Well, I just read the articles that MrsD and Billye recommended, and some others I found. I will have to get more convincing material before I try it, I think. The things that make me hesitate are: 1. Huge price ($40,000). I know my insurance will cover most, but I try not to be irresponsible. 2. Insurance reimbusement really drives health care. Since this has been approved, it is very attractive to doctors financially. 3. This technology has been around for 20-30 years. If it is so great, why has it not been more widely used? And why doesn't everyone with chronic pain have it now? 4. Like MrsD says, the success rate is 50% at best, and the effectiveness wears off for some in a year or two. The risk of complications and $40,000 make this sucess rate look pretty poor.

Also, I have been encouraged about using the Lyrica patch by you folks. I realize that there may be a risk of that increased sensitivity, but that risk looks small compared to the stimulator risks. Thanks a ton, folks. This has been a wonderful help in helping me weigh through all the decisions. Trying to make the best logical decision is made more difficult by all the fear and anxiety that having PN causes, not to mention dealing with the heavy handed treatment by doctors and all the stress caused by that. Even the front office folks can be awful to deal with. It just makes me crazy after awhile. Hugs and kisses to all of you!

Mrs. D.,

Actually, estrogen continues to be produced after menopause by the fat cells. It is Estrone which is converted from the androgens by the adrenal glands. Granted it is in much smaller amounts but it is still circulated.

Also, the definition of Central Pain Syndrome has more to do with damage or dysfunction of the CNS, brain, brainstem and spinal cord. Which is why opiates rarely work for this type of pain. I believe what you are referring to may be Chronic Pain Syndrome. And/or hyperalgesia associated with the opioids.

The way it was explained to me in regards to Central Pain Syndrome was that occipital neuralgia/cervicogenic headaches and/or nerve damage from all of this left "central sensitization" or "windup"...NOT from the medications...but from the initial damage.