In the beginning of May 2002, Stephanie's foot and ankle pain worsened so badly that she needed to be hospitalized.  She was admitted, and from then on she was in a wheelchair.  At times, her RSD pain was so great she couldn't talk, or even do something simple like holding her drink.  

She took many medications, including Neurontin, Elavil, Prednisone, Benadryl, Celexa, Zantac, Motrin, Vicodin, and Dilaudid.  She also wore a Fentanyl patch.  The only medications that helped were Vicodin and Dilaudid. The prednisone was only for five days, but they gave her the highest and safest dose possible.  It did NOTHING (except cause weight gain).   Neurontin did NOTHING. While the Dilaudid and Vicodin did not take away ALL her pain, it took the edge off, so she could do physical therapy a little better and function better.

Another note I want to make here is that Stephanie got Spinal Meningitis from a botched epidural (it leaked) etc.  The epidural was to be in for up to two weeks. Around the 8th day she got extremely sick, and the epidural was removed.

After she got well, she went to Dr. Medhat Mikhael in Long Beach, California and received three Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks in her
back.  

These blocks COMPLETELY cured ALL of her pain.  She will be pain-free for one year as of September 20th, 2003.            

She enjoys rock climbing and ice skating, playing piano and the flute.
Stephanie used to have five dance classes a week, play sports and many more activities.  But with her "history" we are being cautious.
She loves to swim and go bowling so we try to do as much of the activities she can as often as possible.

There are no words to express my gratitude to Dr. Medhat Mikhael.  He was A+ in every way, shape, and form.  I highly recommend him for RSD'ers who want to rid themselves of pain. From Dr. Mikhael's office I only recommend him. Let me simply say Stephanie had a bad experience with the other doctor.

If you want to e-mail me,  Norma Kahan (Stephanie's Mom) please feel free to at:  Im-Norma@cox.net  

My sincere best wishes for a healthy and pain free life always!

Norma Kahan
Mom to Stephanie Kahan
(Kahan is pronounced Caan like James Caan)

 

"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world."
Helen Keller
 

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