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Old 08-18-2007, 01:06 PM #1
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Default Spinal Cord Stimulator.

I would like some input on a decision I have to make. I have used the 25 microgram Fentaly patch for pain for 8 years. It literally hs saved my life, as my pain was so intense before that I was contemplating suicide. A year or so ago I added Lyrica which has also helped a lot. I am now able to be out of bed for about 5 hours a day. If I boost my meds by adding Darvon to my regimen, I can extend that another 3 or 4 hours, but I have to take a big dose. I can't increase the fentanyl as I have side effects of tiredness and daytime sleepiness. It also make me a little depressed.

My family doctor sent me to a new pain doc to see if he had any ideas for getting better pain control with less side effects and not take so much Darvon. He tried me on methadone as an alternative to fentanyl, but it made me even sleepier. So now he is recommending that I consider a spinal cord stimulater. I am very apprehensive. I would love to get off drugs that make me sleepy and tired, but.... Surgery of any kind carries some risks, and it sounds like you have a lot of precautions with the stimulator, like not bending or twisting and it might be a big hassle. And,,,,,I haven't found any good research studies on how effective it might be for neuropathy -- like what percentage of neuropathy suferrers get significant relief. And... i am afraid that they will make me go off all my pain meds at some point in the process. I am not a drug seeker, but I am very afraid of suffering terrible pain without medication, even for a short time. I don't think any doctor believes how severe my pain is. It is hard for me to believe it, since I look normal.

Here is my question for you guys: What should I do? Ha. See, it's an easy question! Should I be satisfied with the current medication status (for which I am very grateful), or should I try the stimulator? Help!
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Old 08-18-2007, 02:14 PM #2
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Hi Dakota:

Did you know you can give this spinal cord stimulator thing a trial run??

Click on this. It expains everything.

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/s...inestim02.html
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Old 08-18-2007, 03:24 PM #3
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Default scs

who know with any of this stuff-
one doc was ready to put one in for me next week
the other doc said dont do it-too many problems.
i am not on the pain meds you are-i wish i was-i wish i could tolerate them.
you can have a trial, then it is permanent. some people get relief.
i read on another forum that it works, and on another it doesnt.
i would talk to other people who have your same diagnosis and symtoms and have the scs and see what they say.
my doc said he would try to get in to cover both legs and feet but wasnt sure -what kind of an answer is that?
do these docs have them in their backs?
never the less, it must be working for some, or they wouldnt be prescribing them left and right.
best-
steff
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Old 08-18-2007, 03:34 PM #4
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I do know that Jerry Lewis wore the Medtronic device. He had it implanted. He said "I have never felt such relief in all my life".

So he found SOMETHING that worked!!!!

Thank goodness for that!!
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Old 08-18-2007, 06:34 PM #5
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Melody, thanks so much for that website. I had looked at a couple of others, but the information on them wasn't that good. Steff, I wish you could tolerate some pain drugs, too. Sounds like you might be a candidate for the stimulator, too. I go back to my doctor next Friday. I guess I will at least talk to him about it.
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Old 08-18-2007, 07:15 PM #6
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Hi Dakota:

Years ago, when Alan and I were on a journey to find out why he had neuropathy, we went to back doctor after back doctor. No one would help us. They did try the epidural on him. Didn't do anything for his pain (because the problem is auto-immune) and not his back.

But one doctor tried to talk to us about the Medtronic device and gave us some brochures. Alan didn't want to do it.

Don't know who is using it now, but hey, if it helps with the pain, why the heck not.

I will never understand one thing. Alan has his pn between certain toes. Not any other part of his body. Oh, he gets the burning feet sometimes, but mostly it's the stabbing, burning, buzzing, between his toes.

I cannot understand why they can't give him trigger point injections between his toes. I did ask his podiatrist and we were told "no, it does not apply to him". Now why not?? I've never gotten a good answer.

Oh, we are going to a meeting in September. I'm starting a new thread. Looks very interesting.

Melody
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Old 01-01-2008, 08:06 PM #7
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Default Spinal Cord Stimulator

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
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Old 01-02-2008, 12:11 PM #8
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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.
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Old 07-18-2010, 08:58 AM #9
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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.
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Old 07-18-2010, 11:45 AM #10
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Lightbulb

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.
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