Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry you are dealing with this frustrating pain.
I gotta be honest and go with my initial gut on this....something doesn't 'smell' right here. Number 1 - these Drs seem to be wanting to push these VERY expensive units on you way too soon. They get paid a very generous kickback on these.... and Number 2 - they don't seem genuinely interested whatsoever in your longterm pain management. The way they are putting these strict restrictions right up front (re: no pain meds whatsoever for breakthru) pretty much spells that out. SCS's are guaranteed to only give 50% of pain reduction.
They want to stick this in you and send you on your way. That's also the reason the one doc doesn't wanna mess with the pain pump. They require very close monitoring and monthly refills, which he doesn't want to commit to.

To me, it looks like these guys are treating you like a teenager, with no respect for you as an adult. You're almost 40 years old. I understand them wanting you to get off the meds. That's what getting the SCS is all about, but 'most' people still need some sort of breakthru med and to cover the % that the SCS might not cover. There are those who do have success enough to not need the meds, but your doctors are prematurely laying down the 'rules'.

I agree with Andy, lots more research should be done. I can sure see why you are confused and I'm sure sorry about this. I feel badly that you are being put in this position. Almost looks like you are being 'cornered'

It's very possible that one of these units COULD help you. I hope you can get in with a doctor who really cares about your pain management and is willing to work with you and not pressure you one way or the other. At least your 2nd Dr is wanting to hold off on the SCS if/until all else fails.

These are just my thoughts.
Please stick around and get to know some of us. We truly care and you can get a real good idea what Scs's/Pain pumps are all about just by reading up on some of these testimonies.



Rae