I'm not asking for a doctor to provide a fix for my problem. That would be more than I could possibly expect. Frankly, I've about given up on doctors. I've recently been advised that hypnotism might give me relief, but I've yet to explore that option. Here's my problem:

Several years ago, I suffered a bacterial infection in my lower spine (L5 - L6 area). The infection ate bone and nerves. My spine is now held together with two titanium rods (about 3/8" x 15"). I suffer from almost constant massive pain (often at levels 9 & 10 on the common pain scale).

For about 5 years I've been using Neuromodulation by Medtronic, Inc., and pain drugs, including Butrans (which insurance will no longer pay for), and now Fentanyl. Injections into the spine have not helped. I am under the care of a pain specialist. I use a walker and have a powered wheel chair. I'm unable to do any type of rehab or exercise, because of the pain. The first time I experienced level 10 pain I passed out, and I have a memory loss of the following 3 months. Now I can tolerate level 10, which may occur several times a week, because I am expecting it, and am able to fight it. Getting out of bed is the worst. I hate to see a grown man cry, especially when It's me.

I'm not requesting you to offer a fix, but I would like to know if any place in the country (as close to the Tampa area as possible) could possibly offer some relief. Florida Orthopaedic Institute has been part of a fix, (and part of the problem). I have previously been a patient at the Mayo Clinic, both at Rochester & Jacksonbille,, but have not approached them with this problem yet. I'm 81 years old, and not in bad shape for the shape I'm in.