Quote:
Originally Posted by Boilermakers38
Hello, My name is Mike. My Pain Mangement Doctor has suggested that I consider Neurostimulation Theraphy and have the device surgically implanted. I have been dealing with low back pain traveling through my left leg. I have this pain 24/7 and at times is very difficult to even preform my ADL's. I have been taking pain pills like Morphine for 3 years, done the physical therapy, injections and still live in this pain.
Does someone have any information you would share with me regarding your experience.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Mike
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Dear Mike -
Hi there. First, I should say that I've never been offered a SCS because it was thought the pain was too diffuse in my body, where both legs were often in almost total spasm and I had bilateral CRPS in both feet and ankles following an injury at the gym.
Two quick points.First, Neurotalk maintains a "sub-forum" on
SCS & Pumps at
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html that I would urge you to check out.
Secondly, I have just come across an article stating that while SCS may provide pain relief from anywhere from 2 - 20 years, it will not otherwise stop the progress of the disease. AAPM: Spine Stimulation Leads to Durable Pain Relief, February 07, 2010, reporting on presentation of Krishna Kumar, MB, BS, of Regina Qu'appelle Health Region in Regina, Saskatchewan, said at the American Academy of Pain Medicine meeting. "All patients in this series experienced a gradual enlargement in the area affected over time. Stimulation does not appear to retard disease spread."
http://www.medpagetoday.com/tbprint.cfm?tbid=18344
Mike