Hi guys in 1978 I was injured while I was serving in the army. This involved damage to upper and lower spine, along with my right collar bone joint being dislocated at the neck end. As the years have gone by my symptoms have worsened. I now have a spinal fusion in my neck C6/7. I also have had the collar bone shoulder end surgically removed and have torn my right bicep tendon completely shredded so the bicep sits in a ball above my elbow. The surgeon advised that there is nothing more he can do.
I am seriously considering getting a spinal stimulator. My pain specialist advises that first there is a trial where electrodes are implanted in the upper and lower neck. After implantation the wires stick out of the back and are connected to a battery that sends out high frequency signals. The levels are changed each day in effort to find the greatest pain relief level. If we can get more than 50% pain relief then back into hospital to run the leads under the skin and down to the newly implanted battery.
My question is as follows, Is the pain of going through implantation justified by longer term relief. I would appreciate as much input as possible so I can make an informed decision. Your assistance appreciated.