My experience with the Medtronic and BS .
 

I am probably one of very few(?) 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 attachs of a deep indescribably pain that just froze me in place and speechless for les 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 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 and welcome! Sorry to hear about your troubles. I have a Medtronic, and have had problems with my implant. The first implant (Sept 2010) had wire migration and the battery/generator flipped. My second implant (Dec 2010) hasn't been that much better. They moved the battery to my lower back/upper buttock and it moves a little bit. It really is an uncomfortable position, as my pants irritate it (as well as certain sitting positions). They also surgically implanted the leads and used a paddle.

I am very interested to hear about your "transfer" to another version of a spinal cord stimulator. Is there a noticeable difference? Has it improved?

Welcome John
 

Your multi-experience should be helpful as you provide different perspectives from which to describe your results. Hope the Boston Sci works for you!

Mark56:)

Welcome John!
 

...and THANK you for sharing this!
So sorry you've had these struggles with lead migration. I'm glad you have a new surgeon who is looking out for your best interest and going the extra mile by doing the laminectomy. It sounds like your recovery is going well.

The severe pain you describe (from the 2nd migrated lead) really catches my attention.....Did you feel this pain only when your unit was turned on? Or did the attacks come regardless if your unit was on/off.
How very frustrating this all must have been! I share in your frustration and wish that we could have received better follow up care to begin with!

I'm so glad you've come upon this forum, as your experience will undoubtedly help bring more awareness. I'll probably have several questions to 'bug' you with because I am dealing with very similar issues and am going to be seeing a new spine specialist soon.
For now, take it easy with your recovery - you've been through alot!

Very grateful to have you
Rae
:grouphug:

metronic vs bs
 

did the poition sensor of medtronic make a difference as i was very actve before

totally awesome
thank you

great
 

way cool :cool:

Hello Idedo!
 

Welcome!

I noticed Johnfjr hasn't posted since he made that post in Feb, 2011.
Maybe if you look on his profile page, there might be an email address under his 'contact' info.

It's great to have you! Stick around and make yourself at home! We're a pretty cool, kicked-back bunch! :D

Rae
:grouphug: