Testimonial From Julie Gates
Regarding: Pain, Veteran and Military
View More TestimonialsI just wanted to thank you for what you do and let you know that what you do makes a big difference in peoples lives!
I was nominally introduced to the Alpha-Stim®
back in April of this year through Dr. Macky in Edmond, Oklahoma. I really didn’t think it would help me as my injuries are from being hit by a semi truck on I-40 in 1996 ( December 23, 96).I’ve had every procedure known to some of the best pain specialists, orthopedist, and neurologist. I have had 1 neck fusion, 1 lower lumbar fusion, and 2 other lower back surgeries. Needless to say, my fight with Tri-Care has been long,
Before moving to Oklahoma, I was being treated by Dr. Hanna at the Florida Spine Institute where I received the best radiofrequency procedures, and even then the pain relief was about 20% after three weeks. There is a point I promise!!!!
Now in Oklahoma as a Tricare prime patient, a dependant of the retiree, the only Dr. that would take me that would meet my needs and Tri-Care’s approval was Dr. Macky. He was the best thing that could of happened to me. For the first time, an Oklahoma Dr. didn’t think I was just trying to get drugs. Anyway, he introduced me to the Alpha-Stim® 100 and I was amazed I went from a pain level of 10 to a 5. That to me was a miracle because I had given up and thought I just needed to have the morphine pump installed into my body.
Dr. Macky’s office submitted the request for approval and the nightmare began. But after three letters of appeal, and a lot of help and work, as well as a letter from his office, and especially Cynda (who works with the company that makes the Alpha-Stim®). She has sent me information, helped me write my letters by letting me know about the law and what information would be helpful. She even wrote a letter on my behalf and by this time I had already paid for the machine and was enjoying my new life.
All this just to let you know that what you do really does matter to people like me who are in pain every day all day and feel hopeless and worthless because there never seems to be any answers. Families suffer when one of the parents can’t participated in life and help take care of the kids. We happen to have a son with a terminal illness who is in a wheelchair and will really need me one day, hopefully not soon.
Today I can be there for him for just the simple things like doing his laundry and cooking his meals. Taking him to doctors visits and helping him fight his fight. His fight is much more intense than mine has ever been. But I felt so useless to the people I love the most….NOT anymore. and what is even better is now Tricare will reimburse our cost share which is a big help with only one working spouse and two kids in college.
I recieved the letter last night and I will send you a copy of the reversal decision and why they decided to reverse their denial of payment if you would like to read it.
I am so very grateful for people like you and Cynda. It can’t go without stating how grateful I am to Dr. Macky who is also dedicated to helping people live a better life.
