| Diana: Brain hemorrhage (6 & 9 months post implant) |
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Diana suffered a brain hemorrhage 12 years ago and had been in constant pain and unable to return to work. She had been seen by over a dozen doctors at one time and on dozens of medications. Since her successful occipital neuromodulation implant surgery, Diana is now enjoying simple pleasures, such as reading a book, or having a coffee with friends,. Her pain relief is 90-100%. Dr. Greenspan: Can you tell me about what kind of pain you were having? Diana: Constant pain, always. I didn't sleep; I was just existing. Dr. Greenspan: When did your pain start? Diana: 1996. Dr. Greenspan: What kind of pain were you having? Diana: I had a brain hemorrhage, and ... they told me I could return to work in 6 months. It's 2008 and this is the first time I've been without pain. Dr. Greenspan: What kind of pain were you having because of the hemorrhage? Diana: Constant... chronic headaches. It was to the point where I couldn't sit and read; it was terrible. From there it would go to migraines. It was a constant circle - no sleep. Dr. Greenspan: What kind of things had you tried? Diana: Thousands of medications; I went to sleep deprivation [clinic]. I don't think there's anything I haven't done. Dr. Greenspan: So you had lots of doctors? Diana: At one point, I had 15. Neurologists, pain management, having shots; it was a constant circle. At one point, I was taking over 60 medications. I got real irritated one day and put all my medications in a bag and delivered it to UMass. Dr. Greenspan: What was your life like before this procedure? What things were you not able to do? Diana: A lot of things, like sweeping the floor, taking a bath... Dr. Greenspan: Were you able to do things with your friends? Diana: No. I'm just starting to be able to do that now, and it's wonderful. Just to go to Dunkin Donuts at 7:30 at night, small things like that. Dr. Greenspan: When I first suggested occipital neuromodulation, what were your thoughts? Diana: I was willing to try it because I was tired of the pain. It was chronic, all the time. I feel sorry for anyone who has to live that way. Dr. Greenspan: How did the trial itself go? Diana: The trial itself was great, until I pulled the leads out of my head! [laughs] It wasn't funny. Dr. Greenspan: The the pain came back. Dr. Greenspan: It's been 6 months since the implant. What observations have you had? Diana: Birds sing. I can sit and read a book. I can actually focus. Those are just minor things in life that you don't even know exist. I [had] lost everything. Dr. Greenspan: What percent pain relief do you think you get from this device at this point? Diana: Between 90-100%. Dr. Greenspan: So there are days when you have no pain at all? Diana: That's correct. Dr. Greenspan: How wonderful. How about the pain medication. Have you changed the dose at all? Diana: I only take it if I need it for my hip. I don't use it at all for my head. Dr. Greenspan: What advice would you give someone if they are not sure whether to try this? Diana: "They'd be foolish if they didn't. Take it from somebody who knows." I wish I had had this done many, many years ago. And thanks for being my doctor. Dr. Greenspan: My pleasure.
This procedure is performed by Dr. Joshua Greenspan at our Somersworth facility.
For more information, read Promising new treatment: Occipital Neuromodulation. |
