DRG Stimulater
 

Hi Everyone. I was just wondering if anyone who has rsd here has ever tried the DRG stimulator and if so how did it work out for you. My PM doctor mentioned it to me today and I am curious about it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I've been trying to get this treatment...but my insurance keeps denying it. Everything I've heard in terms of results sounds very positive and I am all in to do it...but can't really afford to go ahead without insurance approval. :(

Thanks Catra. I read on the pamphlet the dr gave me that it is only good for lower extremity rsd. I have widespread rsd. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks again for your input.

My understanding is that at this time it is FDA approved for the lower extremity and not yet for the upper extremities...but it can still be used for upper extremity and is effective. The benefit with the lower extremity with the DRG is that it gives better coverage over a larger area...providing pain relief to the whole leg vs a small area. I have RSD is most of my body...but feel it would provide me greater function and mobility with a unit treating my leg. The amount of relief reported in studies...even at the lower end would be life changing for me...which is why I would like to try the treatment. Even though it wouldn't do anything for my upper body pain...being mobile would provide me a better quality of life...which is my goal. My dr said he would want to do a second unit for my upper body later...but we would start with one for the lower extremity.

Thanks Catra. I really appreciate your input. I hope you get approved for this procedure if you want to try it and I hope it helps you. I am going to hold off though because I have rsd mainly in my upper extremities and don't think I can handle going through two procedures for upper and lower. I am not ready for that physically or emotionally. I do have widespread rsd but feel like for now the meds and home exercise program I am on
are helping me manage my pain better then anything else. But everyone is different and I really hope whatever you chose to do that you find great success with it. Hugs to you my friend.

Thanks. I think you are making the right decision for you. I went years doing well with what I was doing...but ever since that fall off the ladder almost 2 years ago now at this point...I just can't seem to get any relief and am barely functioning. 2 years ago I never would have thought I would reach this point...I was in lots of pain but was functioning pretty well.

I have not tried the DRG but I have tried 29 blocks, TENS, and SCS implant without any success relieving my whole body RSD. I have however seen many people who have gotten relief from all of these treatments but for the most part success seems to be most common on people with localized RSD. Good luck and let us know what happens.:D