Arthur
"Five years ago I had terrific pain in my neck and back. I went to see a neurosurgical specialist; I was scheduled to undergo a multilevel cervical fusion. He told me that he was going to go through my anterior neck near my vocal cords and that I would have difficulty singing for six months. I was skeptical about this procedure and the risks. My primary care suggested that I go to IPPMC in St. Cloud as see Dr. Kowalkowski. After my initial consultation, I was offered a minimally evasive interventional procedure for my neck pain in which I was skeptical. I came back for a second visit, I underwent a cervical radiofrequency denervation and after recovering from the procedure, I have been pain free from 2005 until 2008. I returned to the clinic for additional treatment three years later and I proceeded to repeat the procedure and can say that the pain is once again gone. I am very happy with the treatments that I have had there."
Jonathan
" I am an independent truck driver and it is very important that I am able to sit for long periods of time and climb in and out of my truck without pain. Six months ago, I developed significant Charlie horse in my right leg that progressed to leg and back pain. My pain started to affect my ability to do my job in which I couldn't take a shower or get in and out of my truck and I couldn't even put fuel in my truck. I was told that I should have spine surgery for a degenerative disc, instead I went to IPPMC and after a consultation, I decided to pursue a minimally evasive procedure with a percutaneous decompression. I can now say that I have 70% improvement in my pain level. I am able to take a shower and work full-time. I can even run which actually feels good."
Roberta
"I had been in significant pain over the last five years. I was to the point where I was asking Valium and OxyContin, which made me feel miserable. I was unable to function because of the side effects. I was unable to perform my job 100% of the time and my daily activity level was down to nothing by the time I came to IPPMC. Previous to coming to IPPMC, I received physical therapy and traction, in which I actually aggravated my symptoms and ended up in the emergency room. Because nothing was controlling my pain and I was on highly-dosed opioids, my primary care referred me to Dr. Kowalkowski. After receiving interventional treatments, as well as some therapies, I have been able to live how I want to live. I have been able to canoe, camp and take vacations for the first time in four years. I am also relieved to pain free."
Ida
"I think it's a miracle. I went from pain to no pain at all. I had developed left lower abdominal pain a year ago while lifting 5-gallon buckets at our dairy farm. Over the last year, I had conservative treatment for my pain, which did not get better. My doctor referred me to IPPMC, and my pain is now 100% improved."
Karen
"I had a fall at work. After my fall, I developed right lower back pain, in which I underwent several different kinds of therapies over the last four years. After completing each of my previous therapies, my pain would return. My doctor suggested I try IPPMC. They had available for me different therapies for my back pain. At this time, I can say I have 90% improvement of my pain. These are the best results I have had in four years. I can now sit through a play or a musical or long distance journeys. "
Mary
"I developed the worst word there is for pain in September of 2007. I was seen at a local emergency room, who sent me to an orthopedic spine surgeon. Eventually, I could not do anything because of my severe back pain, which I was diagnosed with a compression fracture. I was unable to get in and out of bed. I crawled on my hands and knees to get out of bed. I was placed on pain medications and then referred to Dr. Kowalkowski at IPPMC. Dr. Kowalkowski performed a vertebroplasty, which depleted my lower back pain. Dr. Kowalkowski completed my work-up and found additional fractures in my thoracic spine and completed his treatment. The people at IPPMC are fantastic. They got me completely rid of the pain and I have a smile on my face. If you're in trouble, go see Dr. K."
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 I felt drugged. It did not seem to work after a while. My family physician referred me to IPPMC. Dr. Kowalkoski was very thorough and spent quality time understanding my pain. Dr. Kowalkowski created a rehabilitation plan for me. Finnaly, after 11-1/2 years, I have relief and I am happy again. The future looks bright 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 I look forward to coming. "
George
" I wanted to write a quick note to thank you for all you have done for me during the past two months. I have been so satisfied with your work and the results that I have achieved after becoming your patient. This has been a long and painful journey since my car accident in 1988. We had almost given up hope of having any enjoyment of pain free days. I am sincerely thankful that you have the knowledge and expertise to treat my chronic pain, and want to wish you and yours a safe and Happy Holiday season from my entire family. Thanks again."
Claude
"I had been dealing with complications from osteomyelitis since 1932.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 limb 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. "
Sharon
"Thank you Dr. Thomas Kowalkowski for all the help you have given me and for helping me to be pain free. My lower back has not given me any trouble since you have done the surgery. And also thank you PT Allen Zetterlund for the physical therapy you have done.I really appreciate everything. Thank you all for everything you all have done fore me. Please keep in touch with me. Thank you!"
