"Dr.Sekula is my hero. He fixed me!
I’ve dealt with intermittent trigeminal neuralgia pain since 2019. Early November 2024, my condition went off the rails. I was getting shock pain that twice knocked me to my knees. I couldn’t talk or eat, and ended up in the ER of my local medical center presenting with the worst pain I have ever experienced. The attending team had no idea what to do with me. My husband Sal began researching trigemenial specialists. He emailed Dr. Sekula from the ER. We were shocked when Dr. Sekula immediately called and wanted us to get to Columbia that same day. This wasn’t doable as we needed to make travel plans. I was still hoping that once I saw the attending ER neurologist, I would get some relief. That did not happen. Throughout the day Dr. Sekula and Caroline checked on me and offered to speak with the attending ER team. We declined, not wanting to step on toes of those currently treating me. In the meantime, Dr. Sekula sent Sal his recommended treatment. Hours later, still numbed by morphine, my facial pain was no better. The ER neurologist examined me and recommended I discuss my pain with my neurologist at my upcoming April appointment. I told him I would be dead by then! That’s when Sal gave the attending PA Dr. Sekula’s recommendations. The attending team agreed to the treatment. A few hours later I walked out of the ER pain free! The next day I made an asap appointment with Dr. Sekula. Within weeks and through the compassion and competence of Caroline and Brianna I had an MRI, consult, and scheduled surgery with Dr. Sekula. Microvascular decompression instantly ended my trigeminal pain. I now shower, chew, talk, enjoy facials, dental work and kisses on the right side of my face!
Thank you Dr. Sekula and team. You’ll be forever in my brain!"