Post-op Pain from SCS Implant
 

Hi all,
I am new to this forum but am happy I found it. I am now 4 weeks post-op from permanent implant of Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator to help with chronic pain from CRPS in foot that developed after foot surgery to repair ligament. The original surgery was over 2 1/2 years ago but I am finally getting some relief with the scs.

My question is about the post-op pain. I am still having pretty significant pain from the back incisions to implant the stimulator to the point of being difficult to sit or sleep. My surgeon said the incisions are healing well but that this pain
could continue for another 2-3 mos. Really that seems like a long time for incisions to hurt based on other surgeries I have had (not back). So those of you that have gone through this implant operation - was this your experience too? I don't know if this is a factor for the continuing pain, but I also developed a pulmonary embolism likely from the surgery. Does anyone have any suggestions for controlling the pain? I can't tolerate narcotic meds and can't NSAIDS because of blood thinners and can't take tylenol because my liver function went way up. I was prescribed lidoderm patches which helps some.

Thanks for your help

Pam

That seems about right for the back. My hips were about 3 weeks. My neck still hurts some days. Also, welcome! I had the same issue and my scs does great for that! Hope you feel better soon!

TK

:hug:

Cuttin and Cuttin
 

Well, there is cuttin, and then there is cuttin........

Ever cut yourself deeply, and I mean deeply, with some personal chore you were trying to get "out of the way?" Reflect on how long that took to heal up and move beyond tenderness...... if you are able to feature such a personal experience you may develop a feel for the time frame involved in arriving beyond surgical pain.

It took weeks to get beyond that issue for me. I took prescribed meds for the discomfort. They worked. Remember, I was, just as you probably are, overcoming not only the incision for the pocket in my hip and the incision and laminectomy for implant of the paddles into the dural space, but that nice "little" spike used to push the leads through from upper thoracic incision down to the lower hip incision through which the connecting wiring was drawn. For me THAT hummer was the most uncomfortable to endure, and it definitely took weeks to abate fully.

If doc is good with progress, you have no infection [pus and redness would tell you that, I know as a survivor], and the SCS is doing its trick, then the passage of time should take you to final feeling of ....... huh, it's over......

Prayin your time will be shortened, :hug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Hi Pam

It's been two years since my implant. I had never had any back problems or any type of back surgery. I remember being in a lot of pain for about 4-5 weeks and then things got a lot better.

I had a reaction to the staples that were used and my back was very itchy.
I was very careful not to bend, lift or twist. I didn't want to have any problems with leads dropping and needing a revision.

Hopefully next week will be the turning point for you and each day will be more comfortable.

Sandy Kay. :)

Relief
 

Get moving. Make your foot burn. It will take your mind of your back!!! Best of luck. Sorry about the embolism!

I also developed a PE. Multiple in fact. I was prescribed movement as well. While it was very painful at first, it got better.

TK

And yer right!!!!!!
 

I am 4 weeks post op...and they are fulla ****. 1st it was 3-6 weeks, now 4-8 months....make up my Mind, will ya? It HURTS...so they give MORE meds than I was on WAS On BEFOER the op, HA!
AND these horrid stomach aches put me into OR 3x and they cant find out what it is...scheeeeech.
That's why DOCTORS are called "a PRACTICE"

Sorry...but true....and OR stinks, bad people there who don't care cept for their PAY!

my experiences the pits
i'm so sorry
so sorry
it's NOT YOU
i concur
extremely impersonal
me

Humanity
 

I do so realize that medicine is not truly different from other fields.
All endeavors are populated by people.
There is a spectrum of care.....from wonderful to hurtful and all levels in between.

We see that in all walks of life.
The stellar performer.....and at the other end one who should be doing something else.

I feel blessed to have met Many healthcare providers who truly care.

Of course......there are a couple whose indifference did lead to my circumstance being ignored to the point of permanence of my injury....and worse. One in particular who let it get so bad my body was shutting down.

Gotta say though those who Did help and made it so I could resume work are Top Drawer in my estimation. I am thankful for them.

Yup, M56