Shana loves making everyday memories with her grandchildren now that her pain is controlled.
“I have freedom now to do the things I want to do, with the people I love. My family, my grandkids.”
Shana always dreamed of having grandchildren and being a big part of their lives. Sadly, unresolved pain from an accident before her grandchildren were even born was squashing her dreams. She did not want to go through life relying on pain pills. The pain specialists at the Heilman Center for Pain and Spine Care were able to get Shana’s neck pain under control and eliminate her need for pain pills. Now, Shana is living her dream, enjoying every minute with her “grandbabies.”
“In 2005, I was in a snowmobile accident. I had so much pain. The doctors thought it was whiplash. I waited for it to get better, but it kept getting worse. I couldn’t do anything. All I could do was lie in bed. Simple things like reaching for a tissue or putting on my clothes were overwhelming. Walking to the kitchen was a nightmare. Every movement was a struggle. I felt trapped. I don’t think my family could really understand how much pain I had.
I went to a lot of doctors who did a lot of tests. None of them could figure out what was wrong with me. Even one of the most prominent medical centers in the world said they could not help me—my pain was too general. Other doctors just gave me pain killers. Those didn’t really take care of the pain and they messed with my head. I was a zombie, sleeping and sleeping and not even knowing the time of day.This went on for 5 years, but I didn’t give up. I wanted to find out what exactly was wrong with me. What could help me feel better without drugs? One day, I saw an ad for the Heilman Center online for fibromyalgia treatment. I wasn’t sure that was what was wrong with me. I was apprehensive about going to yet another doctor. But I couldn’t continue to live with the pain and brain fog. I called and they fit me in for a consultation right away.
Right off the bat, I was impressed. The specialist I met with asked a lot of questions. She took the time to get to know me. She did some testing and had me keep a pain diary. She confirmed that I had fibromyalgia and recommended a series of periodic injections to treat my pain. The injections worked wonders.”
Patients who have fibromyalgia often struggle to pinpoint exactly what pain they’re experiencing. One day, they may experience leg pain that makes it impossible to walk or sit. The next day, they may experience back pain or spasms after performing what should be simple activities, like shopping for groceries. Activities that seem basic to most people may result in days of exhaustion or pain for the fibromyalgia sufferer.
“I started noticing a difference after the first treatment. At first, it was little things, like being able to get out of bed more often. Soon, I was more active—getting back to the person I was before the accident. I could drive again, something I’d given up when I couldn’t turn my head because of the pain.
It wasn’t long before I was able to spend more time with my grandchildren, picking them up and going to the park. I’m looking forward to snowmobiling this winter. I still get periodic treatments that take care of my pain. Most important, I no longer need pain medications. My head is clear.
Life isn’t a struggle anymore. The Heilman Center provides pill-free pain treatments that really work. Now I’m free! Free to do the things I want to do, the things I love. I work full-time and take care of my grandbabies while their parents work. We go on new adventures every day and make happy memories. It’s great to feel alive again!”
Talk to Our Pain Specialist
If this pain treatment review has described some of what you’re experiencing, you may have fibromyalgia or another chronic pain disorder. At the Heilman Center, we understand that not every pain cause shows up on an X-ray or scan. Even if we can’t see your pain, there’s a good chance we can help.
It’s time to talk to a pain specialist who can give you some answers and help you find treatment. Call 734-796-7555 or fill out our web form to schedule your appointment today.