PMI Testimonials

DAVID KAMINSKI

I am 52 years old and I have scoliosis. I was 9 years old when it was discovered by my doctor. I was 27 years old when I had my first surgery in 1979, and for 20 years I had no problems, except for the occasonal days when I did a lot of lifting at work. Then, one day I lifted a box at work and was in severe pain. My next surgery was in 1999, and my 3rd in 2000.

My doctor said surgically there was noting else that could be done, but that I should try pain management. It seemed all that was done was increase dosage, or add another drug. My pain just got worse and spread. Finding a comfortable position to be in was nearly impossible, so lying down on my side was the least painful position. If I did anything around the house or in the yard I paid the price in pain. I also had to go on disability because of all the meds I was taking. I was not able to drive or do my job. It is a frustrating feeling to not do the things I like to do, like take my children places and do things with them. It's hard to explain the pain I had and I hated to have to live on so many drugs.

When I met Dr. Anwar in March of 2004, he explained to me what was causing my pain and the treatments that I needed to relieve some of the pain. We started the treatments and now after 6 months under Dr. Anwar's care I can say I'm finally feeling better. We are proceeding in the right direction; I know that I will never be pain free. After 4 years I was able go on a vacation with my wife and kids, it felt wonderful. I now do some work in the yard and in the house, and it doesn't hurt like it did. I know I have a long way to go but, someday I will be able to do more of the things I want to.

PATRICIA STANGEL
Dr. Anwar has given my life back to me. In 2004, I was contemplating surgery. Now, with the spinal injections and RF treatments, I am able to travel and enjoy life. I have extensive spinal problems and pain. Dr Anwar knows and understands the pain I suffer. He is a kind and dedicated physician. I feel so fortunate to have found him.

KEVIN BAHR
I would like to thank you for the improvement you have made in my life. When I came to see you 6 months ago for my back disc problems, I had already consulted a neurosurgeon, several orthopedic surgeons, and several pain management specialists. They all tried their special brands with no success. The orthopedists wanted to place screws and plates and bone grafts on my spine. Yet my excruciating and debilitating pain persisted. I was at the end of my rope, and saw no hope for the future. Then I came to you. You listened to my story and worked around my particular financial situation and work demands. With a series of simple out-patient procedures you blocked/stopped my pain, got me off those horrible heavy-duty pain killers, and restored my life to normal. My family loves it! Thank you.

JOHN BOHN
Before seeing doctor Anwar I had seen a few doctors and they did nothing to help control the chronic pain I was having. I was having problems sleeping, eating, fatigue, headaches and other symptoms that go along with back and neck injuries. On 1/6/03 I went to see Dr. Anwar. He is very knowledgeable about chronic pain and he is also a doctor that made me feel at ease. He also has a positive attitude toward life and my condition. After years of uncertainty, Dr. Anwar has been a big help getting my chronic pain under control. Within the first 90 days of seeing Dr. Anwar I was feeling better. He has significantly reduced the level of pain I was having. Managing chronic pain isn't about making your pain disappear, it's about learning how to keep your pain at a tolerable level. And Dr. Anwar makes me feel better about my future.

I have been a patient of Dr. Zaki Anwar since the fall of 2003. I was referred to Dr. Anwar by Dr. John Butsch, a surgeon of Rush Medical Center. My diagnosis was congestive heart failure, arthritis, a blood clot in the left leg from poor circulation, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, a severe case of sleep apnea, worn knee cartilage in both knees, and to complicate matters, morbid obesity, weighing 363 pounds. I was also using a cane. While being treated by Doctor Anwar, I was given 4 Epidural Steroid Injection in the spine and I also used the Tens Unit due to severe back pain that was caused by the muscles shifting and being crushed by the weight. I was on several medications such as Vicodin, Ibuprofen 800 mg, muscle relaxer Elavil, and, eventually, Morphine. I was also given ice, heat and breathing treatments all while under going physical therapy. These necessary medications treatments all enabled me to successfully endure Gastric by pass surgery on March 12, 2004. 1 have lost over 115 pounds, most of my medications have been discontinued, I no longer have to use breathing aids or a cane to walk, and I feel great!

To keep feeling great and get in shape I jog 1 hour in an Olympia length pool. I run 45 minutes in a therapy pool 5-6 days per week. Not only can I walk better, but now I can run! Thank God, I owe it to him and to the wisdom, patience and expertise of Dr. Anwar.