1. My Recovery Plan - trial surgery

For years I endured dilabilitating pain. I spend the majority of my young adult years trying to get help. 

First Trial Surgery

I had a trial DBS system surgically implanted on May 11, 2022 to help with the pain I have caused by vascular compressions to nerve bundles, the trigeminal ganglion, located under the brain.

My ear ache initially started in 1992. My grandmother used to put drops in my right ear in an attempt to help me. At that point the pain was transient. I also suffered from migraines starting at age 11.

I've had countless consultations with different neurosurgeons throughout the GTA.  This is the first time a neurosurgeon has agreed to help me.

I will forever be grateful to Dr. Andrew Parent for introducing me to his colleague, Dr. Jonathan Lau. After years of being turned away and being told there was nothing that could be done, I can't stress how important it is to never give up hope. The first 6 neurosurgeons couldn't help me. The 7th neurosurgeon I met had an idea and assisted the 8th neurosurgeon in saving my life. I'm grateful to the London Health Sciences Centre and to the London Health Sciences Foundation for making this possible. 

I believe in miracles. 
It's why I never gave up looking.

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