When Ben Shortreed and his wife Kara hosted a young orphaned girl from Colombia a couple years ago, they had intended only to show her a good time and provide a sense of hope. But when she asked them to be her parents on that visit, something clicked. “It really opened our eyes to what we were missing in life … a family,” says Ben.
Shortly after, Ben and his wife started the long, involved process of adopting the girl. However, a fireworks accident, which led to the amputation of Ben’s left hand and its accompanying pain, threatened to derail their plans altogether. “It felt like somebody was driving a pin or a nail straight down my finger through the bone,” explains Ben.“It was just excruciating and constant.”
Ben tried prescription medications — including opioids — that didn’t do much for his pain but caused cognitive issues that could have impacted the adoption. Ultimately, Ben saw Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a pain specialist who suggested the SPRINT® PNS System. After the system was implanted, Ben experienced immediate relief. “I couldn’t believe it. Twenty four hours passed, 48 hours, 72 hours passed and no pain, absolutely none,” says Ben.
Today, almost a year later, he is still enjoying the benefits of the SPRINT PNS 60-day treatment, and best of all, Ben and Kara were able to complete the adoption of their daughter, Ashly Elaine, and welcome her to her forever home.
Happy Father’s Day to Ben!
Visit the For Patients section of the website to read Ben’s full story as well as other inspiring SPRINT PNS patient stories.
Maria Bennett, SPR Therapeutics CEO and Founder, Recognized by Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program
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