South Surrey Man First in Canada to Get Advanced Pain Device

BREAKING: A South Surrey man has become the first in Canada to receive a groundbreaking spinal cord stimulator aimed at alleviating chronic pain. Sean Forsberg, 39, underwent this transformative surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital in February 2023, marking a significant milestone in pain management technology.

After suffering debilitating pain since a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, Forsberg described his previous life as being overshadowed by constant discomfort. “I was very much in that prime of my life,” he stated, recalling how chronic pain derailed his education and athletic pursuits. “I was in school full-time. I was working full-time, I played rugby, I was very active… it definitely was something that kind of upended and threw all of that for a loop.”

Forsberg’s road to relief was long and fraught with challenges. He tried various treatments including physiotherapy, medications, and surgeries, but nothing yielded lasting results. “They said, barring any kind of big major advancement, we’ve kind of reached the end of where you can get to,” he shared, expressing a sense of desperation.

The breakthrough came when he learned about the Inceptiv spinal cord stimulator, which utilizes advanced closed-loop technology. According to Dr. Vishal Varshney, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician at St. Paul’s, this device features an electrode implanted in the epidural space behind the spinal cord, connected to a battery about the size of a pack of dental floss. This battery sends electrical signals that alter the way pain is interpreted by the brain.

“This device turns the volume down on pain signals,” Dr. Varshney explained. “With closed-loop stimulation, it consistently delivers therapy to prevent over or under-stimulation, ensuring effective pain management.”

Despite the promise of this technology, Dr. Varshney noted that only 16 patients have undergone the procedure thus far, with costs ranging from $25,000 to $30,000. Funding for just 24 devices is available in the province, raising concerns about accessibility for the approximately 180 patients who could benefit annually.

Prior to receiving the implant, Forsberg faced significant mobility issues, spending up to 20 hours a day in bed due to pain. However, he now reports a remarkable improvement in his condition. “Before I was living with a fire alarm going off in the room with me, there was no way to ignore that,” he said. “And now that fire alarm is outside down the hall with the door closed.”

This pioneering intervention not only offers hope to Forsberg but also represents a significant advancement in chronic pain treatment across Canada. As the healthcare community watches closely, the potential for expanded access to this technology could change countless lives.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and its impact on chronic pain management in Canada.