AHOSKIE – Roanoke-Chowan Hospital’s Pain Care Center is sponsoring a healthy living seminar on pain management at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Ahoskie Inn.

The featured speaker is Mike Roman, hip-disarticulation Amputee and six-time World Land Speed Record Holder Indy racecar driver.

“We are excited to welcome Mike to the Roanoke-Chowan area,” states Dr. Brent Chafin, pain care specialist at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.  “He has an inspiring story to tell about overcoming pain that will touch the hearts of many who are managing chronic pain on a daily basis.”

Roman began his journey through pain and despair just after Thanksgiving in 1994 when he tore a ligament in his knee while playing basketball with some friends. A surgical assistant in St. Louis at the time, Mike had what he thought was a “simple” surgery to repair the tear. Mike had no idea what was in store for him when he soon contracted a severe staph infection from the surgery.

Throughout the next several months and after numerous unsuccessful surgeries, Mike was told that an above the knee amputation may be in order. In 1995, Mike had his right leg amputated above the knee and was fitted for a prosthetic. By August 1999, his entire right leg from the hip joint would require amputation.

“As with many amputees immediately after surgery, “Phantom Limb Pain” began. That is when you have pain in a limb that no longer exists,” explains Dr. Chafin.  “The pain was so terrible that Mike could not get out of bed for more than 3-5 hours per day.”

According to Chafin, after 38 surgeries and 12 years of combating illness, Mike is back on track pursuing his dreams of being a race driver with the goal of setting world records. In 2009, he not only achieved that goal, but he established five new world land speed records.

Mike travels around the country speaking of the importance of determination, family teamwork, setting goals and the perseverance to achieve them.

The healthy living seminar is free and open to the public, but you must reserve your space to attend. A heavy appetizer buffet will be served.  Call 1-800-472-8500 to register to hear Mike Roman’s story and learn about pain management.