Melanie's Story
Pain Ambassador; Neurostimulation Therapy
Melanie was diagnosed with degenerative spine disease and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in 1996. One year later, she received a 2-level fusion operation on her neck and then had lower back surgery in 1998.
Coping with chronic pain
The scar tissue that formed on her sciatic nerve caused pain down her legs and into her feet. "I was fortunate because my neurosurgeon recommended I see a pain management physician right away after the scar tissue formed," Melanie says.
Melanie attempted to continue working, but couldn’t. She was simply worn out from the pain. Because of the pain medications she was using, Melanie suffered other setbacks as well.
"I was depressed. I couldn't do anything, see people, or remember things," she says.
Discovering neurostimulation therapy
After various failed pain interventions, Melanie was scheduled for a neurostimulation trial, also known as a screening test.
"The trial was marvelous," Melanie says. "It was such a relief to not have the pain there."
After the screening test, Melanie went forward with neurostimulation therapy from Medtronic. It helped her decrease her pain medications by more than 50%. Her husband Bill was amazed.
While Melanie did not have any 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.
"I came home and my wife was out cutting flowers," Bill recalls. "It was the first time I had seen her out doing anything in 4 years."
Living a full life with neurostimulation therapy
After a few adjustments to her therapy device, Melanie further decreased her pain medications.
"I can't lift heavy things, but I can go outside and do things, enjoy myself," says Melanie. "I'm finally going to take an airplane trip to see my daughter in New York. I have my life back."
Melanie says her life has changed in other positive ways as well. "I'm no longer depressed," she says. "I can finally forget about the pain in my legs and lower back, which I could never do before. I feel like I have been given a huge gift."
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.