Back to Enjoying Life Thanks to Specialized Pain Medicine
Husband, Father, Avid Outdoorsman, Spine and Pain Program Patient
"The team really listens and works with me as an individual rather than just offering canned, generic treatments."
Tawas resident Jeff Lumsden is happy to have connected with MyMichigan Health’s Spine and Pain Program in West Branch after coping with debilitating back pain for several years. Lumsden recently moved back to Michigan from Florida, where the onset of his pain occurred. After multiple X-rays with several different doctors in Florida, he was frustrated by poor communication and the prescription-heavy “solutions” he was being offered. Lumsden, who has been working with his MyMichigan pain management team for two years now, reported that his chronic back pain is finally under control, and he’s optimistic about the future.
Lumsden, a 50-year-old father of four, loves being active and enjoying the outdoors. During his years living in Florida, he was diagnosed with two herniated discs and tried many tactics to get his pain under control. These included chiropractic care, physical therapy, injections and rest. He even consulted with an orthopedic surgeon. It wasn’t until he met with the MyMichigan Spine and Pain office in West Branch that he felt hopeful.
“Our family moved back to Michigan as the COVID-19 pandemic hit and things began shutting down,” said Lumsden. “It took a little while to get established and connected, and the move was really difficult on my back. When I called the office in West Branch, I was amazed to get an appointment the following week. It was a huge relief.”
Ashley Wolosonowich, A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-C., M.S.N., has been treating Lumsden for lumbar spondylosis and lumbar degenerative disc disease. Pain Medicine Specialists Schuyler Rogg, M.D., M.B.A., and Wolosnowich use a combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) to help manage his condition. “RFA uses radio waves to stop the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain,” she explained. “With ESI, we can target a very specific location to reduce inflammation and block nerve pain. Jeff is ready and willing to work together to try new things or different combinations of treatments we think might help, then continue using what has the longest staying power so he can enjoy life to the fullest.”
“What has been the biggest surprise to me about the team at MyMichigan is their ability to listen and work with me as an individual rather than offering canned, generic treatment,” he said. “I was a little skeptical at first based on my previous experiences, but the whole team is truly fantastic.”
After years of pain treatments, Lumsden admitted he still hates needles. He shared that the care team helps him with this by distracting him during treatments. They engage him in conversation and do their best to keep him from paying too close of attention to the mechanics of what’s happening. He said he doesn’t need to know exactly what’s happening because he knows he’s receiving expert care.
“They accommodate all my weird needs,” Lumsden shared with surprise and appreciation. “No matter how busy the office is, they all have smiles. I don’t have to drag my feet getting there or stress about appointments. I actually look forward to seeing everyone. Ashley is amazing, and we work together with Dr. Rogg to find the best combination of treatments to extend my time between visits. I couldn’t be happier to have found them.”
Lumsden is currently on a four-month schedule with the West Branch office. He is able to spend time with his kids and enjoy his role as stay-at-home dad. He can even go camping and has gotten back to some of his favorite activities outdoors in short spurts. He also continues to do the physical therapy at home that he learned over the years and rests when needed.
“For all of the care I’ve had previously and the chronic pain I’ve dealt with, I’ve never encountered a nicer or more supportive care team,” he said. “I credit every single person at the MyMichigan Spine and Pain Program. They are experts who truly care. What more could a patient ask for?”
In addition to West Branch, MyMichigan offers Spine and Pain Program locations in Alma, Alpena, Clare and Midland. Those who would like more information about the program may visit www.mymichigan.org/spineandpain.
