Hi all, I am new to this site. I Had the scs perm put in November 23, 2013 near a month ago. There was a complication during the surgery. Turns out I have what they call a difficult airway, it took much longer for me to wake up. My gums swelled up from the gas, making my teeth hurt for two weeks. Oh those first two week were the worst. I had no recliner and no bed with a remote to help get me up. I had extreem pain with every move I made. I go to sit I hurt I go to get up from sitting or to get out of bed it hurt, I tried to play a video game and the movement of my thumbs caused pain to increase.

I am not at all sorry that I had the sergery, even though only part of the unit is working, it has cut my pain level down consederably in my hips and legs. I go to get tweeked this Thursday, and I hope she gets this worked out.

I really think that they should give us the software so we can do the tweeking ourselves. The rep. seemed to be in a hurry. She said my back was still swollan. I don't know what that had to do with anything, they did'nt do surgery on the lower part of my back where I need it to work. I want it to work like the trial. Its been near a month and I have been taking ibuprofen and the swelling has gone down. Still it is only partly working. The sergon said if they don't fix the problem I will have to go back to see him.

Ouch I will, but I don't want to go threw that extra surgery pain again. I am going to have a hospital bed and recliner brought in, because just maybe, my getting in and out of bed that first two weeks may have moved something. Just a thought for anyone getting ready to have this scs put in.
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Also I have read so many post about the pain from the battery. Even the sergon said most people complain about the pain from the battery. That has never been a pain problem for me. Not even after the sergery. They put it just above the right hip.

PS, is anyone losing any weight with this unit???
keep smiling everyone

hi vbeck
oh what awful complications from surgery....I am amazed your doing so well at a month.

I like the things your surgeon says and yes you could have pulled a lead out of place (migrated). I do so hope the programing goes well....make them go over all programs....make them take the time or complain.

Like you I have my battery in the same place with no problem at all...also like you I thought I was gonna rip in half getting out of bed....doing anything actually...and wiping my butt (please excuse my bluntness) brought tears to my eyes. I still think I hurt too much and I am at 18 months post op. Mine is located at L7...where is yours located?

After your surgeon...your rep is the most important person....get a relationship going...communicate well...My reps changed way too much.
Mark56 has programmed his unit---follow his threads.

all my best ...stick around---lots to learn here

Johanna

After several years experiencing Failed Back Surgery pain, I sought a pain doc who recommended SCS. I've had a Medtronic Restore Ultra with a 5-6-5 paddle at T10 for about two years. The first day it was on, everything was exactly like the trial, with constant stimulation. The day after it was turned on, stimulation started to cycle with my pulse. When the pulse occurs, the stimulation disappears, then returns. This happens, obviously, at my pulse rate. Nothing that the Medtronic reps can do -- in the way of electrode selection or adjustable electrical parameters -- changes the situation.

Additionally, I can be absolutely motionless and have the stim change dramatically.

The Medtronic reps say that they have never heard of this before.

Has anyone else experienced it?

Welcome!
Gee Whiz it sounds like you've got a unit with a mind all it's own!
This must be very frustrating, especially if the Reps are at a loss.

Might I suggest you re-post your question down below in the active discussion. I'm afraid nobody will see your post up here in the 'Information/Stickie' section.
Just exit out of this dialogue and you'll see a 'New Thread' tab to click on the left side of the screen.

It's great to have you! I know you'll get a lot of good feedback from the others. We're a very 'investigative' crew so hopefully we can get to the bottom of what's going on with your unit!

Caring,
Rae

I've had RSD for 4 years, I did everything....Blocks, Therapy, Meds. And none of it was worth it. Especially the with the type of work that I do I can't risk being drowsy while I'm operating a piece of equipment.

I actually just got the perm SCS put on this past Monday (June 16, 2014). And it's awesome for me. I got the Boston Scientific Spectra. Apparently its a new model. They did the Paddle instead of the lead because I'm a big dude and the paddle would fit better. The pain still sneaks through every once in a while but for the most part it's pretty ok. And I'm more mobile than I thought I would be since having the surgery like 5 days ago. I'm not running marathons are other crazy crap but it's pretty good.

to hear of such a great result for you.....!!!!!!

Welcome and thanks for the input.

Be careful while you scar in....give yourself the time to heal even if you want to do more.

Oh just wait and heal....it gets so much better as you do....

I am so delighted for you

HB

I have been diagnosed with CRPS. I'm on very high amounts of opioids (Fentynal patches). I've been on high, high opioids for 2 years and my Doctors are pushing me to get a SCS. They claim that taking these high doses of pain meds isn't sustainable. Does anyone here have a successful SCS story with RSD or CRPS ?

Hi. I have a SCS implanted in buttock, and find it
excellent(on 3rd now) but due to spinal disease progression, I'm depending on paravertrabal nerve block and cervical epidurals to control upper spinal pain,spasm,loss of power etc. Minimal use of steroids in either injective procedures,performed with radiology.
I would like to know if anyone has a pain pump in situ for upper spinal pain?
Thanks in advance!

Hello, I am posting in hopes that my husband and I can get more testimonials regarding the spinal cord stimulator. My husband has been on the trial for almost a week (coming off on Tuesday) and so far he seems to like the effect it has on him. I am just somewhat worried about having the implanted SPS permanently. I want to think positive but also want to know the reality of it once the procedure is completed. Are there people out there who can truly say that the SPS has really worked for them? Please help us on making our decision easier. Thank you .

Hi Caligirl...
Can we start with this: What exactly would you say your concerns are? From your message you have a lot of questions perhaps turmoil surrounding this so let's deal with that and see if we can help both of you.

For the record I've had my SCS now for 2.5 years...and love it!