Spinal Cord stimulation

Video news release with live physician guest on WJXT 11/27/07

Category:

Education

Tags:

• 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]

@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!

[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?

[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?

[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

[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.