Did some research last night on com and found out thru BCBS that a scs cost about 57,000$ and the $7200 to maintain it annnually ?? I can't believe this.. Does anyone know for sure? No wonder my pm is wanting to install one in my spine?? OMG

WOW!!

I've heard a LOT of horror stories regarding the SCS (see "lost mary" posts from last year). My PT also saw a few real messed up cases here in RI.

I've never had one, and based on what I've heard, I doubt that I would ever consider one. They are expensive, invasive, often cause infections, and can cause your RSD to spread. Docs recommend them because they make a lot of $$ off of them. Just mu humble opinion - it will be interesting to hear if there are any positive stories out there...

Sandy

as in my last post to from galean,,,,ask your dr if your in SIP pain or SMP pain,,,if blocks in the back make you worse[if youve had them ] chances are you are in sip pain and that inplant will makle your rsd spread,,,SCS and pain blocks while your in sip pain make it spread[as it did for me] but by rule of thumb,,if you are still in smp and the blocks work,,your a canadiate for surgery,to remove the pinched pm nerve or to install the scs,,,ask you dr,as for me,,im not getting one,,,,,,,,,,the blocks and the TENS unit,,make mine inflamed and spread like poison ivey,,,,,procede with caution,,,,and as for the infection,,there are a few ladies on this board who did get a infection from an scs

Hi SunshineGirl,
I've heard too many negative responses to take a chance on getting one and more complications. I'm in 14th year, and full body, haven't even had a Dr. suggest one. Take care, loretta

i JUST WONDER WHAT MY PM DOCTORS PROBLEM IS.. She has only treated me less than a year and gave me hydro and now tizanidine and that is the only other option she is giving me right now.. Sounds like it might be a money issue with her.

SCS didn't work for me. Long story. Lot's of pain, multiple procedures and different units. The worst was the crushed hopes. The docs were fine- they wanted to help me but the darn thing just didn't work for me. I have a pump now.

The cost doesn't surprise me, it is the doctor's suggestion to attempt this procedure, after such a short time in consideration of other proposals to ease your pain.


Hang in there,
Dew

Yes that is all she is offering.. Makes me wonder if she thinks I really have rsd or bs----- her.. But according to my body bone scan of my foot. It was all highlighted up for osteoporosis..

I think I posted a comment on a different thread you started on this subject not too long ago. I do feel that it is very soon to consider an SCS. All other possible treatments should be thoroughly tried and tested first. A stimulator is a last resort, in my opinion. (BTW, I have had one since 2003.)

I do want to respond to the cost factor, though. Mine cost over $50,000 back then, but the "maintenance" is very low and is generally covered by my insurance, like any doctor visit. One medium-length visit a year usually does it.

A lot of time when people see big dollar amounts, they will think that the provider (doctor, in this case) is taking all of that money to pay for his Swiss ski chalet or something. Like anything else you buy, there are many people with their fingers in the pot. First, a good portion of the cost goes to malpractice insurance companies, because Americans are quick to sue when they don't like their results, and juries are quick to hand over big piles of money because they think doctors are "loaded."

Another big chunk of the cost is for Research and Development (R+D) which funds the scientists who come up with all sorts of neat medical things for us. Of course, they have malpractice insurance to pay as well.

Another reason for the cost is manufacturing. This is not a $20 clock radio churned out in an Asian factory for pennies. This is a high-quality item that has a huge need to be accurate and reliable. When your radio breaks, toss it out and run to Radio Shack for another. When this breaks, you will need surgery again to replace it. It must be put together very painstakingly.

And, of course, the doctor is not the only one involved in putting this in. You will have a hospital or clinic, several surgical techs, nurses, orderlies, doctors, janitors, laundry personnel, accountants, and so on, plus the cost of supplies, heat and electricity, someone to plow the parking lot in the winter. On and on.

I use to be in a retail business and sold a product for $400, for which I made $7.50 in profit. This was in the 70's, but the idea is the same. I truly do not think that doctors make medical recommendations based on how much money they can make. While there are some very incompetent doctors (as there are in every field) and, I am sure, some who are unscrupulous, I believe that represents a small percentage.

Do not forget you should get a second opinion with a step like this.

Good luck to you,

Mike

Hi Sunshine Girl,

I had the SCS implanted in November of last year. Mine did cost about $55,000 and I also have BCBS. My insurance covered 100%.

I would get another opinion. I wouldn't jump to conclusions that she's just trying to get money out of you.

Secondly, I've had no issues because of the stimulator. It's definitely a life-changing decision and it takes about 6-8 months to fully heal. I was back to work in 3 weeks after the implant. My RSD has not spread.

Please remember that it is very individual. I'm thankful that I've had no problems and can say that I'm a success story. I know there are many out there that have had problems. Good luck to you.