| Jennifer: Migraines (3-12 months post implant) |
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Jennifer had excruciating pain from migraines for four years. After unsuccessfully trying numerous types of conventional and alternative treatments, as well as having the occipital nerve surgically cut, she found herself pain free during the 30-day trial period. Now, 3 months after the permanent implant, Jennifer couldn't be happier. She's back to her old self, and recommends the procedure wholeheartedly. 3 months post implant6 months post implant12 months post implantDr. Greenspan: What kind of pain were you having before the procedure was done? Jennifer: Excruciating -- 10-plus, almost all the time. From the back of my head over to the left side. Dr. Greenspan: For how many years have you been having migraines? Jennifer: Four years. Dr. Greenspan: Have you been to other doctors for treatment? What kind? Jennifer: Neurosurgeons, neurologists, acupuncturists, chiropractors... everything. I've been on 11 different medications, I've had the nerve cut. Had blocks done, had Botox done. All with no to very limited success. Dr. Greenspan: Which nerve was cut? Jennifer: The occipital. Dr. Greenspan: Did it make it better? temporarily? Jennifer: If it did, maybe a couple of days. Nothing significant. Dr. Greenspan: How did the trial go for you? Jennifer: Excellent. Pain free for the whole 30 days. Dr. Greenspan: How long after the trial started did you start to get relief? Jennifer: Probably took about a week and a half. Dr. Greenspan: Now you've had the implant for three months... How did the implant surgery itself go? Jennifer: Fine. The recovery wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I couldn't be more pleased with the recovery. Dr. Greenspan: How long before you were back to work after the surgery? Jennifer: I did take off 3 days. Dr. Greenspan: What percent pain relief do you think you're getting at this point now? Jennifer: 95% Dr. Greenspan: Are there days when you have no pain at all? Jennifer: Most days I have no pain. Dr. Greenspan: When you have pain, how bad is it? Jennifer: 3-4 on a scale of 1-10. Dr. Greenspan: How long does it last? Jennifer: Maybe 20 minutes to 1/2 hour. Mostly I think, "I have a headache" and don't think about it, and then I don't have a headache anymore. Dr. Greenspan: Have you noticed any other changes in your life from the procedure? Jennifer: I have more energy, I wake up early like I used to, happier. Dr. Greenspan: Do people around you remark about how you seem these days? Jennifer: Yes. They say I seem like my old self. Dr. Greenspan: What would you tell someone who wasn't sure to go forward with this? Jennifer: "Do it," without a doubt. This procedure is performed by Dr. Joshua Greenspan at our Somersworth facility. For more information, read Promising new treatment: Occipital Neuromodulation. |
