Hello, Zamfira,

I agree that the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) should be very carefully considered before going ahead. Not only is it very expensive, there are some drawbacks as well.

I got mine in 2003 and I loved it for a while. It still is doing what it intended, reducing the pain in my left leg by about 40% - 50% at best. However, the RSD has now spread and the SCS does nothing for that since it is a localized treatment, not systemic like medications. Also, I have great discomfort at the surgical sites, where the scars are. Both the anchor for the electrodes and the generator were not buried deep enough, which are always uncomfortable, poking at the skin from the inside. A different neurosurgeon remarked that he would have installed it all differently.

If you plan to do this, ask the surgeon for the names of several patients who have had this done and interview them. I wish I had. I would have shopped around more and possibly had better results.

Don't get me wrong -- all in all it is a good treatment for the right candidate when all other tries have failed. I am still glad I got it. But be sure to ask lots of questions of the surgeon.

I wish you better days ahead. Keep the hope.

Mike