Organization: M. W., MD (retired neurologist)
Location: Rutland, VT
Author: M. W., MD
Indications: Pain

"At the age of 66, I came down with severe fatigue and was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by flow cytometry; CLL B-cells and kappa cells were found. An oncologist advised chemotherapy, but I declined. I held my own until September 1997, when I received an antibiotic for a rapidly progressive skin rash. I took the full course of medication and developed an enlarged, painful liver, presumably as an adverse response to medication. Because I am allergic to most pain medication, a neurosurgeon referred me to the Sports Medicine Clinic of the University of Vermont, where Dr. Steven Mann recommended an Alpha-Stim 100 for pain control and taught me how to use it.

I reported that the unit gave me 60%-90% pain relief. By December 1997, I was pain-free, and my liver was back to normal size. My liver function tests reverted to normal. I took no medication or herbal concoctions for the liver pain.

In May 1999, I developed firm, enlarged axillary lymph nodes, up to one inch in diameter. They made me so uncomfortable that I slept with my arms raised above my head. In an attempt to decrease the discomfort and pain, I applied the Alpha-Stim for 12 hours. To my relief and amazement, not only did I become pain-free, but the lymph nodes reduced to normal size within no more than 24 hours. Whenever the nodes enlarged, which usually occurred within 2 to 3 weeks, I applied the Alpha-Stim unit again as needed. My internist, Dr. Stephen Gorman, confirmed repeatedly that the lymph nodes had shrunk, and he was very pleased."