Hi everyone,
I just found out about this site. I am a 42 yr old man living in San Diego and have endured 3 back surgeries within the past 8 years. I still suffer with Chronic Back/leg pain on a daily basis and take medication to try to control it.
I am considering doing the trial to see if the stimulator will help me.
I have heard good things about it but of course after 3 surgeries, I am worried about going under the knife again. Not to mention to cost factor.
Anyone have a good result with the Spinal Cord Stimulator? I will probably have it at UCSD Pain Center in LaJolla, CA.
Thank you for any suggestions.
All the best to everyone.
Rick

Hi. I have not had the scs though that is what the pain doc wanted to do at ucla pain management. I after went to the pain doc at marina del ray anyhow he said for me and I am different then you obviously and my pain is in my legs that it should be one of the last things after all options. I am not saying this is you and I have heard mixed results. On the rsd board there are more people with it. So you may want to check it out. Sorry I don't have more info for you.

Does anybody know the cost of a SCS?. The cost in ireland is between $20,000 and $40,000. Health insurance will cover the implant but not the SCS. Its for the leg area. Thanks.

Since this thread was made, we have a new forum here at NeuroTalk about SCS and implantable devices.

Here is the link to it:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

You might find more responses over there.

Hi all!

I am new here and wanted to share my SCS experience. I have had chronic low back pain and sciatica for years. I had two herniated discs which were repaired. However the growth of scar tissue has caused sciatic nerve damage and as a result I have suffered somewhat debilitating leg and foot pain.

After going the conservative route with injections, drugs, PT for two years, I decided to give the SCS a try. The trial for me was short and easy. It worked like a charm. I had the permanent placed a week and a half ago the surgery and postop recovery has been extremely painful. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days for pain control and low oxygen levels.

My problem now is the dang thing doesn't work. I get twinges of tingling here and there but that's it. I'm seeing the doctor and the rep on Tuesday for reprogramming, but I'm scared that something has moved.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Thanks!

Mary

And Welcome!
I'm so sorry about the trouble you are having!

There's actually a forum here at NT specific to SCS's and Pain Pumps
Here's the link to get you there....click on:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

Lots of wonderful support over there!
Caring
Rae

Right there with you on the fear of the intensity of the pain. Everything I've read so far shows that it seems to be different for everyone. One person says it was the biggest mistake they've made while another says it's the best thing since sliced bread. If you're ablt to do the trial run that seems the most logical. If you are able to tolerate it and it brings relief I'm inclined to say go for it. I'm battling failed back surgery, neuropathy, and severe osteoporosis (only in the area of the surgery). I'm on mass doses of pain killers as well so I understand the fear you're feeling. I just feel like if there's any chance for relief you've gotta try it.
I wish you all the best and good luck no matter what your desicion. God willing relief is around the corner!