Problem
 

I was in a car accident and my SCS hasnt worked since. The stimulation simply went away. Today the rep from Boston Scientific tested it out and got it to come on at a VERY HIGH level....an unbearable stimulation. But anything less and I dont feel it at all. She seems to believe that there is swelling around my spine that is causing me to be ultra-sensitive. But that doesnt make sense. If that were the case, wouldnt I feel it at even the lowest setting? I just want this fixed so that I can continue with the relief that the SCS gives me. Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem could be? Or has anyone had a similar situation? Thanks!!

Sorry you're having this problem. I wish I could have tons of sage advice but alas I'm a newbie to all this, just having had my two SCS implants put in a week ago.

The only thing that comes to mind is how I've been told my ideal programs or stimulation strengths may not be able to be found for some time given the swelling and inflammation due to the recent surgery...maybe you have some type of injury/inflammation that is stopping the lighter stimulation from being felt and it takes strong stimulation to be felt...just a thought. Hopefully you and your dr. can figure this one out. Good luck!

Hello Sharklady!
 

Welcome to NT! I'm so glad you've found our wonderful little SCS forum.
It amazes me how many patients are getting these units nowadays!

I'm so sorry to hear of your accident. It was just one week ago, correct?
Did the rest of your body suffer much trauma from the accident? Such as whiplash, broken bones, cerebral, concusion ?

I'm glad to hear that you've been getting along real well with your implant with the exception of having a recent revision....but that's to be expected as the leads scar in to place. Growing scar tissue can move the leads in very subtle ways, which can change the stimulation, thus one of the reasons for getting 'tweeked' or revisions.
Lead migration is another reason for getting revisions (as you are aware).
I'm guessing you've had the percutaneous leads (under the skin) placed rather than the laminectomy (where they remove a piece of bone from your spine to put paddle leads in)? Reason I ask is because the paddle leads tend to be more secure and less likely to move.....however, a car accident can sure do a number on a person.

Is your implant for cervical or lumbar?
What your doctor is saying does make sense in that (depending on the amount of trauma your body has suffered) inflammation can be a factor. But the good news is obviously your leads haven't come disconnected - you are still getting stimulation, just too high.
I'm gonna hope for the best case scenerio with the info I've go to go by and say that your Dr is probably right....and since your accident was so recent, a lot can be determined as your body recovers, thus the swelling going down.

I sure hope for the best for you.
It's encouraging to hear how much the implant has done for you since you've had it installed in 2009. Many folks are coming to the boards here asking about these implants.
Please stick around and let us know how this unfolds for you!
Your information can be very valuable to many others here, plus you'll get much support from the others who are enjoying their units.
I love mine. Had it for 5 months now. I am due for a tweek tho.

Oh! Forgot to ask! Has your stimulation changed as in where it is reaching? That could indicate lead migration and that can be checked via floroscopy. You may want to ask your Dr about this to at least rule out the possibility of lead migration. If your stimulation is still targeting the same location, that would be a good sign that the leads are in still in place and as the inflammation goes down, you should get the normal feeling back (Hopefully!)

It'll be great getting to know you
Rae
:hug:

And another thought
 

Hi Sharklady! You might give a shout to Tchr012 aka Tara, who, after a fall believes her leads were detrimentally affected and is enduring all sorts of pain. She is working closely with docs, well trying to since a run around seems to be in play, to try to learn whether her leads may have been detrimentally affected by the fall. Her rep seems to suggest the possibility, but getting a doc to concur is her challenge.

She is here on the SCS & Pain Pump subforum. You two could compare notes for sure!

May all be well for you, with you, and your stime regain its effectiveness,
Mark56 PJ:)