Deb C.'s Story

Deb C. has been plagued with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) for years. The pain in her joints, especially her shoulders, hands, and feet, has been so bad at times that she has even been hospitalized for it.

As if her RA isn’t challenging enough, Deb also suffers from Graves disease. Complications from the condition causing her to have difficulty closing her eyes completely, and this can lead to excruciating headaches and serious eye infections.

The complications from her RA and Graves disease eventually forced Deb to go on disability insurance because she was unable to drive or work. Without a job, she could not afford the expensive biologic medication her rheumatologist prescribed to treat her RA. “I would have lost my house trying to pay for it,” she said.

Then she saw Danielle S. Cherrick M.D. at National Spine & Pain Centers’ Alexandria, Virginia office. On her first visit, Deb described her pain level as eight on a scale of 10. Dr. Cherrick listened as Deb told her how the pain was causing her to become increasingly depressed and anxious about simply leaving her house.

Dr. Cherrick saw an opportunity to address Deb’s physical and emotional pain. She began by administering a corticosteroid injection into her shoulder—and almost immediately changed Deb’s outlook on life. “Dr. Cherrick zeroed right in on it,” she said. “It was like a miracle.”

Given the success of that treatment, Dr. Cherrick has performed injections in Deb’s wrists and hands that have also significantly relieved her pain. And Dr. Cherrick initiated a significant medication management plan for Deb to address the depression and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain.

I can’t thank her enough. With my pain now at a two on a scale of 10, I am even looking for a part-time job. I’m so excited. I even took my granddaughter bowling—and I beat her!