Spinal Cord stimulation

[findingmeg]

I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator, as well; implanted about a year and a half ago. Prior to the stimulator, I was in constant pain (despite heavy narcotics) and missed multiple days of work each month. The surgery itself was difficult to recover from, because they unexpectedly had to make my incision 3x larger than usual. However, I experienced an immediate reduction of pain by about 85%. I have healed, and been able to take on a more active life, including returning to college to get my degree.

[kir57y82]

I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted just over a year ago and I can honestly say it's the best thing I've ever had done. I don't regret it for a minute. I have CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) in my right ankle and lived with it for about 18-24 months and went through all kinds of treatment. I had 18 months of meds tweaking, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, accupuncture, tens you name it. SCS works amazingly for my pain levels. If you want any more info on it just get in touch with me.

[fillsbabe]

I am curious about this procedure. My DR. is recommending it for me. I have RSD in my right foot and right leg. I have had several nerve blocks and I am allergic to the steriods. Does anyone have any other suggestions, besides the blocks and stimulator?

[kir57y82]

@fillsbabe RSD and CRPS are the same thing and have it in the same place as you which like my previous post I've been living with it for just over 3yrs now. My consultant tried a Guanethidine block (nerve block) but with RSD/CRPS a common problem is collapsing veins so they couldn't even get my canular in. I'd ask to try a Tens machine out, that's what I did before moving on to SCS. Surgery isn't comfortable but for me the relief is a dream. I don't regret it for a minute!

[lillpappa1]

I had this done over a year ago and it only helped about 50%. Now I have to turn the unit much higher. It is ok but after 3 operations and a fusion I quit. Just sit for a couple minutes and the pain is gone until I stand again. Only in the thighs. Can anybody relate?

[buthcher911]

I had the temporary procedure and I loved it, and know have the permanent implant and feeling great. Just had the surgery some days ago. Wished I had it before my spinal infusion which was pain you would not wish on anyone!

[wolfchick101]

Hi my doctor is telling me about this he said this is the only thing he can do to help me now its been about a year sence the injury and I have RSD in my left foot the pain has run up to the knee and has been hurting . I am having to use a cane but I cant go too far with out my foot being in excruciating pain. i go to pt about 3 times a week and I still have no improvemnt. can anyone help would this be worth it? email me @ wolfchick2_0@yahoo.com

[Shutter17]

I have just seen my Pain Management doctor today and this has been suggested. I would quite like to hear from people in the UK that have had this done, particularly if you had it done in Leeds.

@Gazberotten Sounds like you are against having this done, but I would say that having the battery replaced isn't going to be major surgery. It is probably a day case type of job. If it works, being careful for 2 months and going to the hosp every 5 years is a small price to pay isn't it?

[menu4ever2day]

I am very shocked that they only do a 3 day trail, I am getting ready for the trial and my doctor told me to get good results from the trial I need to have it in for 10 days.

[carlacaballero1]

Hi did this work for anyone? I am desperate to get out of pain call me 213 400 8321

[alterbridgefan99]

I use electrical stimulation for my pain management and have been getting cortisone injections and physical therapy for over a year. I wanna talk to my pain management to maybe try this cause I get a lot of relief from my estim. I couldn't function without it actualy

[minicoopertn]

2 or 3 days is not enough time for the trial period. There is still a samll amount of surgery style pain from the trial which normally takes about 3 days to get over then you can gauge the relief the trial gives. My trial was in for one week. Because there are wires coming out of the back they want to leave the trial in as short a time as possible to reduce the risk of infection. The permanent implant takes about two weeks to get over the surgical pain.

[28summerland]

thanx 4 posting this. don't know about it though...that is, as far as having it personally done. :(

[diggy485]

i am getting ready to do the trial. i have been on morphine for almost 3yrs now.. i have been on pain meds for about 8 yrs all together, and it is taking its toll on me mentally and physically..i hope it works. i had a fusion at l-5, s1, and a lamonectomy at l-4 l-5.

[28summerland]

@diggy485 so, so sorry to hear this...about your pain. i understand. if you want to, let me know how this op goes for you. until then, i will send my thoughts and prayers.

[diggy485]

thank you, i appreciate your concern. i am having the trial one inserted in about a week or two. i have to have a console the surgeon that done my surgeries. and if all goes well i will have the permanent on put in me.

[alterbridgefan99]

@diggy485

I hear what you mean in terms of having a mental and physical toll on you. I've been in pain for over a year now and have gotten 11 cortisone shots (so far) I hope I don't need them for the rest of my life to be out of pain. I've been in PT for about a year and a half and I have Estim I couldn't function without it. I have a Cervical Spine issue. C5 6 and 7 are bulged

[diggy485]

@alterbridgefan99 I hope they get it taken care of, and without any issues. It is hell being in pain all the time, I will say that my pain is more manageable than it was before the surgeries, but i still have some really bad days.. good luck, and take care

[TheShakeyJake1]

@alterbridgefan99 I have a cervical spinal stimulator...I've had it for 3 years now and it does help but not as much as my doctors nor I have hoped for but it did lower my pain meds...it's good to hear of someone else that has it cervically I've always thought i was the only one that had it this way