Interesting idea

[Guest guest]

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/71/81228.htm?z=3199_65286_2010_00_04

Craig

The following story tells the experience of one person who is receiving

neurostimulation for the treatment of complex regional pain syndromes. As you

read it, please bear in mind that the experience is specific to this particular

person. Results vary, not every response is the same. (Not all treatment options

are applicable to your type of pain.)

Craig was a year and a half into his orthopedic surgery residency. He worked

extremely long hours, in the manner of surgical residents everywhere. Any time

he had to spare he spent with his wife and small sons. But one evening, as he

drove home from the hospital, the airbag in his automobile suddenly deployed. He

sustained a crush injury to his right hand.

" The pain slowly got worse through the night, " Craig recalled. " I had escalating

pain and pain and pain. I cut right to the chase and called a hand surgeon whom

I knew. "

The only relief Craig received for months on end was from various types of

anesthetic procedures that temporarily blocked the pain. His work as a surgical

resident came to a halt. " My whole life was falling apart in front of me, " Craig

said. " I thought I was supposed to have this great career as a surgeon and now

my hand was shriveled up into a prune. I was a pretty miserable person [to be

with]. I had a new child at home whom I couldn't take care of. I couldn't even

pick him up. "

After a few months it became apparent that the pain-relieving anesthetic

procedures were no longer very effective. A totally new approach was required.

The approach Craig and his doctors decided to pursue was spinal cord

neurostimulation. After receiving the necessary approvals, Craig underwent a

test neurostimulation procedure. " As soon as I woke up, " he said, " my hand felt

better. I had good relief of my pain. "

With the test declared a success, Craig received a totally implanted

neurostimulation system. " I turned it on and never turned it off for about eight

months. I was back at work again within three or four weeks. My hand strength

started returning, as did my sense of humor. I was no longer miserable. "

Craig has experienced no side effects from neurostimulation, although they are

possible. They include: no stimulation, intermittent or uncomfortable

stimulation, stimulation in the wrong location, and allergic response to the

system. Neurostimulation does require surgery. As with any surgery, some risks,

including risk of infection, exist. Serious adverse events occur rarely, but may

include hematoma or paralysis.

By eight months post-injury Craig was fully back into his surgical residency,

enjoying his family again, and making up for lost time. Ultimately, he no longer

needed his neurostimulator and turned it off. But the system remains in place in

his back. He intends to keep it there, just in case he ever needs it again.

" Now everything is coming to fruition, " Craig concluded. " I've got this nice

private-practice job. I'm working as much as I can and I'm beginning to see the

rewards for my years of training. If I had to describe what's important to me

now, it's my wife and my sons, followed by my patients and work. "

Important Safety Information

Message to the Physician: Please visit the Tame the Pain Resource Center at

WebMD, a place for educating patients about chronic pain. For the latest chronic

pain treatment information created specifically for health-care professionals,

log onto Medscape.