Hello my name is Taylor Harrell,
I am a 31 year old disabled combat veteran of the USAF. I have served in Afghanistan and other areas of the world. I currently have issues with my spine and left leg I have also had my right shoulder injured and worked on. I have attended physical therapy for my back and shoulder multiple times and visit pain management for injections in my spine. I have had radio frequency ablation on my lower back. I have also been diagnosed with PTSD. In spite of all this I am working on a college degree in computer science/cyber security for my wife and daughter so that I can provide for them the way I believe they deserve. I work hard and dedicate myself to their and my well-being. I also want to state that I do not, and will not, take narcotics as I need my mind sharp to be a dedicated husband, father, and student. Though some of life's options are not open to as a result of my disabilities I am fully committed to finding new joys and passions. I am learning new skills and finding capabilities that I didn't know I even had the aptitude for. I will continue to stay positive and will share the hope and joy for life that drive me and share that experience and passion with others.

Essay: Radio frequency ablation in conjunction with physical therapy and a TENS machine.

As a person who has had the less than pleasant experience of multiple attempts over the past few years to try and find a way to help increase mobility and quality of life I can truthfully say that the ablation of my medial branch nerves has made a tremendous improvement in my life. When coupled with physical therapy and the tens machine I have been able to have increased mobility and a reduction of pain to tolerable and moderate levels. In addition I have been able to reduce my need for medications such as nerve inhibitors and muscle relaxers. I have also begun an exercise program and am working on weight loss and physical strengthening. All of this was not possible before the minimally invasive surgery of inserting needles and "burning out" my nerves.
I am a person who prior to the surgery looked at life with a stoic determination and commitment that no matter the cost I had to succeed. Life was a chore and an obligation. Now, life is once again something magical. I am determined to make my life a work that I can be proud of. I don't have the words to truly capture what the surgery and the those in the medical profession have done for me. The only thing I can offer to those who made this possible is to do something with this gift they gave me and dedicate myself to making the world just a little better. That is what those in the medical fields have done, they have allowed me to make a positive difference in the world!