Common Questions
As an ongoing resource for you, Medtronic is happy to answer questions about your Medtronic Pain Therapy. Below we've included some common questions with corresponding answers from our Medtronic Patient Services team.
Neurostimulation
Q: I heard there are two new neurostimulation systems. Why were the RESTOREADVANCED™ rechargeable and PRIMEADVANCED™ non-rechargeable systems developed in addition to the RESTORE® rechargeable and RESTOREPRIME® non-rechargeable systems?
A: Medtronic is committed to providing products and therapies that are simple and easy to use. As part of that effort, we are continually improving our products. The two new neurostimulators, RESTOREADVANCED and PRIMEADVANCED, provide your physician with improved programming options in their effort to manage your chronic pain. The improved software for the programmer used by your physician allows them to better program your neurostimulation system to manage your chronic pain.
The software for the programmer used by the patients with the RESTOREADVANCED and PRIMEADVANCED systems has also been improved. These patient programmers now use icons or words (sleep, leg, sit, etc) in addition to letters to identify the different program options or "groups" you may select. This can be helpful in remembering the purpose of each group, and when to use each group to help manage your chronic pain.
PLEASE NOTE: This software is only for use with the RESTOREADVANCED rechargeable and PRIMEADVANCED non-rechargeable systems.
Q: Since I received my neurostimulation system, I feel like returning to some of the winter activities I previously enjoyed. Can I participate in activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating?
A: Generally, your neurostimulation system will not limit your daily activities. However, you should always follow your physician's instructions with regard to work, exercise, hobbies, and other activities.
You should know where your lead is placed and what movements may put strain on the lead, or on the stitches that hold the neurostimulator in place. Strenuous activities (for example, moving or lifting heavy objects) may damage or move the lead. Activities that involve certain motions such as repetitive lifting, bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching movements may cause the lead or neurostimulator to move within the body. This may result in undesirable changes in stimulation. Activities that require repetitive bending or twisting should be approached with caution.
Although the components of your neurostimulation system are made of durable materials, they are still subject to wear. Therefore, repetitive movements can cause damage over time that may require replacement or additional surgery. Always discuss specific activities with your physician. They will be able to tell you if certain movements may place strain on the lead or neurostimulator.
Q: Now that my pain is more manageable, my New Year's Resolution is to get back in shape. Are there any guidelines I should follow or things to keep in mind regarding my neurostimulation system?
A: As stated in the response to winter activities, exercise and other activities requiring repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing or stretching can move or stretch the lead, and should be approached with caution. Please discuss specific activities and exercises with your physician. They will be able to tell you if certain movements may place strain on your neurostimulation system.
Drug Delivery
Q: Since I received my drug delivery system, I feel like returning to some of the winter activities I previously enjoyed. Can I participate in activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating?
A: Generally, your drug delivery system will not limit your daily activities. However, you should always follow your physician's instructions with regard to work, exercise, hobbies, and other activities.
You should know where your catheter is placed and what movements may stretch or put strain on the catheter, or on the stitches that hold the pump in place. Activities that involve certain motions such as sudden, excessive, or repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching may damage the pump or catheter, or cause the catheter to move. The catheter may also become kinked or blocked, preventing drug delivery and resulting in a measurable or dangerous loss of or change in therapy. This may require surgery to repair or replace the catheter or pump. Activities that require repetitive bending or twisting should be approached with caution.
Although the catheter is made of flexible and durable materials, it is still subject to wear. Therefore, repetitive movements can cause damage over time that may require replacement or additional surgery. Always discuss specific activities with your physician. They will be able to tell you if certain movements may place strain on the catheter or pump.
Q: Now that my pain is more manageable, my New Year's Resolution is to get back in shape. Are there any guidelines I should follow or things to keep in mind regarding my drug delivery system?
A: As stated in the response to winter activities, exercise and other activities requiring repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing or stretching can move or stretch the catheter, and should be approached with caution. Please discuss specific activities and exercises with your physician. They will be able to tell you if certain movements may place strain on your drug delivery system.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
“I can now take daily walks with my dog, housework (unfortunately), gardening, outdoor activities, shopping with my mom, pretty much anything I feel like doing. I have to be careful not to over do it, but before the pump I couldn’t do much of anything.”
- Lori, Drug Delivery Patient