Getting Started With a Neurostimulation System

While results vary, you should be able to perform more of your daily activities with less pain over time. While adjusting to life with a neurostimulation system, you will probably need to develop some new habits, such as the following, to optimize your system’s life.

1. Understand your restrictions.
You should discuss with your doctor any short-term and long-term activity restrictions you will have. Listed below are a few of these restrictions.

• You should not undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cannot have diathermy therapy.
• You should not drive vehicles, operate heavy machinery, or use power tools while your system is on.

After your procedure, you will receive a user’s guide that fully lists your restrictions. For more information on these restrictions, speak with your doctor or refer to our Safety Information page.

2. Determine a good charging routine if you have a rechargeable system.
If you have a rechargeable system, you will need to determine a good charging routine. St. Jude Medical recommends any routine that is convenient and that maintains effective therapy. However, a daily recharge routine can reduce the time it takes to recharge the battery and extend the life of the generator

3. Plan ahead when traveling.
When traveling, you will need to bring the following:

• Your patient identification (ID) card to help you get through security checkpoints.
• Your programmer to adjust your stimulation and your charger, if applicable, to recharge your system.
• Phone numbers for your doctor and your St. Jude Medical representative in case you have questions.

4. Have your settings adjusted when needed.
Patients commonly need their settings fine-tuned. If you do not experience sufficient pain relief, you will need to call your doctor’s office to schedule a programming session with your St. Jude Medical representative. Your doctor and representative will do their best to adjust your settings to provide improved pain relief.