked with me, my cycle was 8 days shorter. The second month, I was pregnant. No surprise, Lauren became one of my favorite people on the planet. I continued seeing Lauren throughout my pregnancy and she was very supportive and encouraging throughout the process.

If you’re reading this, you are considering acupuncture for either infertility or another ailment. I am so grateful that I found acupuncture as an option to our infertility. Lauren will forever be in our hearts as the person that made it possible for us to begin our family. I can’t encourage you more to give her a chance to do the same for you.
---Laura H., S.I., N.Y.---

Testimonial #3

I was going to Cornell University for Infertility treatments. My treatments consisted of taking clomid and having my eggs checked until they got to the right size. Once they did I would get an HCG shot. The first two months didn't work for me. On the third month I had gone to my Dr. at Cornell and my egg size wasn't ready. She told me to come back in two days. The day after I saw my doctor I went to Lauren and told her the situation and she gave me the acupuncture needles near my belly to help to s timulate the egg size and don't you know it the next day when I went back my eggs were at the right size! I got my shot and two weeks later I found out I was pregnant! There is no doubt in my mind, that the acupuncture played a significant role in my getting pregnant. I can't thank Lauren enough! She is great at what she does!
---Donna L., Staten Island, N.Y---

Testimonial #4

I wanted to thank you for all of your help over the past year. I truly believe that acupuncture prepared my body to help me to conceive. After trying to conceive for almost a year I came across an article that said acupuncture was proven to be beneficial in people having difficulty conceiving. The article continued to say that studies had proven there was an increase in pregnancy in these couples after undergoing acupuncture treatments. At this time I didn't know much about acupuncture but if it could help me I was willing to give it a try. I went on to research acupuncture more and found many articles that said the same. Like most people when you first try something that you read about you think "it's not going to work for me", but only after a few treatments I found out that I had successfully conceived. I am convinced that acupuncture helped me conceive and I believe that continuing my treatments throughout pregnancy helped me to have a problem free 9 months! During and after my sessions with you my body and mind felt much more relaxed and at ease. I'm so happy that you were able to give me such a positive acupuncture experience. Feel free to share my success story with others so that they too can experience the benefits of acupuncture. Thank you again!
---Melissa C., S.I., N.Y.---

Pain Management

Testimonial #1

Dear Lauren,
I want to thank you for the relief you have given me with pain management. I have been an arthritic for many years and have tried almost every form of pain management known. After being treated by you , I will sing your praises wherever I go. Feel free to use my testimonial.

I recently had hip replacement surgery and was feeling great relief. However, after several months of Physical Therapy, I developed bursitis in the new hip. The pain was becoming unbearable, and after being prescribed anti inflammatory medication, weeks later, still no relief. I returned to Lauren, who helped me years earlier, and after the second visit, I had no more pain. GONE! Gentle, caring and knowledgeable, I highly recommend her service to anyone suffering any kind of pain. I am able to live the life I enjoy so much. I love to garden and enjoy six grandchildren. I can continue to do so with Lauren's help.
Sincerest Thanks.
---Pat, S.I., N.Y.---

Testimonial #2

I have suffered with vestibular migraines and anxiety attacks for the past 12 years. Since receiving acupuncture treatments over the last few months from Lauren, my migraine severity and frequency has reduced greatly. It has been a great relief to not have to take Advil daily. Lauren also provided me with the cupping procedure which completely loosens the muscles of my shoulders, back and neck. This procedure has aided me in helping reduce the painful and debilitating headaches by reducing the tightness in those areas ( a contributing factor in migraine sufferers). The procedure also has helped with my stress. Lauren has also been able to help me reduce the frequency of my anxiety attacks through treatments. She provides a comfortable and relaxed environment and always explains what points she is addressing for the acupuncture session. Lauren is professional, kind and truly cares for patients.
---Alexis V., S.I., N.Y---

Testimonial #3

Thank you for your wonderful work to help alleviate my neck, right shoulder and right arm pain. As you know I went to a chiropractic neurologist for2 months and then to physical therapy with absolutely no relief from my constant unbearable pain. In only 4 visits with you I am beginning to feel like my old self again and I owe it all to you and your fantastic work in the art of Acupuncture. Lauren, every morning I say some prayers and then I tell "God" what I am grateful for today. You are on the top of my list. I have already referred you to 2 people!

Thank you so much for giving me back my smile.
---Susan L., Staten Island, N.Y---

Testimonial #4

I had been suffering through weeks of brutal pain in my feet, calves and lower back when I decided something had to be done! I saw a chiropractor first (which actually made it worse), and then a friend recommended acupuncture. I was lucky enough to be given Lauren's name when I started looking for references. After the very first session I was confident that Lauren would be able to get me back on my feet again...literally. It took several weeks of her patience and attention to my individual sensitivity/needs to gradually make the pain less frequent and eventually disappear. I can't thank Lauren enough for giving me back my mobility and peace of mind.
---Adam G., Staten Island, N.Y---

Testimonial #5

I went to Lauren Fortuna for acupuncture treatment after feeling fatigued for several months. Having never tried acupuncture before, I was a little nervous about it. Lauren quickly put me at ease during the patient interview, and I felt comfortable once I laid down on the table for the procedure. Lauren explained to me why she was applying needles to certain acupuncture points, so I understood the nature of the session. The most wonderful part of the treatment was the application of indirect moxibustion; the warmth of the moxa and the scent of mugwort were so therapeutic. After the treatment was over, I felt energized yet relaxed, as opposed to anxious and fatigued as I had been feeling for months beforehand. The sensation carried over for a few days afterwards. I highly recommend Lauren Fortuna, especially for those new to acupuncture.
---Sherri L., Jersey City, NJ---

Testimonial #6

The best thing I could have done for myself was to go see Lauren. I woke up on one of the worst days; I had massive neck pains! I stayed in bed all day with a neck massager that gave me "rug burn." I thought, well, this will go away by tomorrow because I just slept wrong. But it didn't. When seeing Lauren you not only get acupuncture, but also a complete intake to get to know your medical/health history, and how you are feeling on a daily basis. After the interview, I then had the pleasure of having all my senses relaxed so "Lauren’s magic" can work. Soft music played and the room was dimly lit with candles as I relaxed during the session. After an acupuncture treatment she did a procedure called cupping (Cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the patient's skin. The therapy is used to relieve what is called "stagnation" in TCM terms, and is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold & bronchitis. It is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. ) It feels like a reversed massage. I felt my muscles being pulled up instead of pushed down. I felt like she was trying to bring the blood to the muscle and it was great!

I noticed a difference after the first treatment! Lauren helped my cranky days turn into a wonderful experience. Thanks Lauren!
---Lee P., Staten Island, New York---

Testimonial #7

I was only vaguely familiar with acupuncture before I met Lauren--and skeptical. I had seen some footage on a television program, and the fact needles were involved left me uneasy. Lauren, on the other hand, made me feel entirely the opposite, so, I decided to give it a try. If it was too painful, I wouldn't go through with it; and if it didn't have any positive aftermath I'd have lost nothing. Lauren first did an intake interview to see what she could help me with, mostly bronchial and lung related things, and she then proceeded with the actual acupuncture. Not even a few small pinches later, and they were in. The atmosphere was already relaxed so all I had to so was just be. She checked on me throughout the duration of the process, and before I knew it, it was over. I felt great: relaxed, warm and fuzzy. Not to mention my breathing felt looser. I would highly recommend giving it a try.
---Allison C, S.I., N.Y---

Q & A Feedback From Patients:

It is important for me to gather as much feedback and comments from my patients on their experience, how they felt after their sessions, and to see how Acupuncture is working for them. Here is a sample of some of the questions and answers from my patients. I hope their responses will help reassure new patients that they have come to the right place for their healthcare needs, and that Acupuncture can work for them too.

1. What were the conditions that brought you to seek care with me?
2. What have your improvements been and how have they contributed to the quality of your life?
3. Would you feel comfortable referring friends or family members to Lauren Fortuna?
4. What is your overall level of satisfaction with Lauren Fortuna?

Stacey L., S.I.., N.Y.:

1. Having fertility problems after having a successful pregnancy.
2. I'm currently 5 1/2 months pregnant with my second child, another son
3. ABSOLUTELY
4. On a scale of 1-10, 11

A.G., S.I.., N.Y.:

1. I had tendonitis in my hands (thumbs) and didn't want to keep taking medicine. I was in pain and very depressed about how it was effecting my life.
2. With a combination of acupuncture and aspercreme I am pain free. I plan to come back for acupuncture in the future when my schedule allows.
3. Definitely. It was a wonderful experience and I tell everyone they should give it a try. It is so good for your total well-being. She made me feel very comfortable and I enjoyed talking to her.
4. A 10. She was a caring and skilled individual who made the experience very enjoyable and relaxing.

Eric K, S.I.., N.Y. :

1. Lower back pain, discomfort
2. Significantly reduced pain/discomfort
3. Yes
4. 100%
5. I was more than happy with the treatment. The hot stone treatment on my last visit was a nice addition. All things considered I was very happy with the results. And I will be back again. Thanks.

D.S., S.I.., N.Y. :

1. Body pain; sciatica
2. After the treatments, I feel I have more mobility and less pain.
3. I have already referred people.
4. Extremely high; very professional; very personable; very caring.