A Medtronic Pain Management Resource

Living Well with a Medtronic Drug Delivery Device:
Rose Ann's Story

Lady picking up a shell on the beach

Approximately thirty plus years ago, my life changed drastically, and I had no idea of the impact it would have on my life for years to come. Much like millions of other Americans, I got up one morning, showered, dressed for work, and went rushing out the door to my job. At that time, I was employed as a Physical Therapy Aide and shuttle bus driver at a school for children who were physically and mentally challenged. I was in the best shape I had ever been in, and life was sweet!

That afternoon at work, I noticed a little girl losing her balance. I reacted immediately, without positioning myself properly to break her fall. I fell flat on a mat face down. As I tried to get up, I felt a gripping pain stab me in the back. The waves of pain radiated down my legs. After four months of hospitalization, and long hours of physical therapy sessions, I was soon well enough to return to work. I then re-injured myself assisting a child on the shuttle bus. And yes, you guessed it... another hospitalization and laminectomy.

Over the next several years, I experienced multiple back surgeries. At that point, I accepted that all I would be able to do was live my life with chronic pain. I decided to return to school to complete my formal education. Four years later I obtained my Masters and was offered a great job! Life was great; not pain free, but at least I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

Just three months after I started my new career, I was in a terrible car crash. I underwent multiple treatments and was diagnosed with many ailments. I became a prisoner in my own bed. I required assistance with just about everything. The one thing that troubled me most was my inability to go places with my family. They would make plans to go do things in an effort to bring me out of my depression... the mind was willing, however the rest of my body just wouldn't cooperate. When I finally had to accept the fact I could no longer work, I was devastated. I tried physical therapy, oral pain medications, counseling, and just about every surgical intervention known to man, but to no avail.

Then, I had a wonderful nurse who informed me about the option of a drug delivery system. I approached my pain clinic doctor, and discussed the subject at great length. After extensive research, numerous "family discussions", and careful deliberation, I opted to give the drug delivery system a chance. I will admit... I was skeptical at first prior to receiving my first pump, but the relief was instantaneous! For the first time in thirty plus years, I felt almost human, and the pain was relatively easy to control! I am able to perform most independent living skills and do simple chores around the house. I seldom miss out on an opportunity to go out to eat with my family, take in a movie, or shop as the pain is now tolerable to some degree.

Like other chronic pain patients, I have my good days and my bad, but the good days far outnumber the bad. I am once again able to take part in my life and feel good about myself. Is my pain completely gone? I would be less than honest if I said it was totally, but at least it is now at a level I can live with, and enjoy a quality of life far beyond that which I had. Thanks to Medtronic!

Individual results may vary. Not all patients will experience the same results.