Introduction Rechargeable implantable pulse generators (R-IPGs) experience low-level energy consumption (background drain) when not in use. Should too much of their battery capacity be consumed while inactive, R-IPGs may enter a reserve state or require reprogramming. Here we present the case of a patient whose R-IPG was switched off and then restarted after an extended time period. Methods The patient was a 32-year-old female with intractable pain who received effective pain relief from neurostimulation using a large-capacity R-IPG (Fig. 1). She later became pregnant but was concerned about exposure to radio-frequency energy used to recharge her device. After consulting her physician, the patient turned off her R-IPG for the term of her pregnancy. Results The patient's R-IPG was restarted after 10 months without its entering a reserve state or needing reprogramming. Paresthesia coverage and pain relief were reestablished at prior levels. The battery capacity of the R-IPG was estimated to have been reduced slightly during the inactive period (Fig. 2). Conclusion The patient's therapy was resumed without incident. The ability to easily restart R-IPGs after long periods of inactivity adds flexibility to neurostimulation therapy.