Originally Posted by IMaBird

Hi, I've been reading the messages for a bit, finally got around to logging on as I've gotten closer to getting help.

Specs:

lower 60's male
spinal disc disease
stenosis
chronic lower back pain

attempts so far:

In the past 3 years, I've seen a number of doctors, 2 specializing in pain, for my back pain. They've tried therapy, all kinds of meds (nothing potent), radio frequency injections, steroids, laminectomy (l3-5,s1-2).

Their meds help about a 1/5th of the pain, not worth the cost, nor side effects.

I'm using a tens (and/or IF) unit to help buzz my pain away as well as synthetic thc (not the kind you get in the Dr's office, I'm afraid). The real THC (can't wait to have CBD medicinal marijuana in VA) helps great in blocking pain. It's not something that I want to continue doing (external Tens unit that burns my skin and smoking thc which is burning my insides).

I was just notified that my pysch exam (required to get an SCS implant) was passed and that my insurance company has approved me for the Trial.

Tried this 2 years ago, and was rejected on the pysch exam. Crushing feeling, that. Passed this time, but I also had a laminectomy for my stenosis, which has come back within a 1/2 year, that as well as using a Tens unit all the time.

I have to wait for the new year though. The new referred Dr. that I just met, is moving his office and won't reopen, in another city, until next year. I get to have my trial done on the 8th of Jan. An extra hours drive, but I surely hope it will be worth it.

I'll keep in touch on how it progresses so that others might benefit.

The pain Dr. actually asked me which SCS would I want. A choice? WOW. He has a St. Judes on display. I hadn't been familiar with that one, just the Boston Scientific and the Medtronics. I think I'll go with the St. Judes. Their Progeny battery is supposed to last 10 years.


IMaBird - * - Barry