CINDY TIMMS, PATIENT OF ADVANCED PAIN CARE, “Dr. Malone was tireless in his efforts to help me. He validated my concerns and helped me emotionally. I quit feeling guilty about pain I couldn’t control,” says Cindy Timms.

Ever since she can remember, her earliest childhood memories are of headaches. For years Cindy has had headaches. She had tried different medications, but they really didn’t work. As the Director of the drama department at Elgin High School, she has to be prepared to deal with kids all day long. She also has a daughter, 12, and a son, 8. The demands of her career and family don’t allow for much down time.

In 2004 she was diagnosed with colon cancer. When she was being treated for the cancer, which is now in remission, she didn’t experience the migraine headaches. The cancer medications were addressing her pain with her headaches. As soon as she was no longer taking the medication for cancer, her headaches came back with a vengeance.

She sought help from Dr. Mark Malone. “He knew just what to do. Not only is the pain minimized, but he helped me get over terrible feelings I have had for years. When you have a chronic pain, you start to feel embarrassed about the frequency and degree of pain. It is embarrassing and hard. Sometimes you think people don’t believe you or understand,” says Cindy.

After two years Cindy is feeling better. She has more mobility in her neck and shoulders. Overall, she is able to move better. Cindy says she has received injections, oral medications, a TENS machine for the pain and exercises designed to help the pain and strain on her neck and shoulders.

The theatre is her passion, both professionally and as a hobby. She believes she is a better teacher and knows she is a more involved parent. Snorkeling and swimming are also hobbies she enjoys with more frequency. In addition, she can work, relax, design and read without fear of a surprise headache. Cindy has her life back and is grateful to the staff of Advanced Pain Care.

DEBORAH NEWCOMBE, PATIENT OF ADVANCED PAIN CARE, “I feel very supported by Dr. Malone and the staff of Advanced Pain Care. He is a very soft spoken, kind, diligent, and thorough man, who pursues the best care for my condition,” says Deborah Newcombe. She has degenerative discs in her neck. Her primary care physician initially tried physical therapy. He sent her to Dr. Malone, when that did not relieve the pain. Dr. Malone looked at the MRI and told her anyone of three different places were in poor enough condition to cause severe pain.

Initially, Dr. Malone gave her three spinal injections and several trigger point injections which helped. After a time the injections did not provide as much relief. He has been willing to try different pain relievers to fit her need and comfort level. They have experimented with a patch. She is also seeing a chiropractor and going to physical therapy again. It may take a while to get the right balance of what works best for her pain management. In an effort to find additional methods of medicine to help alleviate pain, Dr. Malone does not hesitate to refer her to any doctor or therapy. This gives her hope.

According to Deborah, “I appreciate the fact that Dr. Malone has taken my condition seriously. He never seems frustrated with me. He believes I am being honest about my pain. When I am in pain I have a difficult time getting ready for work and I certainly don’t desire to do fun unnecessary activities. The thought of spending another 30 years in pain holds no anticipation. Dr. Malone has made it possible to put my heart back into what I love to do.” Deborah enjoys her job as a Volunteer Coordinator at AseraCare Hospice. She loves serving patients and their families. She has a better quality of life and can enjoy time with her family and friends.

ROBERT GRIESEN, PATIENT OF ADVANCED PAIN CARE, “I feel like Dr. Malone and his staff are part of my family. They have made me feel so much better and made such a difference in my life. Everyone is friendly and professional,” says Robert Griesen.