During my senior year of High School, I was in 4 car accidents within 6 months, including one on the way to graduation. None of the accidents were my fault. About six months after the last accident, I began to have severe discomfort standing and walking. After visiting my doctor and being told that while I did have slight degeneration of my L5 vertebra, there was nothing they could do to help me. They gave me medication to mitigate the pain and sent me on my way. For years, I tried different doctors who mostly gave me more medication, which slowly increased the dosage and strength. The medication had it's own ill effects including liver damage, dizziness or lack of focus and dental problems. A little over a year ago, my pain specialist told me about the Spinal Cord Stimulator and asked if I'd be willing to try it out. I believe that this surgery has saved my life. Since I've received the permanent implantation I've practically eliminated any prescription pain relieving medications and couldn't be happier about it. Thanks to this surgery I'm able to work full time again at a job that I've always wanted to do.