DAILY LIVING SPINAL CORD STIMULATION

LIFE WITH A NEUROSTIMULATOR

After the initial healing period, neurostimulation therapy for pain relief will become a part of the daily activities.

The neurostimulator:

• Does not usually show through the clothes
• May be felt as a bump under the skin
• Can be adjusted using a handheld programmer
• A neurostimulator can automatically adjust stimulation based on preferred settings in different positions

WHAT TO EXPECT

Setting realistic goals is a key to overall satisfaction with SCS therapy. It is important to remember that the neurostimulator will not eliminate the source of the pain or cure any underlying disease, but can help relieve the pain.

DOCTOR VISITS

A typical follow-up schedule is once every 6 months, although initially the neurostimulation system may require more frequent adjustments. The doctor may want to see the patient more or less frequently, depending on the pain treatment plan.

Between visits, you should call your doctor if you notice a change in your level of pain relief.

Intellis System Alerts

Icon	Description	Screen Type
	Red triangle with an exclamation point	Warning screen
	Orange triangle with an exclamation point	Alert screen
	Blue circle with the letter "I"	Notification screen

Warning screens indicate a problem with the programmer, recharger, or neurostimulator. See the controller (programmer) manual for more explanation of each Warning screen.

Alert screens indicate a pairing or other connection problem between the programmer, recharger, or neurostimulator. See the controller (programmer) manual for more explanation of each Alert screen.

Notification screens provide information about stimulation settings, error conditions, and battery levels. See the controller (programmer) manual for more explanation of each Notification screen.

Restore System Alerts

	Programmer Batteries Are Low Replace the programmer batteries before they become depleted.
	Replace Programmer Batteries Replace the programmer batteries now.
	Poor Communication Reposition the programmer over the neurostimulator with the screen facing outward and try again. If using a detachable antenna, check to make sure the antenna is connected properly, reposition the antenna, and try again.
	Nonrechargeable Implanted Neurostimulator Battery Level Is Low Call your clinician. The implanted nonrechargeable neurostimulator is nearing end of service. Stimulation will not be available soon.
	Call Your Doctor with Error Codes Read the error code at the bottom of the screen. Error codes 0 to 252: Remove batteries from the patient programmer, wait several seconds, then re-insert the batteries. If the error message appears again, call your doctor. Other codes: Write down the code shown on the screen and call your doctor.
	Call Your Doctor End of Service Your neurostimulator has reached end of service. Stimulation is not available. Call your doctor.

Warning screens indicate a problem with the patient programmer, the antenna, or the neurostimulator. If the audio is turned on, three tones alert you to the message.