Christine Webb-Fellows - Suffered with constant pain for 7 years.
Christine underwent 3 major operations to remove polyps from the small bowel. The first in 1991, the second in 1999 and the last one in 2000 resulting in extensive abdominal scaring and a localised area of allodynia adjacent the scar at waist level.
“Since the operation in 1999 I have had constant pain at the scar”.
With pain ranging from a VAS of 10/10 on a bad day and 7/10 on a good day, and no relief from local blocks, creams, Gabapentin and other drugs, TENS and a six week course of acupuncture, Christine was referred to Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Jon Raphael and Specialist Pain Nurse Jane Southall at the pain clinic at Russells Hall Hospital, Birmingham, UK, where she was offered PENS therapy.
First PENS therapy treatment:
Christine was treated with a 25 minute cycle of PENS therapy, Program C. The allodynic area was mapped using cotton wool and the PENS Probe was inserted into the subcutaneous tissue such that the conductive length of the Probe crossed the major axis of the Allodynic area. The skin entry point was outside of the allodynic area.
“I attended the first session not knowing what to expect, but immediately after the treatment I had total pain relief”.
“When I was ready to go home after the treatment I bent down to put my shoes back on, usually this would cause a stabbing pain, as if I had a knife sticking into me, but I had no pain, which was wonderful ”
Christine remained pain free for 7-8 weeks before the pain started to return. She was then scheduled for a second treatment.
Second PENS therapy treatment:
Christine returned to the PENS clinic and was treated for 25 minutes with Program C at 3Volts. The PENS Probe on this occasion was placed along the right side of the scar, between the scar and the identified allodynic area. Immediately post the treatment Christine was 100% pain free.
“Sadly on this occasion it didn’t work and within 24 hours the pain came back”.
Third PENS therapy treatment:
Christine was called back to the PENS clinic to repeat the procedure. The Probe placement was as for the first PENS treatment in September. Christine reported a gentle tingling sensation at the painful site during treatment, and is now pain free.
Although a permanently implanted stimulator is an option for her ongoing pain management, Christine has declined this option in favour of continued PENS therapy every 8 weeks (or longer).
