---
title: Paralympic Snowboarder Talks About Life After TMR
description: Paralympic snowboarder Joe Pleban talks about his life before and after TMR surgery.
image: https://www.tmrnerve.com/hubfs/Snowboarder%20Blog%20Image.jpg
---

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##### October 15, 2021

# Paralympic Snowboarder Talks About Life After TMR

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## “I cut off my foot literally to become active again. TMR gave me the ability to be active.”

Joe Pleban had developed a rare and painful joint disease that caused tumors to invade his ankle. A lifelong athlete, Joe tried numerous surgeries and treatments with no success. He elected to have an amputation in the hope he could return to his active lifestyle with the use of a prosthetic. However, severe phantom pain following surgery kept him from returning to the sports he loved. Today, Joe competes around the world on the US Paralympic snowboarding team. Learn about Joe’s amazing journey and how TMR made this possible.

[Paralympic snowboarder Joe Pleban talks about his life before and after TMR](https://vimeo.com/623770577) from [Checkpoint Surgical](https://vimeo.com/user123223999) on [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com).

 

Are you ready to take the next step in your TMR journey? [Find a physician near you](https://www.tmrnerve.com/tmr-near-me?hsCtaTracking=b9040ccd-8be6-4be0-ab14-30d51fb782b7%7C5b3b3230-27e6-4258-a57a-330f4f39435a) or check out more of our [patient resources](https://www.tmrnerve.com/patient-resources). Amputation nerve pain relief is possible and we're here to help.

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Written by [TMRnerve.com Staff](https://www.tmrnerve.com/blog/author/tmr-nerve)

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Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) is a surgical treatment that is gaining acceptance for nerve pain associated with amputation. 

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TMR is not a treatment option for patients with spinal cord injuries, brachial plexus injuries, or who are generally not healthy enough for surgery. The procedure does present typical risks of surgery. Patients may experience a temporary increase in pain as part of the nerve healing process. Your physician will help you determine whether TMR is right for you.

Gregory Dumanian, MD, is medical director of TMRnerve.com. He is a paid consultant of Checkpoint Surgical, Inc.

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