Medtronic vs. Boston Scientific
 

I may be the only(?) that has had both the Medtronic and Boston Scientific SCS systems implanted.
I have been suffering a pinched L5 nerve for several years. The Doctor's and I have a good idea of where it is most likely pinched, there is no conclusive evidence via an MRI. Over the years before I had SCS implanted I tried just about all the different procedures from injections to nerve ablation with no result.
In February 2009 I had the Medtronics Ultra Restore implanted after a very successful trial. The therapy delivered probably saved my life - we all know the battles with chronic pain....
Everything was going quite well until March of 2010. One of the leads got bunched up and required revision surgery. Starting in November of 2010 I started having a deep pain that -to me - felt like it was coming from my spine. As the month progressed it became a bit worse and knew it was time to see a new Surgeon (I had lost faith in the first one) . About a week before my appointment I had several attacks of a deep indescribable pain that froze me in place and speechless for less than a minute. Ended up at the ER. The x-ray showed one of the two leads had dropped three inches and the excess wire was pushing up against my spine and probably pushing on the Central Rami that runs down the back of the spine. At the ER they were able to move the wire just pushing gently on my back so the lead was no longer on top of that area.
Several days later I had the entire system explanted. Then I had to wait 30 days for the surgery to heal completely. My new Surgeon implanted the Boston Scientific system via a small laminoctomy on February 3, 2011.
My initial feeling is they both provide - for me - very good relief. I find a large part of the success is the how the "buzzing" acts as a distraction from the pain has much as decreasing the pains overall intensity.
It's only three weeks with the new but already know some the pluses and minuses of each companies system. I will be posting more about my experience with the Boston Scientific and explain what I see as the differences in the products.
If anyone has questions I will do my best to answer - but please be patient..

Hi John ~

Jeez, sounds like you've been thru the ringer! I'm sorry you had such trouble. I wouldn't have thought that the lead would have moved after a year. You would think that scar tissue would have formed to hold it into place.

I had the MedTronic SCS implanted quite a few years ago, but unfortunately I didn't have enough "fat" content to hold it in. The darn thing tried to work itself out of me!! :eek: I ended up having to have it removed ~ and that wasn't much fun. I still have a very sensitive spot in the upper back where scar tissue remains. It was implanted for only 6 months!

I'll be interested to hear how the Boston SCS works for you as I'm sure others will be too. Best of luck and take care. Hugs, Lee :)

Thank Goodness!
 

I am new mbr and the relief I have from reading your posts is wonderful! I have finally found the right group! I have had an SCS since March 1996 with my 6th being implanted FEB 4 2011. It is Medtronics paddle at C-T level on spinal area. I am used to ANS and Medtronics leads vice paddle. I wore the leads type out or anchor is gone or lead is broken (They had to leave piece in me..neuro surgeon had hoped to take out when paddle placed) or other issues. Every 3 years having surgery and new SCS implant. Was talked into paddle and at this point can not sit long or turn head, pull car door closed as passenger, etc. Laying down causes zingers, sitting I get drained from incision site. I was a person who "day after" first 5 "lead" implant surgeries was back doing great! This "paddle Site" had me to where I wanted to have it taken out and go back to leads and then I found this support group. I may be the new person in group but I have a lot of years with SCS leads. Paddle SCS has 3 incision sites but only the C-T area is controlling me right now. You have made me say, Honey, you are right! I am not being patient on this one and now I know I need more time! Thanks to your postings. PM docs use me to show what 10-10 pain is. I have stressed cracked teeth from gritting from the pain. I use SCS to full capability, losing complete control of extremities but that is what is needed plus meds to live a life. I hope I can help the group as well as receive support from you. I type terribly....I will try to log on each day but that is determined by pain level. I Only want to say I am really glad to read your posts!

Hi John:

I am curious to hear more about why you changed from Medtronic to Boston Scientific and what major differences you noticed between companies? I ask because I currently have a Medtronic SCS implant, but a doctor is recommending the Boston Scientific because he says it is more recommended for CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) than the Medtronic. I am trying to figure out how accurate this is before I subject myself to another surgery.

I appreciate all you can share with me!

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

Please pop over to our little corner of Neuro talk ... we all have and SCS or a Pain Pump and you will get oodles of help and advice.

saffy x

wowee u r miracle
 

I see u r a THRIVER(survivor) as i am I to am disabled from hit/run(pedestrian me) in 1978 when i was 23 now 56 and still suffering-count my blessings every minute that i am not worse at this time cause i have been!!! i take meds for my pain,but had Medtronics Pain Pump for 1 1/2 yrs, loved it only 15mg of morphine from pump daily and could sit up like a normal person for 8 hours!!!Now I live in my bed and electric scooter can't sit up too long without standing up on my one leg for awhile or laying down a few minutes in bed to get the Earth's gravity off my lower spine,this way I don't have to tak:)e too much "breakthru meds"thank god it works for now. Keep plugging we all feel your pain and our prayers go with you.