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Susan's headaches started at age 13, and gradually increased in frequency and intensity throughout
her adult life as a wife and mother of four children. By 2003, she'd seen a number of doctors, tried a wide
assortment of medications, had an MRI, and even a botox protocol for migraine. All to little avail.
"It got to the point where migraines had taken over my life, she recalls. I'd kind of given up hope
that there was light at the end of the tunnel."
When she first arrived at The Center for her initial intake interview, Susan felt immediately comforted
by the caring and professional manner of her Nurse Practitioner. The comprehensive interview was part
of the most complete medical workup in her life.
After analyzing the data from Susan's interview, Dr. Robert Cowan, Keeler Center's
Medical Director, met with her. Susan recalls, "Dr. Cowan reviewed everything about my lifestyle and
medical history and he was upbeat and reassuring that he could help me."
Dr. Cowan prescribed a recently-approved medication to help prevent the onset of
migraines and suggested that Susan take advantage of the Center's biofeedback treatment to retrain
the brain's sensitivity and reactions. These and other measures were very helpful.
But most of all, Susan remembers her time with Dr. Cowan as a learning experience.
"He gave me a new way of thinking about my headaches and explained why migraine disorder can be compared
to diabetes. It's not something you can get rid of, but you can lead a healthy normal life if you manage
it well."
For years, Susan's chronic pain gave her a sense of isolation and the feeling
she was losing control of her life. "That's all behind me now," she says with a smile.
"My migraines are much less severe and occur only about once a week. I have learned
how to identify my migraine 'triggers' and take control of them. The care I got at the Keeler Center
and the ongoing support I receive are nothing less than a new lease on life."
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