Questions to Ask Your Doctor

What options are available for managing my pain?
Am I a candidate for advanced pain therapies such as a Medtronic Pain Pacemaker or a Medtronic Pain-Control Pump?
How can I know if intrathecal (spinal cord) drug delivery or neurostimulation will help relieve my pain?
Will intrathecal drug delivery or neurostimulation eliminate my pain completely?
What are the risks of these therapies?
What are the possible side effects?
How can these therapies help me be more comfortable and active?
Will I feel the device inside me, and will other people notice it?
Will my insurance pay for these therapies?
Are there any safety precautions or special instructions to follow after a device is implanted?
How often is the pump refilled, and how is that done? (Intrathecal drug delivery only)
What happens if the pump runs out of medication? (Intrathecal drug delivery only)
How long will the battery last?
If I have the pump or neurostimulator, can I stop taking other medications?