Yes, I am one of those who has benefitted IMMENSELY from my neurostimulators! As a matter of fact, I have volunteered to be an ambassador for my doctor for any of his patients that wanted any info or had any questions. I have one implanted in my thoracic region (for my lumbar, legs, and feet) and another implanted in the cervical area for my arms and hands. I did do trials for both (went with lumbar first--- larger area and difficulty walking took priority -LOL-). The first day of my trial, the stimulation felt strange and annoying to me, the second day I thought not so bad, by the third day I really liked it! And after awhile, you don't conciously notice it at all. During my trial, not only did I notice a reduction in pain, but an increase in my mobility. Such as, I could stand on my tippy-toes, squat and get back up on my own, and stand on my heels. I also slept for longer durations of time. It felt like a miracle happened! But, my doctor did inform me, the great results with my trial would be "halved" with the permanent implant because of the placebo effect. Still, to me, ANY help was better than nothing. I trialed the cervical area, hoping NOT to like it because I wasn't thrilled with having 2 implants in me. But, it made my hands feel SO good, I couldn't resist!


It's been 6 months since the permanent implants (they cannot do both at the same time. Surgery is scheduled 6 weeks apart). I went with a company named St. Jude, and they treated me so well! I felt GREAT for the first 6 weeks, then noticed a return in some pain (the refer to the beginning as the "honeymoon period"). Even so, I still LOVE my neurostimulators. They provide a source of comfort to me....as it feels as though your nerves are getting massaged--which can be a mental comfort to know there's SOMETHING to help on your worst days. And you can pick out many different programs to change the relief you need. The one dissapoint I have with this is that I still have my limitations and cannot push myself. It is true that it is NOT a cure, but a form of therapy. Also, I have two batteries (I chose the largest model, as I use it often) implanted in my lower back, which adds more "pressure" to that area.

Hope I didn't talk your ear off, but am sooo glad you asked me what you did! If I forgot to mention anything, let me know

Nice to meet you! Vanna