I'm so sorry about your dog, catra121! I know what it's like to lose a pet. Hang in there!

Is this like a regular neurostimulator? It is, isn't it?

I would be hesitant, but that's me... In this country it's only given if medication is insufficient relief and if that's all been tried and tested out *fully*. They always go the medication route before doing something as invasive as this. I've never heard of them implanting two, either. That's crazy talk IMMHO. My God, and if it's not a rechargeable one, the batteries need replacing in x-amount of years (which means surgery *again*). So it's not as "easy" as some docs make it out to be.

Catra,

I am so sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to a long loved member of your family. After 18 years, I can imagine how difficult it is to let her go.

I have not done very much research on DRG stimulation. Littlepaw mentioned it to me just before I went in for my SCS trial and that was the first that I have head of it. Although I have had a hard time with my recent SCS trial, what I have read on the DRG unit, it sounds a lot more promising. If I had heard more about it before my trial, I would have looked into it more to consider trying it instead of the SCS.

Honestly though, after going through with the SCS trial, I am finding myself very hesitant about any procedure that may cause spread, a flare, or any other complications. I do think it is worth doing a little more reading on. I plan to. If I find anything interesting, I will definitely share it with you.

Whatever you decide to do, I will give you my support along the way.

Many hugs to youas I hold you in my thoughts and prayers over these next few days.

This treatment is very similar to traditional SCS but there are differences and the DRG treatment is specifically used to treat CRPS. Here's what I read on the Ainsworth Institute site that explains the difference in the unit:

The idea of DRG stimulation is nearly identical to traditional Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), with one very important difference – rather than placing the leads in a general region of the spinal cord, DRG stimulation targets the specific regions of the cord that are transmitting the pain and shuts down those painful signals directly by placing the leads DIRECTLY OVER THE DRG’s. The FDA clinical trial (ACCURATE Study) showed that electrically stimulating the ganglion offers patients better and more targeted pain relief from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

It is pretty new...so 4 years is about as far as the research can go back for people with this unit. However...among CRPS patients the results seem VERY encouraging and much better than with SCS.

After thinking about it this weekend I have decided that I definitely want to move forward with this treatment. I just know that I cannot continue the way that I am. I have a 21 month old daughter to take care of and I think about what a difference it can make in my life and in hers. Even if the thing only works for 5 years...that would be 5 really good years while my daughter is young. The SCS had too many risks and bad results for CRPS patients...but this DRG treatment really is a huge step forward for CRPS treatment and the risks are more in my comfort zone. There are still risks...still negatives...but I'm willing to take them for the chance at getting better.

Now...it's a waiting game. I haven't heard from work comp yet on if I can get the bloodwork done and see a neurologist for the small fiber neuropathy. I think that will be the next step before I hear anything about the DRG treatment. But I at least feel like a bit of weight is lifted off my shoulders having made my decision and knowing that there is some hope that I will be able to function again like a normal human being.

And...for those interested...my dog passed away Friday morning before I took her to the vet. I was up with her all night and she passed away peacefully with me beside her. It was hard and I'm still grieving and crying constantly...but I am grateful that she went that way instead of at the vet.

You gotta do what you gotta do. I hope it all goes well and according to plan!

So sad to hear about your dog.

hi catra. i am so sorry about your dog. my thoughts and prayers are with you. as for drg, i have never heard of it, but if you decide to get it done, i hope it helps ease your pain. love and hugs.

Thinking of you and sending hugs. I know how rotten you must feel right now. It is good you were both able to avoid the stress of the vet and she passed peacefully where she was loved best of all.

I stand with you on your treatment decision and will send many healing vibes when you move forward. Sometimes we do indeed have to take a chance to get better. We will all be hoping for the best possible outcome for you and your future. Please let us know what happens.

Thanks everyone. I'm sure this will be a bit of a waiting game now with work comp given how expensive this treatment option is...but I'm pretty confident that this is the treatment route I will take. I'll post more about it in a separate thread once we move forward with it.

I appreciate the support and love from everyone during this difficult time...and through all my difficult times in the past. You guys are always here for me...thank you!

Hi, Catra
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I have been reading your story, you are such an inspiration for all suffering with this desease. Just thought about you and wanted to let you know.

Hugs.

So sorry to hear about your pup Glad you were able to say goodbye to her at home instead of the vet.