Alliance Helps Patient Feel Like Herself Again

Alliance Spine and Pain Centers provides life-changing pain relief. Our best-in-class physicians help our patients live fuller, more functional, and fulfilling lives.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our patient success series is intended to share incredible and inspiring stories of our patients overcoming pain. Keep reading to learn about 74-year-old Andrea McGriff’s journey with pain management with Alliance Spine and Pain Centers.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ALLIANCE SPINE AND PAIN CENTERS?

Over 20 years ago, I took a hard fall and it caused a ruptured disc. After it happened, I began to experience a series of unrelated, but painful issues including breaking my back twice, suffering from arthritis, and having additional falls.

The pain took over my life and made me miserable. I couldn’t stand or sit. I received injections, had two neck fusions, and tried several other treatments. Unfortunately, nothing worked for long.

After taking oral medications for my chronic pain, I got a Medtronic pain pump implant (intrathecal pain pump implant) at Alliance. The implant delivers pain medication directly to the cerebrospinal fluid, which reduces the side effects from oral opioids such as nausea, constipation, and drowsiness.

WHAT LESSON DO YOU WANT THOSE READING YOUR STORY TO LEARN?

Don’t give up on seeking pain relief. A variety of treatment options are available for chronic pain. You have to work with your doctor on finding the right treatment or combination of treatments that alleviate your pain. Help is out there!

HOW ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Prior to the Medtronic pain pump implant, my pain ranged from a 6–10 out of 10 on the pain scale. Now, I can tell the pump is working because I feel like myself again. I am sleeping well and doing many of the things I used to be able to do before.

My treatment no longer involves taking any oral pain medications, which makes me so happy! I feel more energetic and less foggy-headed since I stopped taking them. Friends and family say my personality is back to normal again.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

I am a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with two sons, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. I love music and used to be both a church pianist and soloist.

If you or a loved one are having issues with pain management, the experts at Alliance Spine and Pain are here to help you get back to what you love. Give us a call at 770-929-9033 or schedule an appointment online.