Butt pack pain!
 

Hey all...I haven't been around for almost a month, and in that time I have started to lose weight. I'm off most medications, but still take the Percocet off and on for the original knee pain. Don't think that'll ever go away or be helped by the SCS as its a mechanical issue.

So, as I said, I've started losing the weight that all this medication brought on and consequently, my battery pack is no longer as far under the surface of my bum cheek as it used to be! It was always where I could feel the edges, but now, I feel like it sticks out and when I lose more weight (15-20 lbs to go), it's going to be very obvious to everyone! That's how I feel it'll be anyway.

When I ride my bike, the top edge feels like it's rubbing and stabbing my bum...I guess I actually have muscle under there after all, because it's moving that darn battery! I'm actually starting to believe I made a mistake in having the implant in the first place because I've used it so little!

Has anyone had this problem, and have you done anything about it or is there even anything that can be done?

I appreciate any and all comments and suggestions!

Thank you!

welcome back
 

Hi Kymmie,
Good to see you pop back in…what a delight to hear you are getting exercise and losing weight…feeling more powerful.
I have a Medtronic adaptive stim battery implanted 17 months ago.
I have experienced the same annoyance with my battery. After losing only 10 pounds and becoming more active my body shape has changed …. Specifically…my bubble butt has flattened (a bit)…My battery pokes out and has taken a slight turn. It pokes out at the top half so it will catch on a chair or if I am sitting in a booth…I feel pressure on it. I actually took off the doorknob to my bathroom door so I do not bump against it. Charging has changed too…I lay flat to get full contact.

When I got the SCS….I was a month away from getting another series of facet injections which worked well for me although lasted 4 months and only was allowed twice year…so for 4 months of a year I was in debilitating pain and stoned. I got the information CD and made the decision the same day…I was so in fear of that pain coming back. I did not have to have a psych evaluation (a big mistake) because I was under a LOP not insurance.

I DO believe that I made a mistake having the implant. My trial was 80% effective…in fact I believe the trial jostled or crackled the nerve damage I have from a MVA. The fourth day I had the trial in I felt it move about in my spinal column…things made noise….scared me a lot…called my rep who said it sounded normal although if I felt too scared to go to the hospital. I wiggled about in bed and it passed and I have only experienced that debilitating pain twice since that moment. When they removed it…no pain…the two weeks until implant…no pain…what to do???.....I went ahead as I knew it would be my final chance for this surgery under the LOP.

I use the SCS on low and constant…it works for me somewhat for any back and leg pains…I enjoy the feeling and have it turned up at night when I sleep because I like the feeling. Once I settled my case I was able to quit work and go on SSDisability…this allowed me the time and energy to explore many modalities of physical therapy. As I get stronger I feel the need for the SCS is for comfort and not pain relief. I actually have a more awkward between my shoulders pain from the SCS…it is not debilitating although my body does not like it in me…most of my pain now comes from having the SCS in me. I manage it with Loritab…how ironic that I still take meds to handle the pain of the machine that was put in to handle the original pain so I could get off the meds.

All my injuries were below my waist so my arms had become my means of moving my body…now with the SCS I lost my arm strength…I was a hot mess!! So I swim a lot…mow the lawn…walk a lot….dance…find things to stay active…always park far out etc. I have hip and knee surgery looking at me too in a few years.

I have another twenty months before I get Medicare…so till then I am exploring removal. My surgeon stitched me in good as I have not had any problems with lead/paddle migration even thru 2 falls. I scarred in beautifully…I am grateful…to have had a successful surgery…still tho if I overdo …It hurts to have arms and I am immobile for a week.
I consider myself so lucky when I read the other stories.

Keep getting stronger!!!
That can only help and I am sure you will get some ideas soon…there is a brace some use.
Let me know if you get any new info on removals.
Johanna

I lost 50 pounds, and my right battery sticks out terribly. Luckily it's in a place that it doesn't seem to bother me. My left one is just a skoshe lower and it is troublesome. I hit it all the time. I have yet to find anything to protect them. I weigh 112-115 pounds so I don't have fat to stick them down further. He said any further down would be muscle and ouch!! So, I just try to be careful. I swim in PT. my rsd has gone systemically nuts so I also am on disability. I don't know how to fix it but it sure would be nice!! Glad you're feeling well! Sorry I couldn't tell you how to fix. I could only identify. I hope someone can. I'd like to know myself lol. Have a great day! :)

TK