neuromodulation, neurostimulation, spinal cord stimulators, etc, they are all the same thing.

A psych evaluation is always required prior to getting stimulators implanted permanently, most insurance companies will not approve the procedure without one. Like chaos said, they want to make sure your expectations are realistic and they want to make sure you are not suicidal. They don't want to pay a $100,000 claim and then you off yourself.

I was not happy with my evaluation either. The dr doing the evaluation said I was depressed and she was "concerned" about my mental state...REALLY??? She drug out of me things from my childhood, bad things, that I have dealt with already and moved on from. At the point I saw her, I was very angry at the drs I had seen up to this point...like 12 drs in a year until I was correctly diagnosed and at that point treatment was not effective. My pain dr told me that she didn't know me, just go thru the additional appts she required so she will get to know me better and approve the evaluation. So, I went to a few more visits and she approved it. It ended up being fine.

So, don't worry about it, it is part of the process. Also, I need to add this - you need to be 100% comfortable with your dr before you allow him to implant a SCS in you. If you are not comfortable with him, find a new one!

All the best,
Nanc

Thanks a lot..I worry about them telling me that its not right to be hyper,and always being upbeat..I told my PM doctor,what is the since of being depressed..he said its not normal..well I feel I cry when I have to,and deal with every day pain as best as possible,because it gets worse if you feed into it..focus on other things to try to get the pain level down..I hear you about a different doctor.I am going to my primary to speak with him about this PM. doctor..See what he thinks..

Moosey,
I did the trial for 5 days. My RSD/CRPS is in arm & hand so my P.M. Dr.
started in my lower back (less likely to spread) & the wires were threaded up to my neck area.
The next day I went back & the Company Rep. programmed it. He basically tried several programs that targeted slightly different areas with slightly different
sensations. I went to P.T. 3 times while it was in trying to gain range of motion. It was inconvenient because you can't shower, bend, stretch, lift or twist. For me, it did not help the pain any better than anything else, but there are others for whom it is a lifesaver. Since the benefit did not outweigh the risk
I did not get the permanent one.

sorry that it did not work out..do you take more meds..? some work for awhile,then they do not

No one has the right to tell you how to feel. Find a better doctor. You deserve nothing but the best.