Cara
“Twelve years ago I had a sacral cyst on my sacrum and coccyx region which resulted in two surgeries. For the last ten years after my second surgery I have been in pain. I’ve seen four separate surgeons, I have tried multiple treatments without any change in my pain level. My quality of life changed. I was unable to basically leave my house because of pain and being unable to sit. I could only sleep 4-5 hours at a time and the pain woke me up nightly. After my initial treatments at IPPMC my pain is 50% reduced. I am able to sit up to three hours more at a time and I am now sleeping without being woken up by the pain. I can now go out whenever I want to and my quality of life has improved. I am happy that I came to IPPMC for my treatments.”
Josh
“I am 26-years old and was dealing with severe back pain, I was evaluated by two seperate spine surgeons who wanted to perform a two level fusion on my spine. There is no way I am going to have a fusion at 26 years of age. I underwent consultation with Dr. Kowalkowski who offered me interventional treatments along with rehabilitation and a spinal cord stimulator trial eventually. Nine months out I can say my back pain is 80% improved. I have been able to lose 35 pounds and I continue to be the person I used to be without a spine fusion. I am glad I came here.”
Elaine
“In 2004 I had shingles three times in a five month period which caused my T7 dermatome to go crazy. It totally changed my life. As a physical therapy assistant by trade I was unable to do my ADLs on a daily basis. I dealt with this pain for nine years, relying on pain medication which only reduced my pain by 20%. Since coming to IPPMC I am pain free. I am able to do my ADLs and having a normal life again. I have significantly reduced my use of opioids. This summer I have been doing my gardening and back to hiking. I am grateful that I was referred to IPPMC.”
Postpolio Group
“Thank you for arranging our group meeting at IPPMC. We are very greatly very Dr. Kowalkowski hospitality. His generous gift of time spent with us was especially nice. It was clear to all that he has much to be proud of of this clinic. Your presentation was spot on for the need for our group. I appreciate your encouragement to get an active group going. Thanks very much for your time and effort.”
Constance
"I’ve had a wonderful experience at IPPMC. I have greatly-greatly improved my quality of living, my pain level has decreased enormously and I love the people here and staff. Thank you for your help, you guys have been wonderful.”
Raelynn
“I had an ACL replacement of my left knee ten years ago. My knee pain has been progressive over the last year to a point where I had difficulty going up and down stairs and this affected my quality of life, just simple walking bothered me. I was being treated at IPPMC for my back and I asked if they could help me with my knee and after undergoing cryotherapy to my left knee my left knee is 100% improved. I am now able to go up and down stairs without pain. The doc did great work.”
Alyssa
“When I came to IPPMC I was miserable, I was limping, I was using a cane, could not wear jeans because of the hypersensitivity of my right lower extremity in which I had been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome due to two knee surgeries. I was seen by another pain clinic that threw me through the ringer without any benefit. They kept on giving me more medications and injections. I finally went back to my primary care physician to ask to get a second opinion. I was seen acutely at IPPMC. The doctor’s even stayed late to see me that same day. The next day they treated my symptoms, a day and a half later I was up walking and out with my horses for the first time in ten months. I am able to take care of my animals and walk normally. It was hard for me to comprehend that I was in ten months of misery and now was feeling normal within two days. All I have now is pain from non-use of my lower extremity. Everybody has been so nice and willing to help and fit me in and instantly you get help if you come here. Everybody has been fantastic, I have even had physicians just check in on me to see how I am doing, it has been awesome.”
Samuel
“I was told by my neurosurgery that I was going to have the super bowl of all fusions. I had an extensive fusion without relief of my pain. I had a total of five surgeries in seven weeks due to complications. I ended up developing a spinal infection from the surgery which I was down for almost two months with a PICC line. I had to have two surgeries for a spinal leak because he could not find the leak, I feel like I was torn up. My surgeon sent me to a pain clinic an hour and a half away from my home. I was sent to multiple pain clinics. Ultimately I found IPPMC. I have never felt this good since my surgery. They are the best. Everybody is friendly and supportive and I am also in a support group that is helping me with my pain management, everything is great. I have never felt this good. I can now do normal things.”
Gregory
"Previous to coming to IPPMC I had been seen by multiple specialists including neurologists, rheumatology, my primary care physician, Ears, Nose and Throat, nephrology, and urology. I have had a total of 32 surgeries to date. I received multiple diagnoses but no treatment for my pain. My activity level was minimal and it was effecting my life significantly. I was in pain the majority of the time. The first day after my visit I was offered help and it started giving me relief and hope to continue. Due to my medical history including kidney stones I was dealing with depression and anxiety which I also received assistance with at IPPMC. As my pain improved my anxiety and depression has improved. I did not even come for my hands but my hand pain is 90% improved at this time. It is allowing me to pursue my hobbies and interests once again without pain. I have been working on my headaches and neck pain and my neck pain has improved significantly. I am greatful for the help that IPPMC has offered me."
Betty
“I had two right sided hernia surgeries three years ago. After the last surgery I had severe pain right in my groin and right leg. The pain radiated down my leg into my hip. I could not walk. I had a miserable winter with this pain. My husband had to do all the household work and I was sitting most of the time to relieve my pain. I saw approximately four doctors for my pain and they did not help. One doctor even thought I had a broken femur. After MRIs and expensive workups I still had the pain. It got to the point where I had difficulty walking. My doctor sent me to IPPMC. On my second visit Dr. Kowalkowski treated my pain with an interventional treatment. Within one week my pain was gone. It was really gone. This was the first time in 30 years that I can walk, do my housework, I’m a happier person definitely. I am very happy with my treatments.”
Bruce
"The pool therapy at IPPMC along with their pool therapists are the best I have ever experienced. In an eight week period I am reporting greater than 50% reduction in my shoulder, hip and neck pain. I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere else for my physical therapy. My treatment couldn’t be any better.”
