Lola


My name is Lola. I was injured in an auto accident about 15 years ago. I also have degenerate joint disease, osteoarthritis, and post-polio syndrome. All of these things contribute to the pain that I’ve had to endure. I’ve had to learn to live with it. I have had several surgeries—on my hand, knees, and spinal column.

Everything the surgeons did helped some. But after several back surgeries, the pain in my back increased to a level that was unbearable. I was miserable. It was hard to make myself do anything—to shop or clean the house. I had to quit work as a teacher and go on disability. I couldn’t even follow my interests and hobbies or travel. Life was a lot less enjoyable. I couldn’t enjoy things with my husband. I had to use a wheelchair and knee braces. I couldn’t sleep through the night. Even church attendance and family parties were difficult.

I was referred to Nexus Pain Care by another doctor as well as my insurance company. We had heard about radiofrequency lesioning on TV. I was excited that Dr. Rosenthal was one of the few specialists that could do that for me. We tried it and It helped for a while, but didn’t seem to be a permanent solution. Dr. Rosenthal explained that I would be a good candidate for the spinal cord stimulator implant. This device works well to help manage my pain.

I come a few times a year to Nexus Pain Care. The doctor has been able to manage my pain through the combination of strengthening and water exercises, medication, and the stimulator. My pain has now been managed so that I can sleep pain free and limit my pain medications. Now I can have a more active life and I can still travel. I am able to do more shopping and house work again. I don’t have to use a wheel chair or braces any more.

I have a better attitude towards life. It’s hard to be happy when you hurt all the time. I learned some relaxation techniques that have helped.

Nexus has always been very pleasant and helpful. Sometimes people living in pain are treated like it’s all in their heads. Nexus understands. The doctors are good about explaining the problems of living with chronic pain. They have helped me understand that it was necessary for me to use narcotics to control my pain and that it was okay. The doctors use leading-edge technology. They have used several methods to control my pain. They work with my family doctor to make things as easy as possible. Nexus is multi-disciplinary—there are specialists from multiple fields to help treat the whole person. It’s like one stop shopping—you can get everything you need to understand, manage, and cope with your pain—all under one roof.

Lola