A system, method, and implantable pulse generator (IPG) device that stores, on the implantable device, two or more treatment-protocol stimulus programs, preferably as prescribed by a physician. The IPG, whether it is a self-contained implantable pulse generator (SCIPG) or externally-powered implantable pulse generator (EPIPG), communicates with an external patient programmer (EPP) to determine which of the stimulus programs should be run at any given time. An advanced programmer is used to read and write program instructions to the IPG. In this way, the patient is capable of carrying two or more program options with him, and if the patient uses an EPIPG, he can use any available EPP to power and operate the EPIPG.