Hi there, this recent study might help some.

"Spinal cord stimulation in adolescents with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I)"

http://www.rsds.org/2/library/articl..._Linderoth.pdf

I hope you are doing well, please keep us updated.
hugs,
Sandra

I am new to the boards and have never heard of the sps can someone tell me a little bit about it? Is it used for certain diseases or what?

Thanks,
Bleusz

I have had my SCS successfully installed for five years. SCS can be an effective tool in the management pain for RSD, particularly if it is installed within six months of the onset. A key determinant in the success of SCS is the experience and qualifications of the surgeon. Many Interventional Pain Management Specialists implement SCS's, but only a handful are expert SCS surgeons. I would recommend that you carefully research the experience of your surgeon specifically with SCS and RSD patients. When I had my SCS installed, I had been a patient by a leading Pain Managment Center who had a surgeon who implement SCS's, however, they recommended I seek an outside referral for my SCS due to the surgical requirements and the detailed follow-up care. In addition, there are key differences between the two SCS products, ANS and Medtronix. I would encourage you to research both products and determine the product that meets your current and future needs. You will find that most surgeons only work with a single product. For example, I have an ANS stimulator implemented with leads for all four extremities, although at the time of the surgery my RSD was present in only two extremities. Within 24 months, my RSD spread to a 3rd extremity and my SCS "turned on" automatically, having been already programmed to do so. ANS was the only vendor offering leads for all four extremities. This decision saved me from having to have a second SCS implemented when my disease spread. The other key factor I have not seen mentioned in other messages is the experience many RSD SCS patients experience that over time, the severity of their RSD is reduced, sometimes even going into remission. I have read at least one article on this subject. Given your young age, this could be particularly significant. The SCS trial, while cumbersome, will give you important information to help you determine the viability of SCS for your particular case. SCS is an exciting technology for the RSD patient when implemented by a highly qualified surgeon, having selected the optimum product for the patient. I encourage you to consult with multiple surgeons and to speak with RSD reference patients they provide who have the specific SCS's they are proposing. Best wishes to you!

please consult another dr. When i was 17 and this option was discussed my pain clinic doc informed me that he was uncomfortable doing this procedure in a woman of child bearing years. There is no studies to show what the scs could do to a fetus. If I had chosen to do the scs I'd of had to turn it of during any pregnancies. This alone should cause you to rethink this step. Its been 10 years and I have yet to have the surgery done. the invasiveness alone could possibly lead to RSD appearing in the area of implant/incision. This is all from my dr. who recommends the scs to many, because of the benefits he has seen with his own practice. I just think you are way to young to take this step now.

I've had 2 scs units implanted. the first lasst one year, then the leads moved and the battery that was in my butt turned around and was sticking out. It really made sitting down kinda hard. you know there is a joke there. I've just finished the pain pump trial and Im getting the permant one implanted Jan 19th. I don't think, due to your age, that they would give it to you. THis is where the put a cathear into your spinal fluid, run tubing into your belly where it is connected to a resivoiur which holds your liquid meds. they go directly into the spinal fluid, so you need such small amounts. doesn't affect the rest of the body, but that would be something you have to discuss with your dr. Wishing you good luck with finding something that will help you on your journey.

Gentle Hugs
Mary

I've had my SCS implanted now for 15 months... Hardly ever use it as it makes my RSD really mad. I just keep it charged up. The trial went pretty well but my permentant implant has not prove to be such a positive. Think real hard about it before getting it.... as the leads up my spine and the box in my hip/butt area are somewhat uncomfortable.