Patient of the Month - March 2012 - Karen Bateman

Dr. Z is a life saver! Literally! I have suffered from back pain and neck pain for over 20 years.  I’ve had compression fractures in my spine and spinal stenosis.  I also have arthritis and fibromyalgia.  I had two back surgeries and after the 1^st surgery, I had developed peripheral neuropathy.

After my 2^nd back surgery I did have some temporary relief of my pain but as time went on my pain again started to increase and I refused to go under the knife again.

I had physical therapy and H2O therapy.  I went through back hardening classes.  I used to have my kids walk on my back.  I was getting by but for the past three years I used a cane for walking, pain meds, and a heating pad; anything that I could figure out to do to obtain some relief, however temporary.  I’m a nurse and it was difficult for me to do my job.  I was becoming depressed and wondering if this was how my life was going to be; just getting by and in continual pain.

Then something happened that changed my life.  My husband dragged me to the spinal wellness class at Dr.Zabinski’s office.  At first I was a total skeptic but I felt like Dr. Z was speaking to me alone, though I obviously wasn’t the only person there.  At that point I figured “What do I have to lose!”  I made an appointment the next day, started treatment, and haven’t looked back.

It’s been 7 months and today I use my cane infrequently and pain medications a couple times a month as opposed to several times a day!  My quality of life has improved so much! What a blessing Dr. Z and his staff are to me and I am very grateful to them.

Karen Bateman