Relief at Last Thanks to MyMichigan’s Spine and Pain Program
Wife, Dog Mom, Spine & Pain Program Patient
“Everyone treated me with respect and care. They reassured me they would do everything they could to figure out what was going on and get my pain under control. That’s exactly what they did!”
When Drew Trelfa, 26, suffered a lower back injury at just 21 years old, the issue went unresolved. For years, she lived with daily pain that impacted her ability to work, move comfortably, and enjoy life. Everything changed when she entered the Spine and Pain program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.
“The moment I walked into the Pain Clinic, I felt seen, heard and supported,” Drew said. “Everyone treated me with respect and care. They answered all my questions and reassured me they would do everything they could to figure out what was going on and get my pain under control. And that’s exactly what they did.”
Amanda Radocy, A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-C., M.S.N., worked closely with Drew from the beginning. “Drew suffered from chronic, debilitating pain prior to her procedures at the Pain Clinic,” Radocy explained. “Since coming to us, she has undergone three procedures and reports dramatic improvement in both her function and pain level. She can now be active without pain, and she’s overall much happier.”
An MRI revealed that Drew had a bulging disc. To help relieve her discomfort, she underwent a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lumbar spine. RFA uses radio waves delivered through a precisely placed needle to heat targeted nerve tissue, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. It is often recommended for long-term pain conditions, particularly in the neck, lower back, or arthritic joints that have not responded to other treatments.
“They were so kind during my procedures, comforting me and cheering me on,” Drew shared. “They were quick in an efficient way, not a rushed way. When I needed to change an appointment, they worked with me to rearrange things, so there wasn’t a lapse in care. The treatments have worked so well for me. I feel like a new person. I trust Amanda and her team with my life.”
Today, Drew is enjoying life pain-free. She recently had a friend say, “Look at what you just did!” after she casually tied her shoe with her foot propped on a coffee table, a simple task that had been unthinkable before treatment. Now, she can work, walk and play without worry.
MyMichigan Health offers Spine and Pain programs and performs outpatient procedures at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alpena, Alma, Clare, Sault Ste. Marie and West Branch, as well as Riecker Surgery Center on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland.
Those who would like more information about MyMichigan’s comprehensive Spine and Pain Program may visit www.mymichigan.org/spineandpain.
