Struggling with pain can be a real battle and for Chris Taylor, this battle lasted over 20 years. After going to see a Neurologist for many years, Mr Taylor had enough and came to Spire Elland Hospital to see Dr Vladimir Gorelov.
“In 1993 I began seeing a neurologist because I was struggling with head and face pain. For some reason, the symptoms would suddenly come on quite quickly but then disappear for some time. I went to visit my GP to see if there was anything else that could be done and I was then referred to Spire Elland to see Dr Gorelov.
“When I came to see Dr Gorelov, he gave me a full diagnosis at my initial consultation. He knew exactly what the problem was and how to fix it with my alternative option being sticking to pain medication. I was in total delight and happy as I knew that there was a possibility that I could get pain relief. I had a variety of tests taken including bloods, X-rays, eye scans and sinus tests. Dr Gorelov offered me a minimally-invasive procedure on my spine and explained that it was a specific treatment for my headaches.
“My overall hospital experience was very smooth. The staffing team is great and my all-around experience was a very happy one. On my discharge, I was given all the relevant information and scheduled my follow up appointments. After the procedure, my headaches stopped and I felt fine. I think the thought of not being on any medication made me feel much more at ease.
“Soon after the procedure, I was back to normal. I was given daily exercises which helped with my recovery. At my follow up appointment I was given some more advice to help with my recovery. Since then I’ve been pain-free for two years. Then I had a recurrence of my headache attacks and on this occasion, we were able to stop them by medication. After a while, I was able to discontinue the medication and remained headache free.
“The most important thing is not having to worry an attack of pain would come while at work or if I were out. I can just relax knowing that my life is back to normal. My advice would be to go for it! You have nothing to lose but lots to gain by doing this!”
Dr Vladimir Gorelov is a Consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia. He worked as a Visiting Instructor in Anaesthesiology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2003-2004. He specialises in Pain Medicine and sees patients with all types of spinal pain. He has a special interest in the cervical spine and complex headaches.
