Jason's athletic achievements are not representative of the typical ITB Therapy^SM (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) experience. However, his story is inspirational. He is one extraordinary individual who was able to reach a personal goal through the help of this therapy. Medtronic, Inc. invited him to share this story candidly. As you read it, please bear in mind the athletic achievements are specific to this particular individual and are not representative of the typical ITB Therapy patient. As with all therapies, results may vary, and this therapy may not be for you. Talk to your doctor.

Race Prep in Paradise

The week before the triathlon in Hawaii was everything I expected, hot and humid temperatures, a bit of training to keep loose, and a whole lot of thinking about the upcoming race. It wasn't until two days away from the race when I finally became comfortable knowing that the event I had been preparing for four years would soon be there.

On the Thursday before the race I met several of my fellow handcycle competitors and each of them said the same thing, “Jason, you lost some weight, you look very fit”. This reminded me, yes I did pay my dues over the last four years, yes I did put myself through an intense training regimen that has now prepared me to potentially win the Ironman, and I realized that I should believe in my ability.

As I drove the course that week, I realized how much it was going to hurt during the race. But at the same time I felt very much at home with that tough course. This may sound sick but I couldn’t wait to put all of my hard work and fitness to the test. I had a lot to prove to myself on the course, and I thought I may just surprise myself.

On the Friday before the race, I went to a pre-race meeting and met all of the other wheelchair athletes. I enjoyed seeing and talking to everyone. As much as I want to beat everyone I also truly enjoy just sharing stories as we all have the Ironman in common, which means we all worked pretty hard to be there.

My only regret that week was that I didn’t have the time to truly enjoy being in Hawaii. I was so focused on the race and making sure I was prepared that I forgot that I was in a tropical paradise. The big Island was amazingly scenic. I couldn’t wait till race day!

-Jason

This page is devoted to my experience at the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. I'll be updating it on a weekly basis, so be sure to check back.

Enjoy!
Jason

Read other ITB Therapy Stories

More about the Ford Ironman World Championshiop
Map of the swim
Map of the bike
Map of the run

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ON ITB THERAPY:

Please follow your doctor's instruction closely because a sudden stop of intrathecal baclofen therapy can result in serious illness (baclofen withdrawal symptoms) such as high fever, changed mental status, muscle rigidity, and in rare cases multiple organ-system failure and death. It is very important that your doctor be called right away if you experience any of the above symptoms.

It is important for you to keep your scheduled refill visits so you don't run out of medication (baclofen) and to understand the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal. Some patients are at more risk than others for baclofen withdrawal; consult with your doctor.

People who suffer from severe spasticity resulting from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury may be a candidate for ITB Therapy. If you have spasticity due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis you must first fail oral baclofen. If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury you must first wait one year after the injury to be considered for ITB Therapy. A screening test will help show if you will respond to the intrathecal baclofen. You should not receive ITB Therapy if you have an infection, are allergic to baclofen, or your body size is too small to hold the implantable pump.

The implanted pump and catheter are surgically placed beneath the skin. Surgical complications that you may experience include infection, meningitis, spinal fluid leak, paralysis, headache, swelling, bleeding, and bruising.

The most common and/or serious drug-related side effects of ITB Therapy include loose muscles, sleepiness, upset stomach, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. Pump failure may cause overdose or underdose of intrathecal baclofen. The signs and symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, lightheadedness, respiratory depression (difficulty breathing), seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma. Once the infusion system is implanted, device complications include catheter or pump moving within the body or eroding through the skin. The catheter could leak, tear, kink, or become disconnected, resulting in underdose or no baclofen infusion. Symptoms of underdose include increase or return in spasticity, itching, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and tingling sensation. These symptoms are often early indications of baclofen withdrawal. The pump could stop because the battery has run out or because of component failure. The pump will sound an alarm when the pump needs to be filled with baclofen, replaced or if there is a problem with the pump. Always inform any healthcare personnel that you have an implanted infusion system before any medical or diagnostic procedure such as MRI, diathermy, etc.

For more information, please read the Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection) Full Prescribing Information and the SynchroMed Infusion System Information.

Lioresal® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Ironman® is a registered trademark of WTC.