My cervical spine has been fused from levels C3-4 to levels C6-7, and a posterior cervical laminectomy was performed at level C6-7. All of these were accomplished by four separate surgeries. Because the first cervical fusion failed to heal using donor bone, harvested bone from my hip had to be used the second time. Surgical removal of scar tissue was attempted on yet two other subsequent occasions to alleviate residual pain, with little success. I was left with arachnoiditis (clumping of scar tissue with nerve endings) at levels C5-6, causing radiation of pain within the vertebral body and down my right arm. Nerve conductions studies revealed nerve damage at the this level and down my right arm, as well as both legs.

My lumbar spine was fused at the L5-S1 level, which failed to heal with donor bone, and had to be surgically repaired using bone harvested form my hip. Hardware used to facilitate this fusion had to be subsequently removed, due to the fact that it caused further pain since my build was too small to successfully accommodate it. Resultant scar tissue caused arachnoiditis and continues to cause chronic pain. Surgical removal of this scar tissue was attempted twice, with no success, some of which had hardened to the point of calcification and was impenetrable.

A dorsal column stimulator was implanted, then replaced when it malfunctioned, in an attempt to circumvent pain impulses to the brain, with little success. This device emits electrical impulses to block pain transmission, in an attempt to alleviate pain, and is somewhat like a TENS unit. All told, I have had 15 surgical interventions, and more than a dozen nerve root blocks of steroids into my spine, in attempt to alleviate pain, all with little success. About ten years into this, I was further diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I was also suffered chronic migraine headaches, having as many as 3-4 per week. Weather changes and stress aggravate my symptoms, and kept me in a chronic of pain and spasms, resulting in depression.

Throughout all these medical interventions, I worked full-time as an Investment Portfolio Manager. The stress of my physical pain and migraine headaches overcome my ability to work and I had to retire. I was clinically depressed and in debilitating pain and everything I had tried at the hands of “western” doctors did little to alleviate my pain and anguish. All they wanted to do was give me narcotic pain medications and antidepressants and tell me I had to “learn to live with it.” It was at this point I decided to investigate alternative therapies.

I became a patient of Dr. Deng, of Mainland Acupuncture Center, in September, 2003. After thorough evaluation, she began acupuncture treatment with electric stimulation twice weekly, along with herbal medications orally. She also used cupping treatment, heat and acupressure massage. Because of the extensive trauma of my injuries coupled with the trauma of all the surgeries, she explained the necessity of long-term treatment using the aforementioned modalities. This treatment plan continued for approximately three years.

As I gradually improved, treatments were reduced to once weekly and oral herbs were reduced to as needed basis. By this time, she began injections of Vitamins B12,B Complex into inflamed trigger points, with huge success. The recent addition of a massage therapist to her practice had added therapeutic massage to the mix and has produced outstanding results, culminating in increased flexibility and reduction in spasms and pain. As a result of this multi-faceted approach to treatment, I have been able to reduce and eventually discontinue the use of Oxycontin that was prescribed by Western doctors, at a dosage of 40mgs, three times per day. I also no longer take previously prescribed muscle-relaxants Flexeril and Soma. I only take a strong pain –reliever occasionally when cold damp weather has caused my pain to flare, and it prevents me from sleeping. This is usually either an over the counter anti-inflammatory or Methadone, 10mgs., prescribed by the Pain Clinic at Shands for such occasions.

Several doctors advised that the nerve root at the L5-S1 level in my lumbar spine would never heal, due to the arachnoiditis. To that end, I had trouble walking and fell from time to time, due to weakness in my right leg, where I suffered chronic sciatica. Healing has definitely taken place, as I no longer have trouble walking and can walk further distances and even exercise on a treadmill. I no longer fall and am able to do all my own housework and grocery shopping, and my social life has dramatically improved. My migraine headaches are all but gone, and there have been times when Dr. Deng has successfully stopped an on-coming migraine in its tracks! It should also be noted that in consulting with specialists at the University of Florida studying Fibromyalgia, they advised that, according to their records, Dr. Deng is the only Acupuncture Physician in this area who uses electrical stimulation with her treatments, as well as B12/B Complex injections into trigger points.

In conclusion, I have to say that Dr. Deng has GIVEN ME MY LIFE BACK!!! She is the most gifted, empathetic and professional physician that I have ever had the pleasure of being treated by. She truly cares about her patients and is always looking for ways to improve her practice in pursuit of the best and most effective treatments for her patients. Needless to say, my depression has also lifted, not only due to the healing and relief in pain I have received, but because she has given me hope.

I would like to share my personal acupuncture experience.

I felt an uncomfortable and itchy sensation on the left side of my face one afternoon. I thought I must have been bitten by insects because I had gone hiking a couple days before. My husband suggested I go to the doctor, but I thought it would stop eventually.

I finally gave in and went to the doctor a few days later because the pain and itching were increasing.

I was diagnosed with SHINGLES and it had spread into my left eye. The doctor told me that he could give me medicine to destroy the virus. He also prescribed medicine to relieve the pain. By then, the left side of my face and head were swollen, discolored and liquid was oozing out. I could not even wash or touch my face because the pain was agonizing; it was the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life.

After finishing all the viral medication, my pain still had not eased up. Needless to say, I was miserable and depressed. I took the pain medication for a while, but had to stop, because it upset my stomach badly. I was desperate for the pain to stop.

The doctor had told me the pain was from inflamed nerves and I thought acupuncture might relieve the pain. I had never been treated with acupuncture before, but I had a friend that told me her treatment was successful.

I called Dr. Deng on a Friday evening and she took me in the very next day. I received an acupuncture treatment and Vitamin B-12 shot. After the 3rd treatment, I was much better and a few days later my excruciating pain was finally gone.

It was almost like a miracle and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try. I definitely believe in the power of Acupuncture.