Aklecia McVoy, MD| Family Medicine | MedStar Health
Aklecia McVoy

Aklecia McVoy, MD
Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

4.8 out of 5 (472 reviews)

Specialties: Family Medicine

Languages: Spanish, English

301-627-1603

About me

Areas of clinical interest

  • Chronic disease management
  • Integrative medicine
  • In-office procedures
  • Women’s health

Certifications and professional associations

  • Board certified, American Board of Family Medicine

Philosophy of care
“I am passionate about providing great care to patients from all walks of life, no matter their ethnicity, religion, or sexual identity. I take pride in making my patients feel comfortable. I welcome open dialogue and a collaborative effort when it comes to their care.”

Dr. McVoy is fluent in English and Spanish.

Clinical areas of focus

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Allergies
  • Cough
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Hypertension
  • Physical Exams
  • Rash
  • Sinusitis
  • Sore Throat
  • Urinary Tract Infection
Show More

Conditions and procedures

Conditions I treat

  • Abdominal Cramps
  • Abdominal Distention
  • Abdominal Migraine
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Abnormal Bowel Movement
  • Abnormal Stool
  • Abrasion
  • Acne
  • Actinic Cheilitis
  • Acute Arthritis
  • Acute Back Pain
  • Acute Bronchitis
  • Aging
  • Alcohol Dependency
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis
  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Allergic Rhinitis To Pollen
  • Allergic Rhinosinusitis
  • Allergic Wheezing
  • Allergies
  • Altered Bowel Habits
  • Altitude Sickness
  • Anal Itching
  • Anal Pain
  • Anemia
  • Angioedema
  • Angular Cheilitis
  • Animal Bite
  • Ankle Injury
  • Ankle Instability
  • Ankle Pain
  • Ankle Sprain
  • Ankle Strain
  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety
  • Aphthous Ulcers
  • Arm Injury
  • Arm Pain
  • Arm Sprain
  • Arm Strain
  • Arm Weakness
  • Arthralgia
  • Asthma
  • Asthma Flares
  • Asthmatic Bronchitis
  • B12 Deficiency Anemia
  • Back Muscle Injury
  • Back Muscle Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Bedbugs
  • Bee Sting Allergy
  • Bee Stings
  • Behavior Concern
  • Behavioral Disorders
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
  • Bereavement
  • Bicep Pain
  • Bilateral Knee Pain
  • Birthmark
  • Bleeding During Intercourse
  • Bleeding Hemorrhoids
  • Blister
  • Blocked Tear Duct
  • Blood In Eye
  • Blood In Stool
  • Blurred Vision
  • Breast Discharge
  • Breast Lump
  • Bright Red Blood Per Rectum
  • Bronchitis
  • Bruising
  • Burns
  • Calf Pain
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Celiac Diarrhea
  • Celiac Disease
  • Cellulitis
  • Cellulitis Of Arm
  • Cellulitis Of Back
  • Cellulitis Of Chest
  • Cellulitis Of Face
  • Cellulitis Of Finger
  • Cellulitis Of Foot
  • Cellulitis Of Genitals
  • Cellulitis Of Hand
  • Cellulitis Of Head
  • Cellulitis Of Toe
  • Cellulitis Of Trunk
  • Chest Pain
  • Childhood Onset Fluency Disorder
  • Chlamydia
  • Choking Sensation
  • Cholesterol Disorders
  • Chronic Abdominal Pain
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Chronic Cough
  • Chronic Diarrhea
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  • Chronic Migraines
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Chronic Pain
  • Chronic Sinus Infection
  • Claudication
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Cold Intolerance
  • Cold Sore
  • Common Cold
  • Concussion
  • Conduct Disorder
  • Confusion
  • Congenital Ear Deformity
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Constant Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Contact Dermatitis
  • Cough
  • Cradle Cap
  • Cystitis
  • Cystodynia
  • Dandruff
  • Daytime Sleepiness
  • Decrease In Appetite
  • Decreased Libido
  • Decreased Pulses
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Dehydration
  • Dementia
  • Depressed Mood
  • Depression
  • Dermatophytosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Diarrhea
  • Diplopia
  • Disorder Of Balance
  • Distractible
  • Disturbance Of Attention
  • Diverticulitis
  • Dizziness
  • Drug Reaction
  • Dry Nose
  • Dry Scalp
  • Dry Sinus
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Dyshidrosis
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Dyspepsia
  • Dysphagia
  • Dysphoria
  • Dyspnea On Exertion
  • Dysthymia
  • Dysuria
  • Ear Discharge
  • Ear Drainage
  • Ear Fullness
  • Ear Infections
  • Ear Pressure
  • Earache
  • Eating Disorders
  • Eczema
  • Elbow Pain
  • Elbow Sprain
  • Elbow Strain
  • Elevated LDL Cholesterol
  • Emphysema
  • Enlarged Prostate
  • Enuresis
  • Environmental Allergies
  • Epicondylitis
  • Epigastric Pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Epistaxis
  • Erectile Disorder
  • Eructation
  • Erysipelas
  • Erythema
  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
  • Eye Infections
  • Eye Pain
  • Eye Strain
  • Face Swelling
  • Facial Droop
  • Facial Pain
  • Facial Tingling
  • Falls
  • Family History Of Breast Cancer
  • Family History Of Cancer
  • Family History Of Heart Disease
  • Fasciculations
  • Fatigue
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Feeding Problems
  • Fever
  • Fever With Chills
  • Fibrocystic Breast Changes
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Finger Pain
  • Finger Sprain
  • Finger Strain
  • Fingernail Injury
  • First Degree Burns
  • Flatulence
  • Floaters
  • Folliculitis
  • Food Allergy
  • Food Poisoning
  • Foot Injury
  • Foot Pain
  • Foot Strain
  • Frailty
  • Frequency Of Urination
  • Frequent Infections
  • Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
  • Gastric Ulcer
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  • Genital Herpes
  • Genital Warts
  • Geriatrics
  • Gluten Sensitivity
  • Gout
  • Grave's Disease
  • Grief
  • Groin Mass
  • Groin Pain
  • Hand Injury
  • Hand Pain
  • Handwriting Tremor
  • Hashimoto Thyroiditis
  • Head Congestion
  • Headache
  • Hearing Loss
  • Heart Disease
  • Heart Disease In Women
  • Heart Murmur
  • Heart Racing
  • Heat Illness
  • Heat Intolerance
  • Heel Pain
  • Hematuria
  • Hemoptysis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hemospermia
  • Hepatitis
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hernia
  • Herpes
  • Herpes Zoster
  • Herpetic Whitlow
  • Hip Click
  • Hip Pain
  • Hirsutism
  • Hoarseness
  • Homebound
  • Hot Flashes
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Hyperlipidemia Syndrome
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypertriglyceridemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Impacted Cerumen
  • Impetigo
  • Infectious Mononucleosis
  • Influenza
  • Ingrown Hair
  • Ingrown Nail
  • Insect Bites And Stings
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Intention Tremor
  • Intertrigo
  • Iron Deficiency Anemia
  • Irregular Menstruation
  • Irritability
  • Itchy Ear
  • Jaundice
  • Joint Pain In Ankle And Foot
  • Joint Sprain
  • Joint Stiffness
  • Joint Swelling
  • Joint Warmth
  • Keloid
  • Keratin Cyst
  • Keratitis
  • Keratosis Pilaris
  • Knee Click
  • Knee Injury
  • Knee Pain
  • Knee Sprain
  • Knee Strain
  • Labial Adhesions
  • Labial Hypertrophy
  • Labial Hypoplasia
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Laceration
  • Lacrimal Duct Stenosis
  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Laryngitis
  • Lateral Epicondylitis
  • Lazy Eye
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Leg Numbness
  • Leg Pain
  • Leg Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Lice
  • Lip Droop
  • Lipomas
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Lump In Throat
  • Lyme Disease
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Macrocytic Anemia
  • Malaise And Fatigue
  • Mania
  • Mastodynia
  • Medial Epicondylitis
  • Memory Disorders
  • Menopause
  • Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
  • Migraine
  • Missed Periods
  • Mood Disorders
  • Motion Sickness
  • Mouth Bleeding
  • Mouth Pain
  • Mouth Ulcer
  • Multiple Chronic Illnesses
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Muscle Strain
  • Muscle Tears
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Myalgia
  • Nail Disease
  • Nail Injury
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Nasal Obstruction
  • Nausea
  • Nausea And Vomiting
  • Neck Muscle Injury
  • Neck Pain
  • Neck Sprain
  • Neonatal Acne
  • Nevus
  • Newborn Feeding Problems
  • Night Sweats
  • Nightmares
  • Nipple Discharge
  • Noisy Breathing
  • Norovirus
  • Nose Pain
  • Novel Coronavirus
  • Numbness
  • Obesity
  • Odynophagia
  • Optic Migraines
  • Oral Candidiasis
  • Orthopnea
  • Orthostatic Hypotension
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteopenia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Otalgia
  • Otitis Externa
  • Otitis Media
  • Overweight
  • Palpitations
  • Panic Attack
  • Paresthesia
  • Parkinson's Disease (PD)
  • Paronychia
  • Patellofemoral Syndrome
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Penile Bleeding
  • Penile Discharge
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Pernicious Anemia
  • Persistent Asthma
  • Persistent Cough
  • Pertussis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Plant Dermatitis
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Pleurisy
  • Pleuritic Pain
  • Pneumonia
  • Poison Ivy
  • Poison Oak
  • Polypharmacy
  • Positional Vertigo
  • Post Nasal Drip
  • Postcoital Bleeding
  • Prediabetes
  • Problems With Smell And Taste
  • Prostate Infection
  • Pruritus
  • Psychomotor Agitation
  • Pulmonary Infections
  • Pyelonephritis
  • Rash
  • Rectal Bleeding
  • Rectal Pain
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus
  • Restless Legs Syndrome
  • Retained Tampon
  • Retinopathy Of Prematurity
  • Rhinitis
  • Ringworm Of Body
  • Ringworm Of Groin
  • Ringworm Of Head
  • Rosacea
  • Salivary Gland Swelling
  • Scab
  • Scabies
  • Scaly Skin
  • School Anxiety
  • Sciatica
  • Scratchy Voice
  • Scrotal Pain
  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Sensitive Skin
  • Severe Asthma
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
  • Shakiness
  • Shin Splints
  • Shortness Of Breath (SOB)
  • Shoulder Injury
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Shoulder Sprain
  • Shoulder Strain
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Sinus Pain
  • Sinus Pressure
  • Sinusitis
  • Skin Abscess
  • Skin Disease
  • Skin Irritations
  • Skin Tag
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Sleep Terrors
  • Sleep-Related Hypoventilation
  • Slowing Of Urinary Stream
  • Smoker Cough
  • Snoring
  • Sore Throat
  • Spider Bite
  • Spine Injury
  • Sprained Muscle
  • Sputum Production
  • Staphylococcus Infections
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Stomach Pain
  • Stool Changes
  • Strabismus
  • Straining On Urination
  • Strep Throat
  • Stress Incontinence
  • Stridor
  • Stye
  • Submandibular Swelling
  • Substance Addiction
  • Subungual Hematoma
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Sunburn
  • Swallowing Problem
  • Swooshing Sound In Ears
  • Syncope
  • Syphilis
  • Tachycardia
  • Teething
  • Tension Headache
  • Testicular Pain
  • Thalassemia
  • Throat Tightness
  • Thumb Sprain
  • Thumb Strain
  • Thyroid Disorder
  • Tick Borne Infections
  • Tinea Capitis
  • Tinea Corporis
  • Tinea Cruris
  • Tinea Pedis
  • Tingling
  • Tinnitus
  • Toenail Injury
  • Tongue Pain
  • Tongue Swelling
  • Tracheobronchitis
  • Traveler's Diarrhea
  • Tremor
  • Tropical Sprue
  • Twisted Ankle
  • Twitching
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Underweight
  • Unexpected Weight Loss
  • Unexplained Weight Loss
  • Unsteady Gait
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Upper Lip Tie
  • Upper Respiratory Infection
  • Urethral Discharge
  • Urge Incontinence
  • Urinary Hesitation
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Retention
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Urinary Urgency
  • Urticaria
  • Uterine Bleeding
  • Vaginal Bleeding
  • Vaginal Candidiasis
  • Vaginal Discharge
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Vaginismus
  • Varicella
  • Varicella Virus
  • Vasovagal Syncope
  • Vertigo
  • Viral Conjunctivitis
  • Viral Infections
  • Visual Discomfort
  • Visual Disturbance
  • Visual Impairment
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Vitamin Deficiency
  • Vitamin Poisoning
  • Voice Problems
  • Vomiting
  • Vulvodynia
  • Warts
  • Wasp Stings
  • Weakness
  • Weight Loss
  • Weight Problem
  • Wheezing
  • Work Related Illnesses
  • Work Related Injury
  • Wrist Pain
  • Wrist Sprain
  • Xerosis
Show All Show Less

Procedures I perform

  • Administrative Physicals
  • Birth Control
  • Birth Control Counseling
  • Blood Pressure Screening
  • Blood Test
  • Body Fat Analysis
  • Breast Cancer Prevention And Risk Reduction
  • Breast Cancer Screening
  • Breast Examination
  • Camp Physicals
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Cancer Screening
  • Cerumen Removal
  • Chemistry Blood Panel
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • College Health
  • Concussion Testing
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression And Anxiety Assessments
  • Developmental Assessment
  • Diabetes Counseling
  • Diabetes Education
  • Diabetes Management
  • Diabetes Screening
  • Diabetes Therapy
  • Diet And Exercise
  • Diet And Nutrition
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Drug Test
  • Ear Exam
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Employee Health
  • Family Planning
  • Fitness For Duty Evaluations
  • Flu Shot Vaccination
  • Global Health
  • Gynecological Exam
  • Health Maintenance
  • Health Screening
  • Hepatitis A Vaccination
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination
  • HIV Testing
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination
  • Lab Services
  • Lifestyle Modification
  • Measles Vaccination
  • Medication Refills
  • Medication Renewal
  • Meningitis Vaccination
  • Meningococcal Vaccine
  • Mens Health
  • Migraine Treatment
  • MMR Vaccine
  • Newborn Care
  • Novel Coronavirus Testing
  • Novel Coronavirus Vaccine
  • Novel Coronavirus Vaccine Booster
  • Nutrition And Health
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Occupational Health Screening
  • Office Gynecology
  • Oral Contraceptive
  • Pap Smear
  • Physical Exams
  • Pneumonia Vaccination
  • Polio Vaccination
  • Pregnancy Blood Test
  • Premarital Exam
  • Preoperative Evaluation
  • Preventative Women Healthcare
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Prostate Cancer Screening
  • Prostate Examination
  • Prostate Specific Antigen Blood Test
  • Rapid Strep Test
  • Reproductive Health
  • School Physical
  • Sexual Health
  • Shingles Vaccination
  • Skin Cancer Screening
  • Skin Tag Removal
  • Splinter Removal
  • Sports Physical Exam
  • Staple Removal Obesity
  • Suboxone Treatment
  • Suture Removal
  • Tetanus And Diphtheria Vaccine
  • Tetanus Diphtheria And Pertussis Vaccine
  • Tobacco Use Cessation
  • Travel Medicine
  • Travel Vaccination
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Vaccinations
  • Varicella Vaccination
  • Welcome To Medicare Exam
  • Well Child Exam
  • Wellness
  • Women's Health
  • Worker Compensation Evaluation
  • Wound Care
Show All button Press enter to expand Show Less

Practice locations

Distance from Change LocationEnter your Location

9440 Marlboro Pike
Suite 200
Upper Marlboro, MD, 20772

301-952-8614

Fax 301-877-1034

Get Directions

miles away

Fax 301-877-1034

Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.

  • List of insurance plans we accept
    • Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
    • United Student Resources
    • Cigna PPO and PPO Plus
    • Medicaid - Maryland
    • Kaiser HMO Plus and DHMO Plus Member
    • Aetna Open HMO/Open HMO Option/Open EPO Plus
    • Cigna Alliance Medicare (HMO) |
    • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
    • CareFirst Administrators
    • MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
    • Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
    • United Medicare Advantage DSNP District of Columbia
    • Carefirst BlueChoice HMO
    • Aetna Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
    • Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus
    • Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS)
    • Innovation Health: Open POS Plus
    • Kaiser Select-Added Choice
    • United MD IPA Preferred (POS)
    • CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans)
    • Tricare East Prime
    • United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program
    • United Optimum Choice
    • Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
    • Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA
    • Cigna Preferred Medicare
    • CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage
    • HealthyBlue PPO
    • Cigna True Choice Medicare (PPO)
    • Carefirst BlueChoice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
    • Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO
    • Carefirst BlueChoice Open Access
    • United Choice Plus
    • Private Health Care Systems (PHCS) (PPO)
    • Innovation Health: Network Only Plus
    • Beech Street PPO
    • HumanaChoice Honor’s plan PPO
    • United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO)
    • Kaiser Flexible Choice
    • Aetna Choice POS & Choice POS II
    • United AARP Medicare Complete
    • United Mamsi Life & Health
    • CareFirst MedStar PPO
    • Cigna HMO Open Access
    • Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP)
    • United MD IPA (HMO)
    • Cigna POS Open Access & Open Access Plus
    • United Choice
    • CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
    • Traditional Medicare Fee for Service
    • United Core Essential (HMO)
    • Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus
    • Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
    • HumanaChoice PPO
    • Tricare East Select
    • Carefirst BlueChoice Opt Out Open Access
    • United Select HMO - EPO/NPP
    • Innovation Health: POS Plus
    • Cigna TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
    • Cigna Indemnity
    • Cigna POS/Network POS
    • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA CCN)
    • WellPoint Maryland - Maryland Health Choice
    • United Group Medicare Advantage Plans
    • CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced
    • United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP
    • Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA
    • Innovation Health: POS
    • D-SNP)
    • United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose
    • Aetna HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
    • Employee Health Plan (EHP)
    • United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)
    • I-SNP
    • Kaiser Medicare Advantage Signature and Select
    • Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
    • Aetna HMO
    • Innovation Health: Indemnity
    • Kaiser Permanente Signature-Added Choice
    • Kaiser Signature
    • Virginia Premier
    • Medicaid - Virginia
    • United Select Plus (POS)
    • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
    • United Golden Rule
    • Cigna Network Open Access
    • UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
    • United Navigate
    • Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)
    • United Erickson Advantage Plans
    • Kaiser Medicare Plus
    • Cigna Choice Fund PPO
    • Cigna True Choice Plus Medicare (PPO)
    • Cigna EPO
    • Kaiser Select
    • Police and Fire Clinic
    • Tricare Reserve Select
    • Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
    • CareFirst NASCO
    • CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefit (PPO)
    • Carefirst EPO
    • MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
    • Innovation Health: PPO
    • Aetna Student Health Insurance
    • Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)
    • Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
    • Medicaid - District of Columbia
    • CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity
    • Cigna Achieve Medicare (HMO C-SNP)
    • CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO
    • Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice
    • Innovation Health: Open POS II
    • Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)
    • Cigna HMO & Network (HMO)
    • WellPoint Maryland
    • Tricare for Life East
    • MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
    • Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
    • Coventry Health Care of Virginia
    • Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
    • First Health PPO
    • Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO

Education

Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine

Residency Program: Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center (2019)

Residency Program: Marian Regional Medical Center (2019)

Internship Program: Marian Regional Medical Center (2017)

Internship Program: Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center (2017)

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine (2016)

Ratings and reviews

  • Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

    4.8
  • Extent to which the care provider listened to you

    4.9
  • Care provider’s discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

    4.8
  • Care provider’s efforts to include you in decisions about your care

    4.8
  • Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

    4.8
  • Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

    4.8
  • Apr 23, 2024

    Great experience

  • Apr 16, 2024

    The primary care physician took the time and listened to my concerns answering all of my questions. She also provided knowledgeable resources and assisted with giving me sound advice for my condition

  • Apr 12, 2024

    I love Dr. McVoy. She is interested in me as a patient. I feel heard for the first time in my life since I started becoming a patient.