Migration??
 

So, I saw my pain doc Fri for the Botox shots. I told her I was interested in the SCS. She said she used to do them, and was one of the best docs around here for them, but stopped doing them because of the migration problem. Her cocky attitude aside, just how much of a problem is the migration?

I'm not 100% thrilled with her anyway, but that answer made me think a little bit.

BTW, when I said I couldn't see me doing Botox for the next 20 years or so, she said there is a new form of the stuff in the pipe line, in case anybody besides me does these injection.

So how common is the migration thing?

Hi Barb
 

.....well, there are several factors to consider... Is this Dr credentialled to do the Laminectomy (Paddle Leads) or did she do the simpler "percutaneous lead" implant? And how long ago did she quit doing these?

If the procedure is done properly and the patient follows the post op restrictions, lead migration shouldn't be a big concern. My guess is, she only is able to do the percutaneous leads, which do have a tendancy to migrate more easily IF the patient tries to be too active following the procedure.

Part of her being so 'vague' may have something to do with her relationship with the vendor providing the stimulators.......there MUST be a good solid communication base between the performing physician, the Representative from the company rendering the device and the patient.......
Programming the device correctly is almost as important as proper lead placement, but without good communication from the patient, the teamanship required for successful outcome would certainly lean toward a higher percentile of 'failures'.....

Simply stated.....if you feel ANY red flags, there is probably good reason.

Good Luck
Rae
:hug:

Well, she said she quit doing them about 2 years ago. That would have been about the time she was dx'd with a form of cancer that usually hits kids. I didn't know there was a difference with the types of placements you mentioned, I'm only beginning to check into this.

I do know she is not freely rx'ing pain meds for me, and that I can not continue with this pain. There is a major crackdown going on here on "pill mills", and that could be why.

Yesterday was one of those days when I couldn't even walk, and they are coming more frequently.

Thanks so much for your reply! More to think about

I am mindful of this for sure
 

Thank you for posting on this topic. It should be a point of information for all and anyone who consider the SCS procedure. While I have only been through the Trial, and successfully so, I have already visited with the surgeon who will perform the permanent implant, and this was among the questions my wife and I asked. He said the manner of his insertion produces a pretty secure environment for it to lay, and he is top notch in our part of the country. He comes highly recommended.

Since we see him again next Friday to discuss setting the surgery date for the permanent implant, we will bring up the question of security of the battery implant. I know our bodies are not always cooperative. When they input the leads for my Trial, each of them bowed a bit at the topmost point as though they hit an obstacle. It gave me kind of a tuning fork appearance to the upper extremity of the lead implant, and the rep said it would affect performance of the leads. Even so, I WAS SO PLEASED AND HELPED WITH THE TRIAL that I have a hard time keeping my feet on the floor. :Boy(angel-flying):

I hope and pray you are able to get satisfaction in your situation,
Pain sucks, it really does,
Mark56 :hug: