My Journey with Neuropathy and the Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator

Living with diabetes can bring unexpected challenges, including complications like diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, and loss of sensation in the feet and legs.

For many people living with diabetes, managing neuropathy symptoms can feel overwhelming. In this personal story, Kim Bombardiere shares her experience living with diabetic nerve pain and how a spinal cord stimulator helped her regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.

My diabetes diagnosis and early symptoms

I never thought much about diabetes. When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I didn’t fully understand what living with the condition might mean long term.

My dad also had Type 2 diabetes, and his approach seemed simple—he took metformin, ate what he wanted, and appeared to manage without many complications. I assumed my experience would be similar.

My diagnosis began with prediabetes, and for several years my A1C stayed around 5.2 through lifestyle changes and self-management. But over time, my A1C increased and I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Not long after, I started noticing strange sensations in my feet—tingling, coldness, and numbness in my big toes. My balance worsened, and I began falling frequently.

At the time, I didn’t realize these symptoms could be diabetic neuropathy.

When diabetic neuropathy became severe

Over time, the symptoms became impossible to ignore.

The nerve pain in my feet felt like burning, pins and needles, and electrical shocks running through my legs. Walking became increasingly difficult, and I experienced six falls in one year.

Eventually, I couldn’t walk independently.

Despite working with my primary care doctor, endocrinologist, and pain specialist, nothing seemed to relieve the neuropathy pain caused by diabetes.

I tried:

• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Pain injections

But nothing brought lasting relief.

Eventually I needed a caregiver to help with daily activities.

The struggle to manage diabetes and neuropathy

Although my diabetes medications helped keep my blood glucose in range, they did not address the severe nerve pain from diabetic neuropathy.

After spinal surgery for spinal stenosis, my neuropathy symptoms actually worsened. I relied on a cane, walker, and sometimes a wheelchair.

The pain was constant, and I began losing hope.

Learning about spinal cord stimulation

My pain doctor suggested trying a spinal cord stimulator to help manage my chronic pain.

At first, I was skeptical.

I had heard of spinal cord stimulators for back pain but not for diabetic neuropathy.

Still, I was desperate for relief.

A Medtronic representative explained how the device works and how studies show it can help some people with diabetic neuropathy. Most importantly, I learned that I could try a trial period first before committing to the permanent implant.

Knowing I had the option to test it first gave me the confidence to move forward.

The spinal cord stimulator trial

The trial lasted seven days.

Temporary leads were placed near my spine and connected to a small external battery pack worn on my back.

During the trial, the Medtronic representative checked in daily to adjust the settings.

Within days, something incredible happened.

The burning and electric shock sensations in my feet began to fade.

I experienced about 85% pain relief.

For the first time in years, I felt hopeful.

The implant procedure

After the trial period, the leads were removed and I waited two weeks for the permanent implant procedure.

The implant surgery was outpatient and took only a few hours.

A remote device allows me to adjust the stimulation levels as needed.

When I first turned the stimulator on, I immediately noticed the difference.

The device sends gentle electrical pulses that mask the pain signals traveling to the brain.

Within a few days, the burning sensation in my feet began to fade.

Life after the spinal cord stimulator

It took about two months to experience the full benefits of the stimulator.

During that time I continued physical therapy, but the device played a major role in my recovery.

Eventually, I was able to:

• Walk independently
• Stop using mobility aids
• Play with my grandson

Three years later, I am still about 85% pain-free.

Before the stimulator, I was taking 16 medications to manage pain. Today, I no longer need those medications for neuropathy.

The device simply needs to be charged every few days.

I feel like I have my life back.

Advice for others living with diabetic neuropathy

If you are living with diabetic nerve pain, it’s important to know that there may be options beyond traditional medications.

Talking openly with your healthcare team can help you explore treatments that may improve your quality of life.

For me, the spinal cord stimulator was life changing.

The most important lesson I learned is to advocate for yourself.

If your current treatment plan isn’t working, it’s okay to ask about other options or request referrals to specialists like neurologists or pain management doctors.

Sometimes the right solution starts with a conversation.

Key takeaways

• Diabetic neuropathy can cause severe nerve pain and mobility challenges.
• Spinal cord stimulation may help reduce nerve pain for some people.
• A trial phase allows you to test the device before committing to implantation.
• Advocating for yourself and communicating with your healthcare team is essential.
• Pain relief can improve mobility, independence, and diabetes management.