This story reflects the experience of one individual who is receiving a Medtronic Pain Therapy for the treatment of chronic pain. Medtronic invited this person to share her story candidly. As you read it, please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to this particular individual. Not everyone who receives neurostimulation therapy will receive the same results as the individual in this story. Talk with your doctor to determine if neurostimulation therapy is right for you.

Jaclyn’s Story

Living With Pain

In 2000, Jaclyn broke her ankle while cheerleading. The ankle healed, but chronic pain in the ankle and lower leg remained, limiting her ability to walk, interact with others, and sleep.

Jaclyn’s primary care physician tried a variety of treatments to control the pain. Oral medications failed and made her nauseous. Physical therapy provided only temporary relief.

The pain continued to escalate to an unbearable level. Eventually, Jaclyn’s leg swelled and ached. Jaclyn says it sometimes felt like it was on fire. It was so sensitive to touch that even a breeze caused intense pain.

What Neurostimulation Can Do

After a year living with the pain, Jaclyn’s doctor referred her to a pain management specialist who diagnosed her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Her pain physician suggested Jaclyn try neurostimulation from Medtronic.

Jaclyn underwent a screening test to see if she would be a candidate for the therapy. During the test, Jaclyn says a soothing, tingling sensation replaced the pain. She received her neurostimulator implant in November of 2002.

Risks of Neurostimulation

Although Jaclyn did not experience any surgical complications, they are possible and may include infection, pain at the site of surgery and bleeding into the epidural space.

Once the neurostimulation system is implanted, device complications may occur and include corrective surgery, jolting, lead breaking, and movement of the lead within the epidural space which may require reprogramming or surgical replacement of the lead. These events may result in uncomfortable stimulation or loss of therapy.

“I Couldn’t Live a Normal Life Without It.”

Since receiving neurostimulation therapy, Jaclyn has 90% pain coverage. She is now a junior in college, pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Jaclyn can sleep, hike, bike, and walk the dog. “I couldn’t live a normal life without my neurostimulation system,” she says.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 7 Feb 2011