From Excruciating Pain to Real Relief: Alliance Patient Finds Independence

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 how our fifty-one-year-old patient, Kemble found independence and relief after treatment from Alliance.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ALLIANCE SPINE AND PAIN CENTERS?

I was looking for relief. Because of issues at birth, I have pins in my hips. The pins caused horrible pain and arthritis, and they can’t be removed. I’m too young for a hip replacement because it would need to be redone later in life.

TELL US YOUR ENTIRE STORY WITH ALLIANCE.  WHAT ISSUES DID YOU NEED TO RESOLVE? HOW WERE THEY ADDRESSED?

When I first got to Alliance, I was living in excruciating pain all day, every day. I couldn’t do anything. I needed help getting in and out of a car, getting dressed, cooking dinner, and I couldn’t sleep.  I didn’t want to live that way, or have to depend on others to help all the time.

Initially I received epidural injections which helped temporarily. Dr. Ikenna Okpareke said that I was a candidate for a DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion) procedure. The trial helped and I could tell it was working. The actual DRG stimulator has given me so much relief! Dr. Okpareke did the procedure in Alliance’s Douglasville location, and he was great. He made me feel very comfortable and was right there helping – providing physical stability and comfort. 

HOW ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Now I can get dressed, cook dinner, go out, go shopping – and I love, love, love to shop!  I’m still using a walker or cane, but plan to wean myself off with continued physical therapy.