Rechargeable Device from Medtronic Provides Relief for Degenerative Disc Disease

Melanie’s Story
Melanie was diagnosed with degenerative joint/disc disease in 1996. One year later, she received a two level fusion operation on her neck. The following year, she received lower back surgery. Unfortunately, scar tissue formed on her sciatic nerve, causing pain down her legs and into her feet. “I was fortunate because my neurosurgeon recommended I see a pain management physician right away after the scar tissue formed.” She attempted to continue working. “Any moments I was not at work were spent flat on my back.” Finally, she was worn out from the pain and forced to retire. “I was depressed. I couldn’t do anything, see people or remember things (from the pain medications).” After various failed pain interventions, she was scheduled for a neurostimulation trial also known as a screening test. “The trial was marvelous. It was such a relief to not have the pain there.”

After Melanie was implanted with the Synergy^® neurostimulator, one of Medtronic’s non-rechargeable devices, she was able to decrease her pain medications by over half. Her husband Bill was amazed. “I came home and my wife was out cutting flowers. It was the first time I had seen her out doing anything in 5 years.” Melanie kept her neurostimulator on 24/7 and went through several devices, each in about a year and a half. Given her high power needs, her pain management physician, Dr. Stephanie Jones (Consultants in Pain Medicine), introduced the Restore^® rechargeable neurostimulator. “It was like going from a used car to a chariot, like I had got this marvelous luxury vehicle that enabled me to cut my pain medications once again.” After receiving her new rechargeable device, Melanie was able to further decrease her pain medications. “The original neurostimulator was able to cover my legs but not my lower back. With the new rechargeable device, I was able to have three programs that provided coverage for my legs and lower back. I see my physician less because I have program options to cover all my pain needs. It’s also a wonderful comfort to know that if I need them in the future, I can get additional programs for my back. Recharging is easy. I can either sit down or use the belt to stand up, do things, and walk around.”

“I have my life back. I can’t lift heavy things, but I can go outside and do things, enjoy myself, be with people and have normal conversations. I’m finally going to take an airplane trip to see my daughter in New York. I’m anxious to show her how much better I can walk and talk. I’m no longer depressed. I can finally forget about the pain in my legs and lower back, which I could never do before. I feel like I have been given a huge gift.”

A Physician’s Perspective

Dr. Stephanie Jones, Consultants in Pain Medicine
I see the real benefit with the Restore rechargeable neurostimulator in patients that burn through their device quickly. These patients often need their device turned on all the time. I find that patients are sometimes scared to use their device all the time because they are worried about wearing out their battery. Those patients may not be getting the full coverage needed to treat their pain. Restore takes away the patient’s worries about wearing out their device too quickly. I also see the benefit in patients who need multiple program options to cover their pain.

We take the time to show patients how to use the device. While the patients may come back with specific questions later, we find that they do understand the device and how to use it.  Patients have told me this device is a gift. The device takes away their pain and allows them to return to activities in their life.

Results vary; not every individual will receive the same benefits. Side effects can occur. Click here to view Important Safety Information.