I am a 70 year old woman originally from New Jersey. I am an artist and jewelry designer.
Over the last three years I experienced severe pain in my joints and increasingly severe pain in my neck. In an effort to find a diagnosis, I went to different doctors. I endured various procedures and suggestions as to what was wrong.
Finally I found a wonderful internist who suggested it was an autoimmune disease and suggested to just treat it as such. He prescribed an aggressive trial of prednisone, and in no time the joint pain improved. He suggested that I go to Dr. Karmela Kim Chan (a rheumatologist at HSS) to handle the medication, since long term use of prednisone was not a good alternative. With her help and additional medication the prednisone has been reduced and the joint pain is fine.
Unfortunately the neck pain became progressively worse. I could not do the things I enjoy, painting and jewelry making, or have any kind of normal life. I was depressed and feeling hopeless. My husband (a retired pathologist) suggested we see someone at HSS. I saw Dr. Kramskiy’s video and was impressed with his understanding of the impact chronic pain has on one's life.
After meeting with Dr. Kramskiy, he suggested nerve ablation. First he did the left side with positive results, and when the right side became more painful, we decided to do nerve ablation on it also. I am significantly improved and believe with a little more healing time I will be totally Back in the Game. Already I am able to do most of the things I couldn’t do previously pain-free.
Dr Kramskiy with his wonderful people and technical skills solved a three year journey. The staff at HSS is exceptional, and I thank them for my care.
Inflammatory Disorders
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