Revolutionary Nerve Implant Restores Quality of Life for Woman with Debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis
RALEIGH, N.C. – A groundbreaking nerve stimulation implant has dramatically reduced chronic pain and restored function for susan Milam, a North Carolina woman whose life was severely restricted by rheumatoid arthritis. The device, surgically implanted near her spine, bypasses damaged nerves to deliver pain relief without the need for medication.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease affecting over 1.5 million americans, causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage. While medications can manage symptoms, they often come with debilitating side effects and may lose effectiveness over time.Milam’s case represents a potential turning point for those who have fatigued conventional treatment options, offering a new path toward reclaiming everyday activities.
For years, Milam battled relentless pain that permeated every aspect of her life. “It was like a constant electrical shock,” she recounts. Customary therapies proved insufficient, leaving her increasingly isolated and dependent on others. The experimental procedure, performed at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, offered a last hope.
The implant works by delivering targeted electrical pulses to the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. unlike pain medications, the stimulator addresses the source of the discomfort rather than masking the symptoms.Milam describes the surgery itself as surprisingly manageable. “I’ve had dental surgery that was more of a process than this surgery was,” she says.
Following the procedure, a temporary side effect limited Milam’s voice to a whisper, requiring a second, corrective surgery. While the second procedure resulted in a slightly lower vocal tone, Milam considers it a small price to pay for the important pain relief she has experienced.
The stimulator has enabled Milam to resume activities she had long abandoned,including climbing stairs,cooking,and traveling. Her husband, Donald Milam, emphasizes the profound impact on their relationship. “Walking the dogs, holding hands – just the simple things,” he says. “And hugs.”
Researchers are continuing to study the long-term effects of the implant and its potential application for other chronic pain conditions. The success of Milam’s case offers a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with intractable pain and a glimpse into the future of pain management.
