Mystery illness fixed by pioneering treatment

For years medical experts were unable to diagnose Jenny Harker despite repeatedly examining her following complaints of shooting pains in her groin.

“I first felt the pain four years ago and it became so distressing and uncomfortable that I was really struggling to sleep at night and focus at work during the day,” said the 49-year-old from Mirfield, West Yorkshire.

“Alongside the disruption to my quality of life, one of the most upsetting aspects of the pain was the fact that wherever I turned for help I was not getting any answers.”

Jenny, who is married with two daughters aged 17 and 18, underwent several rounds of tests at NHS hospitals after being referred through her GP but her pain continued to perplex the experts.

In desperation, Jenny spoke to her employer and discovered she could be treated privately though the company’s medical insurance scheme despite her condition being undiagnosed.

Jenny was referred to Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital. Consultant Neurosurgeon Gnanamurthy Sivakumar, treated Jenny through a pioneering technique, known as dorsal route ganglion stimulation.

“Jenny came to Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital in a considerable amount of pain. Despite Jenny’s condition being undiagnosed we were able to ascertain that a single nerve was the root cause of her discomfort.

“We were then able to manage the pain successfully by firstly carrying out a test and then subsequently a minimally invasive operation.”

Jenny’s treatment has involved 
the insertion of a battery-powered device which stimulates the affected nerve, thus helping to reduce the pain.

“Dorsal route ganglion stimulation is an effective way to manage nerve-related pain.

“Although it will not fully eradicate the pain, patients such as Jenny 
can increase and decrease the 
supply of power being sent to the nerve via a wireless controller when required.”

Jenny is confident that her days of excruciating pain are now well behind her.

“My way of life has already improved beyond belief since the device has been inserted.

“For example, I enjoy walking with friends, a pastime that has been all but impossible for the past few years.

“With more regular exercise and better sleep I am feeling fitter, fresher and more positive.”