Leaving Chronic Pain Behind Chronic pain from leukemia treatment sidelined Zach, until he received help from a groundbreaking pain clinic at Children’s. Adolescence is the prime time to try new activities, meet new friends, pursue academic interests, and learn about oneself in the process. Until recently, that was nearly impossible for 15-year-old Zach Barstow. In 2003, Zach was treated for leukemia at Children’s – St. Paul. As a result of his treatment he developed a very rare side effect called avascular necrosis. For three years, Zach found himself on the sidelines of life as he battled chronic pain from this condition. Despite daily medications, Zach became severely disabled by the pain. He needed a wheelchair and missed many days of school. His family turned for help to Children’s Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic and pediatric pain specialist Stefan Friedrichsdorf, MD. As one of two such clinics in North America, Children’s Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and follow-up for children and their families. The clinic team consists of a pediatrician/pain specialist, psychologist, nurse coordinator, social worker/family therapist, and physical therapist. “State-of-the-art care in treating children with chronic pain integrates complementary, non-drug treatments with excellent pain medication,” says Friedrichsdorf. “Children with chronic pain can almost always get back to normal.” After his evaluation, Zach had regular appointments at the clinic where he learned to use alternative therapies like biofeedback and self-hypnosis. The team also prescribed physical therapy, including aquatic therapy. “Zach worked really hard all summer,” says Anne Barstow, Zach’s mother. “By the time school began in fall 2007, he was able to start his freshman year without a wheelchair.” Zach left behind his wheelchair and strong pain medications. He enjoys swimming in his backyard pool, plays basketball with friends, and is active with student council and other activities at his high school. He rarely misses a day of school. “It’s a lot easier to participate now,” Zach says. “The pain doesn’t hold me back anymore.”
10
Stefan Friedrichsdorf, MD, directs Children’s pain and palliative care program. He is among only a handful of international pediatricians with formal fellowship training in pediatric pain and palliative care. He created the Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic, which brings children and families together with an array of pediatric specialists. “The child and family tell their story once, with the whole team in the room. That builds collaboration, and it’s much more convenient for families,” he says.