In the mid 1980's Ted was a real go-getter. He was the rainman of the insurance world-delivering to clients on a regular basis. Companies and customers were thrilled to work with him. But Ted began to experience constant pain on the right side of his head. What he thought was a headache that would not go away turned out to be a medical issue-one that would change his life.

At the age of 36 he thought he was quite healthy, but when the "headaches" would not go away, Ted went to see his family doctor. The doctor did what most do, gave him a prescription for the pain and sent him on his way. Ted took the meds and went on with his life.

But even ten years later Ted saw more doctors and took more medications, which is commonplace, even today. Finally, his family doctor referred him to a neurosurgeon and what began to unravel was a condition that Ted was not prepared for. He began to see why he was having problems with the right side of his head, shoulder and that caused his range of motion to be affected. A disk in his back, "C-5", was collapsing on nerve endings, causing pain. He was told it would only get worse until he would need surgery.

By the year 2000 Ted was experiencing excruciating pain. But that wasn't the only thing that was happening. His successful career was closing in and he could now only see potential clients if he absolutely had to-there was no more of the hustle for business that Ted enjoyed so much. He used to see up to five new clients a week-and he was now down to zero. His rose garden, something he loved, was wilting, so to speak.

Finally, he was ready for surgery. He wanted his life back. It took another two years and in 2002 he went through an experimental treatment at UCSF (one that would cost $2500).

At first he woke up and walked down the hall-feeling great. He went home that day. But the surgery didn't work and Ted was left with pain in his left scapula. "I've got to get this fixed, " he thought as went through day after day, struggling to get dressed, to move throughout the day. He sought advice from many top experts from academic medical centers like UCSF and UCLA, but nothing gave him long lasting relief.

He began to see Dr. Bradley Carpentier, who did not promise to heal his pain, but rather, began looking at the whole picture. Pain specialists understand pain across many different areas of medicine. He had counseled Ted against surgery and began to treat him with trigger point injections and numbing agents that helped him so he could begin going on with his life.

"People do not understand pain unless they have lived with it," Ted insists. "I had to become optimistic and to set goals." He adds, "I had to know when to stop and take care of myself." This is his best advice for those who are in pain. Ted remained employed and worked through the good days.

But another incident would test Ted's resolve. He got into a car accident in July of 2003. In 3 to 4 days his headaches came back. He went to see Dr. Carpentier, who began to treat him with epidurals and more trigger point injections. Again, Dr. Carpentier advised against surgery, but Ted went through a second surgery. Again, it did not work. Back to Dr. Carpentier and he enlisted one of his partners to treat Ted with special injections to his head. In 45 seconds he felt relief.

Even though he had not totally "cured" his pain, this treatment helped quite a bit. Ted's outgoing personality was back. He began to see clients again. What was once a bustling insurance practice that slowed way down grew even faster as Ted's pain lessened for days at a time. He would see a record eight new clients a week, motivated by gratitude and a will to make the most of his freedom from pain.

Ted still sees Dr. Carpentier for regular injections and manages any pain that comes up. When he does have occasional pain he takes it easy. Otherwise he "takes off," enjoying life to the fullest-playing with his grandchild, feeding his rose garden, and taking regular walks. Here is Ted's prescription for health:

• Think positive thoughts-even through the pain
• Be realistic-do you need to take it easy today?
• Set goals so that when you are pain free or having a good day you can get things done
• Value your relationships-including your business relationships
• Make friends wherever and whenever possible-it will help you through the bad times
• Realize that your personality can sell your product
• Choose a doctor that is honest and forthright
• Trust a doctor who predicts your situation correctly