Mitchell
"On March 4, 2007 I crushed both my ankles while riding a dirt bike. I spent the next year in a bed while attempting to get better. I was using a wheelchair and scooter, at best a cane and walker. I had severe nerve pain in my left leg. Life was not all that great. My activities were diminished and my activities with my kids were very limited. Work opportunities were affected due to my pain since I was unable to be mobile. I had been seen by two separate pain group including one waiting to put in a spinal cord stimulator for my pain. Finally, I came across Dr. Kowalkowski at IPPMC. I was referred to him by my primary care provider. I went from using a scooter and cane to being able to walk again. My wife, kids, and I are very happy about that."
Todd
"In May of 2005 I had developed a blood clot in my subclavian vein, in which I underwent a clot stripping and extra rib removal. This left me with significant left shoulder girdle and chest pain for a three year period of time. My activity was significantly affected. I was unable to play tennis. I could not do anything that I wanted to do.
I underwent consultation with multiple doctors including physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management. I underwent a few epidural steroid injections, which did not help. I was eventually referred to IPPMC, Dr. Kowalkowski, in which after just a few visits I can say I have greatly improved. I have over 80% improvement and my function has improved! I am glad I came to IPPMC!"
Barbara
"In October of 2007 I was feeding my horse and tripped over a rock. I landed on my coccyx region, developing a coccyx fracture. My symptoms progressed to where I was unable to urinate or have normal bowel movements. I was evaluated by urology, which performed an urodynamic study. I was diagnosed with incomplete bladder emptying and a neurogenic bladder, secondary to my injury. I was forced to self-catheterize up to eight times a day. Not to mention the bladder infections and pain from the injury I had to endure. I was referred to Dr. Kowalkowski at IPPMC. A few months later after receiving procedures, therapies, and behavioral health I am no longer self-catheterizing and have normal bowel movements. My therapies are going well and I am glad I was introduced to IPPMC!"
James
"I have been coming to Interventional Pain and Physical Medicine Clinic for two years. They have a very friendly and educated staff. They have helped me with my pain issues over the last two years. It has made my life a lot better."
Rhonda
"I have had back and leg pain for 11-1/2 years. I have had a total of three spine surgeries, and there was no relief from the surgeries. I was seen at another pain clinic in the Twin Cities who instantly wanted to put a pain pump in me for my pain. They kept on increasing my medication dosing, to a point until I felt drugged. It did not seem to work after a while. My family physician referred me to IPPMC. Dr. Kowalkowski was very through and spent quality time understanding my pain. Dr. Kowalkowski created a rehabilitation plan for me. Finally, after 11-1/2 years, I have relief and I am happy again. The future looks bring because of this place. At this time, I want to get rid of my pain pump, which really never worked, and it was not the answer. I have been to many therapies, and this is the first therapy that worked on me and look forward to coming."
James
"I couldn't work anymore due to my debilitating back pain. I have a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylosis which had affected me to the point of not being able to work for six months due to the pain and restrictions. After coming to IPPMC and receiving a combination of a rehabilitation program and working with Dr. Kowalkowski with interventional treatments, I now have my life back! I can drive, I can work, I can clean my house, I can go shopping, I can do things with my granddaughter, I have my life back! I am glad IPPMC is here!"
Angela
"I have had severe lower back pain for almost four years. It proceeded to where I had to discontinue my job intermittently for 2-3 month periods over four years. I was evaluated by orthopedics, physical therapy, and my primary care provider. I also received an additional opinion by a pain specialist who told me my pain was in my head. I was sent to IPPMC from my orthopedic specialist and over a period of time Dr. Kowalkowski was able to figure out what was wrong with my lower back pain. He took the time and had the patience to listen to me. We were able to figure it out and create a plan, in which I underwent treatment with IDET therapy, as well as treatment to my sacroiliac joint region. I can now say that I am 80% improved! I am now working full time at my job that requires heavy lifting. I appreciate everything Dr. Kowalkowski and his team has done for me!"
Ashleigh
"I had been living with severe left shoulder and upper extremity pain for over two year duration. My primary care doctor referred me to numerous doctors. This included neurology, pain management through the university of Minnesota as well as locally. I had undergone extensive work-ups including radiological, rheumatological, laboratory tests, MRIs, EMGs, and somatosensory studies. I was then going to be referred to Mayo Clinic. Neurology was concerned of multiple sclerosis. After one visit at another pain clinic in St Cloud they wanted me to undergo surgery and have a battery and stimulator placed in me. I was 25-years-old and did not think that I need such an extreme treatment. After one visit, Dr Kowalkowski created a differential diagnosis and suggested I return for treatment to my brachial plexus, as well as start medications. Since the treatment I have felt 90% improvement in my pain. I can now lift my arms over my head and I am now able to do activities with my kids. I would recommend this clinic for anyone with pain."
Bieniek
"I came to see Dr. Kowalkowski for my stump pain, which I had for four years after my amputation. I was complaining of stump pain and phantom limp pain, which was affecting my ability to function. I was unable to work in my shop or walk on my stump because of the pain. Dr. Kowalkowski evaluated me and found out that I had a tunnel, which was fixed, as well as receiving modification of my prosthesis, and he performed interventional therapies. After a few visits, I can say that I am 95% improved. He also was able to help me with my lower back pain. I had been dealing with complications from osteomyelitis since 1932."
Jason
"I have had upper back pain since I was a teenager. I have been to many different clinics. I finally found one that took care of my pain, IPPMC. I finally feel normal again. I went back to helping the local high school wrestling team and restarted mixed martial arts."
