[pooh_ac]

Maureen, as you can see by the other posts there is a wide opinion here. I would do LOTS of research both into the ANS SCS and your doc. Ask if you can talk with other patients (yes I know HIPPA) but some docs have some patient who will visit with patients who are researching the SCS. Also does not hurt to check out the infection rate of the facility where your surgery is to be held. Be prepared for a psyc eval and jumping through the hoops to get it approved. Good luck!
and yes I am a believer in the SCS and what they can do for you

Originally Posted by Mozena14

Hi My name is Maureen. I'm 54 and live in Phila. Pa. I had failed back surgery in 2006 at HUP. I walked into the hospital and didn't walk out. I woke up and wasn't able to move my left leg. The doctor ran out fo the room and didn't say a word. I was screaming. They sent me to Moss rehab for a month and I had to learn how to take care of myself when I went home. I am able to use my leg and walk a little bit. I have suicidal nerve pain. They put rods, screws, bolts, nuts in my back. DON'T ever get this put into your back. I had surgery in 1980 laminectomy and it was a great sucess. 2006 I was in shock that it went so badly. 10 hr surgery. It turned into a nightmare. I didn't take this very well. I ended up not being able to go back to work. Now I'm on SSD. I have no life. My brother lives with me now and takes care of everything. I was so independent my whole life until this failed surgery. I take Lyrica, morphine 30 and 15, Hyrdomorphone, flexeril, Lexapro and Xanax.I went to Neuro Surgeon at Thomas Jefferson Hospital last week and he thought I should get this SCS implanted. I'm scared to DEATH. I just found out it is still a serious surgery. Then I was told it doesn't get rid of the pain in the lower back. Just the leg. This device is from ANS. Has anyone had this implant? Can you tell me what to expect? Did it work? Do you still have pain? Any infection? Does it take the pain away? How does the device feel? Is it hard to sit down? Can you feel the device sticking out? Are you off the meds? Please let me know. I appreciate any help. Thanks, MO

[Rrae]

...Pooh pretty much said it all !

There's plenty of diverse testimony here.....

I'm very sorry about your pain and what it is doing to you mentally.
I 'know' what you mean by 'suicidal pain'.......
I fantasized about taking a 12-gauge to both my legs........even a pain scale of a 4 can seem like a 12 when it's chronic and constant.

Think "hopeful" ! THAT's the KEY.
The good thing about the SCS is that you can do the trial and see for yourself. Mine covers the burning neuropathy (nerve) pain in both legs, but I was surprised that it does also cover the lower back. All depends on the exact location of the leads......where to put the battery is a whole different discussion....but you definately want a well-credentialled, confident Doctor. I always complained about my doc being TOO 'cocky', but he definately knows what he is doing and he did a great job.

Don't let the depression get the better of you. I began to allow my mind to go there and was mentally preparing to 'check out' at the ripe young age of 44! 2 years later, I've got a whole new life to live.....my first grandkid on the way and LOTS to live for.

Just read what folks have shared here......that's the best way to hear it straight from the horses mouth. But yes, lots of homework.

Glad you've found NT, Maureen.... It's just a big bunch of caring people

Will be good getting to know you
Rae

[Leesa]

Hi Maureen ~ I can sure relate. I've had that suicidal leg pain for 24 YEARS. I'm so tired of it I could scream!!!

I had the SCS for 6 months, but found that all it did was irritate the leg even more. I had it reprogrammed many times, but it still didn't work well for me, and we ended up having to take it out, which by the way is worse than having it put in.

When you have your trial period, if they give you any restrictions I'm not sure I'd follow them too closely. They gave me so MANY restrictions that I didn't get a good pain assessment during the trial. Then when they implanted it, I went on about my business after the healing period, and good grief, I wasn't getting much pain relief at all! Of course I thought during the trial i was cause they wouldn't let me do anything. So during your trial, give it a good "go." Get up and around and do your normal stuff!

If it were me tho I think I'd ask them if I could have the morphine pump. I had the trial for that and ALL my pain was gone. It was great!!!

Best of luck and keep us posted. God bless. Peace, Lee