Leesa's Story
Neurostimulation Therapy
While making dinner at home one evening, Leesa slipped on her kitchen floor and injured her back. Pain set in quickly after the accident, and she was unable to stand for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Coping with chronic pain
Though Leesa was young and active before her back injury, chronic pain kept her at home while others her age went out at night, exercised at the gym, and went to work. Leesa felt depressed.
To relieve her pain, Leesa underwent back surgery. After more than six weeks of recovery, she was greatly disappointed when the pain persisted and medications did not help.
Discovering neurostimulation therapy
Leesa’s doctor told her about neurostimulation therapy from Medtronic. She did further research online at www.tamethepain.com. She also spoke with a Medtronic volunteer ambassador who was living with the device and answered Leesa’s questions.
To determine if neuromodulation would manage her pain, Leesa underwent a screening test. She wore a temporary neurostimulation device for three days and during that time she experienced significant relief. When the screening test was over, she felt so good she did not want the temporary neurostimulation to stop.
Leesa decided to pursue long-term neurostimulation therapy. She experienced no complications and was back at work the following week.
While she 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
Since getting neurostimulation therapy, Leesa no longer battles depression. She feels less pain and sleeps better. She is back at work, and she even exercises at the gym.
“Adapting to the system was pretty easy,” Leesa says. “And I’m able to sleep six to eight hours a night without pain waking me up.”
Leesa feels more independent with neurostimulation therapy. She is planning her wedding, and looking forward to enjoying more travel.
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.