A Medtronic Pain Management Resource

Rechargeable Device from Medtronic Provides Relief for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Jackie

The following story captures one individual's experience with a Medtronic neurostimulation system. Results vary; not every individual will receive the same results. Side effects can occur. For complete prescribing information, please refer to the last page of this newsletter.

JACKIE'S STORY

I broke my ankle in a cheerleading accident my freshman year of high school. My ankle healed, but I was left with constant pain in my ankle and lower leg. At the time the accident happened, cheerleading was my life. I was determined to continue to cheer. I went through many procedures to diagnose my pain, and many treatment options to relieve my pain. Oral medications didn’t work and made me sick. Nerve blocks helped, but only for a couple days. I also underwent physical therapy, but none of these options provided lasting relief from the pain. My orthopedic physician told me I would simply need to stop cheerleading, but I was young, and couldn’t imagine giving it up.

I tried not to let the pain limit me. I kept going, but at night or the next day I would suffer. If I tumbled at practice, I couldn’t walk the next day. I didn’t want my family or friends to see me in pain. I thought it was a sign of weakness. Finally, I got to the point where I couldn’t take it. The pain was unbearable. My leg would swell, ache, and feel like it was on fire, like someone was burning my skin with a curling iron. I couldn’t handle anything touching my ankle or leg. It would even ache from water, heat, cold or a breeze from someone walking by. I wasn’t able to sleep with a blanket covering my leg, so I would lay with my leg hanging out of the bed. I even had trouble shaving my legs and couldn’t wear pants.

I was frustrated and angry. I kept asking, “Why me?” I felt like my life was out of my control. It was hard when my friends talked about shopping, boys, or whatever, because I was at home in bed or at the hospital. It was hard to relate to kids my own age. I just wanted to be normal, or at least what I thought was normal for my age.

After a year of unbearable pain, I finally went to see a pain management physician. I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. After reviewing failed past treatment options I had tried in an attempt to relieve my chronic pain, my pain management physician suggested neurostimulation therapy. He explained the therapy to me and my mom, and provided a video for us to review. He informed me that I would undergo a trial to determine if neurostimulation therapy was right for me. I was young and the thought of a foreign object in my body scared me! But my mom and I reviewed all the options and proceeded with the trial. I cried in happiness as the comforting and soothing tingling sensation replaced my pain during the trial.

I originally received the non-rechargeable device. However, the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome spread into both my legs and arms. Because of this, I left my neurostimulation system on at all times and kept it at a high setting. Given my high power requirements, I received the Restore® rechargeable system. I was so excited! Recharging the device is easy, and I schedule my recharges for times that work best with my very active schedule. The patient programmer is small and fits into my purse. I carry it around everywhere. I have experienced about 90% pain coverage from the neurostimulation system.

The neurostimulation system and friendly sales representatives at Medtronic have changed my life. The Medtronic sales representatives have become like family or really close friends. They have had a huge impact on my experience with Medtronic and chronic pain. I couldn’t live a normal life without my neurostimulation system. I’ll soon be entering my junior year in college studying to be a nurse. I am able to sleep, hike, bike, walk the dog and enjoy the everyday activities of a normal 20 year old.

Throughout my experience with chronic pain, I never wanted to give up or let the pain take over. I told myself that I was never going to be a pain patient; I was going to be a patient with pain. My experience has made me a stronger person. I want to give other patients hope and share my experience with others facing similar situations so they understand they are not alone. We are not alone.

What is CRPS?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain syndrome that affects between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans.1 CRPS usually develops in the foot or hand after an injury (such as a broken bone) or surgery that may involve nerve damage. The overriding symptom is extreme pain, frequently described as burning. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to touch, skin changes, swelling, weakness, and decreased function of the hand/foot. Often the pain spreads to include the entire arm or leg, and may spread from limb to limb. Early and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to recovery.

1. RSDSA www.rsds.org