Armando's Story
Neurostimulation Therapy
As Armando crossed the street one day, a car hit him with such force that he was thrown into the air. He landed on his back. “My leg was broken in nine places,” Armando recalls.
Coping with chronic pain
After the accident, the pain Armando felt in his back, head and legs made walking and sitting uncomfortable. Unable to move without difficulty, he spent most of his days watching television.
Pain medication provided some relief, but made Armando feel drowsy. During physical therapy he felt some relief from his pain, only to have it return hours after the session. Injections eased the pain for a few months, but when the pain returned he had to be hospitalized.
Discovering neurostimulation therapy
Armando’s doctor told him about neurostimulation therapy from Medtronic. Before going forward with it, Armando underwent a screening test to determine if neurostimulation could manage his pain.
During the screening test Armando experienced significant changes. He was able to leave the house without enduring excruciating pain. He spent more time with family and friends. He could put on his shoes without help. Able to ride his motorcycle again, he felt free and independent.
Armando talked with friends and family before making a decision to pursue long-term neurostimulation therapy. They told him he seemed much happier with neurostimulation, so he decided to proceed with the therapy.
While he had no complications, there are risks associated with the procedure. The most frequently reported problems following the neurostimulator implant surgery include infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site, loss of therapy effect, and therapy that did not meet the patient's expectations. For a complete list of adverse events that have been associated with the therapy, please refer to the important safety information.
Living a full life with neurostimulation therapy
A community activist, Armando has always collected toys for children in El Paso and Las Cruces, Texas, and now he can do more with less pain. He also advocated for motorcycle riders’ rights and began educating the public on motorcycle riding.
“My life has changed a lot,” he says. “Before, I could not sit through a two-hour movie with my family, but now we can all do things together.”
This story reflects one person's experience. Please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to this particular person. Not everyone will receive the same results as the patient in this story. Talk with your doctor about your treatment options.