Published on September 29, 2024
“It’s not uncommon for patients to be in pain for a variety of reasons. As an interventional pain management physician, I know that every pain can be alleviated or resolved, and that’s how I care for everyone who comes to us. way. That’s the core point of senior pain management and spine specialist Dr. Jonathan Daitch.
When Edythe and her husband moved to Cape Coral from Ohio, she was already familiar with pain management. As a sufferer of migraines, fibromyalgia, and left-sided nerve pain, she knows the importance of having ways to manage your unique combination of pain. However, after 22 years of seeing specialist after specialist without finding much relief, her expectations were low.
Edith found Dr. Jonathan Deitch shortly after arriving in Cape Coral. After examining her and reviewing diagnostic imaging (which he read himself), Dr. Deitch began a series of diagnostic and therapeutic facet joint injections to block the pain from specific nerves. In addition, he switched Edythe to a drug delivered through a skin patch. This can provide pain relief at a safer, lower dose.
Unfortunately, the conservative approach of facet joint injections does not provide long-term relief. The first injection only gave her relief for a few days, and the second only gave her relief for a week.
However, Edith was not discouraged about Dr. Deitch. “Dr. Deitch won’t give up,” she said. “With my previous doctors, they just failed me. With him, I had hope for the first time in years.
Because facet joint injections provided such short-lived results, Dr. Daitch discussed radiofrequency ablation with Edythe. During this process, specific nerves are heated, short-circuiting pain signals. “Remission can last a year or more,” Dr. Deitch explains.
With complete trust in Dr. Daitch’s advice, Edythe was scheduled for surgery at Parker Surgery Center. This fully outpatient ambulatory surgery center is located on the first floor of an advanced pain management and spine specialists facility.
Sedated by Twilight Sleep, Edythe’s surgery went smoothly and she was soon home recovering. “I needed an ice pack for a few days,” Edith explained, but otherwise recovered well. And, her nerve pain disappeared immediately.
From the beginning, Edith understood that nerves could regrow over time. This is why the full benefits of radiofrequency surgery can last up to a year or so. For Edith, remission lasted about a year and a half. As the pain slowly returned, she noticed she was using more medication. Edith knew it was time to repeat the procedure.
What encourages Edythe most is Dr. Daitch’s commitment. “He didn’t give up on me. When I went to him, for the first time in 15 years, the doctors didn’t pat my head and reassure me because they couldn’t find anything.
Edith still suffers from migraines from time to time, but they are no longer as debilitating now. She leads a more active life as she enjoys walking her dogs, biking and gardening. “My husband loves the results too!” she added. She’s also happy to be able to avoid related medications.
Edythe was particularly impressed by the teamwork of the advanced pain management and spine specialists and Park Surgery Center. This is an area of particular pride for Dr. Deitch. “Our patients are surrounded by staff who care for them the way everyone wants,” he said. “Regardless of the patient’s needs or the procedure being performed, we want everyone to leave feeling positive and cared for.”
To learn more about nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or other non-surgical options for pain relief, call 352-397-4930.
