Welder and Cattle Rancher Back to Activities Doing What He Loves with ActaStim® After Spine Surgery
After two back surgeries in 2010 and 2011 to address herniated discs, Jason Thigpen, 51, spent years enduring pain and delaying further procedures. Initially characterized by constant aching, his symptoms progressed to burning and numbness in his feet and legs, signs that he felt became impossible to ignore.
“As a welder and cattle rancher, I knew I needed surgery to get back to my active lifestyle,” Jason says.
Fractures in his spine and worsening nerve compression were identified at the doctor’s office, raising potential serious concerns about his mobility if not treated properly. As his numbness worsened, it was clear to his doctor that Jason needed surgery.
Following this spinal fusion surgery on L4-L5-S1, his doctor’s office prescribed the ActaStim® Bone Growth Stimulator and the ActaStim Sync app. His doctor’s care team provided him with a brochure on the device, and they mentioned that a Theragen representative would reach out to start the process. They emphasized the importance of wearing it regularly to help his chances of a successful spinal fusion.
The ActaStim® Bone Growth Stimulator is the only spinal fusion bone growth stimulator that combines clinically proven therapy, continuous wearability, and actionable daily recovery metrics to support healing via a smartphone app, as part of a patient’s recovery plan.
Since having surgery, Jason has worn the device for nine months, taking it seriously and wearing it all day except when he showers. The numbness has disappeared, and he can stand for extended periods without discomfort.
On a recent visit the doctor reviewed his CT scan and verified that Jason is healing well from the surgery and that everything is on the right track for recovery.
In addition to the help of his care team and the device, his Theragen care representative ensured he had everything he needed for his recovery journey. He has returned to work, welding and caring for cattle, after his doctor approved him for regular activities. Every year, he travels to 10 cattle shows in Texas.
“Thanks to ActaStim and my care team, I am now able to do everything I wanted to do after my surgery,” Jason says.
