I really wish that I would have found this board earlier, especially this thread.

I had the trial back in August of 2010. During the trial, I had really one day of good coverage because the leads kept migrating. I was seen daily during the trial because the coverage was sketchy at times.

Because of improvement the one day brought, my doctor recommended going ahead with the implant. It was my understanding that since they knew of the migration problem, that they were going to do a surgical lead placement where no paddle was installed, but the leads were fixed to the spinal column somehow instead of just being "free-floating". In Sept of 2010, I had the implant. However, it was not what I was expecting and turned out to be a total nightmare. The leads migrated, I had the chest wall sensations which was like a heart attack. I also had a problem with sensations in the wrong area, abdomen and surprise "jolts" that almost caused me to fall. I had uncontrollable muscle spasms, it also literally jolted me up off the examining table.

At that time, it was decided and discussed that surgical leads should be placed. My battery had also flipped and was sticking out (this started immediately after the surgery), and wasn't a concern to my doctor until my Medtronic rep and myself was unable to communicate with the device.

In Dec of 2010, the paddle was implanted, as well as the battery moved. I was told that with the paddle that there would be no migration, that the paddle was a more controlled, direct method. So far, I have found this not to be the case with me. Also, my RSD symptoms have increased and "moved" I am now suffering in my back, shoulders, arms and fingers. The swelling is still so great, that wearing clothes other then my pjs and my bras is torture. I hate going out or having people over because of the discomfort.

I would suggest anyone that is considering the paddle or just "free-floating" leads really research this. I also had concerns about allergic reactions, a I have a metal allergy. I did have the testing done, but I still question some of the materials. I also expressed concerns about having some of the boney part of my spine being cut away to attach the paddle as my ortho knee surgeon noted that my bones at the time removed my screws were extremely soft. The only answer I really got from my doctors was that it is a very small part and that I would be fine.

Well, currently, I'm not. I'm doing what they say, not bending, twisting, etc. Not lifting anything heavy and taking my meds as directed. I guess I see what tomorrow's injection and appointment brings.

Again, research and ask a lot of questions!

That your situation has been through multiple iterations of treatment and that migration and battery problems have plagued you; and, here I have been glad of my paddles which have not experienced migration and, so I am told, were secured very well. Just wish I knew what and whether to offer more solace than you have now by way of continuing to work with your docs and rep.

One thing I do know is that we all care here and would readily reach out to provide help as we each have experienced different approaches and situations.

Caring,
Mark56

Hi guys. Saw the doctor yesterday for another set of blocks. So far, I just seem to hurt more. Had a bad skin reaction to the Clonidine patches, plus found out that in addition to "helping" with the pain, it lowered my blood pressure to a hundred and something over 44. Needless to say, no more clonidine patches.

The doctor and I discussed removal of my stim, as it is apparent I can't utilize it. I can still only use it while sitting completely still and even then I get chest wall stim and it jumps all over. Definitely not what it is suppose to do. He and I agreed we would wait to remove it, every surgery I have had since the accident has resulted in RSD problems. I am super tired of this. I have such a horrific headache (probably due to the lowered blood pressure) and I've been up since 4:30 after not getting much sleep. I am also tired of the cold - I want warm weather. I NEED warm weather. Also, my daughter's goat is driving me crazy - she is due to kid any day now and is being a pain. Poor kid is running out to the barn every couple of hours to check her. I try and make it out at least once a day so I can check her over as best I can. It's hard though, and I usually just tell her or hubby what to feel for (checking her legs for swelling, udder for signs of mastitis, and her ligaments).

Hey everyone!!! Send up several for Patti!!! This is an awful result to having been through all of hte surgery to implant and then have this inappropriate arcing of signal. Any decision now to head for another surgery has to be agonizing, so Patti, you are definitely in prayers here!!

Prayin,
Mark56z

Hi Pattie,

I'm so sorry to learn about all of your disappointments with your SCS because I have been so satisfied with mine. I have an ANS St. Jude unit with dual paddle leads.

I sure pray you get some relief really soon.

Take care,

Rhonda

Thank you for this update
But oh MY what you've BEEN thru! How scary that your BP went that low!

Warmer weather is on the way - hurry up April!!

I'm sending out my prayers as well and please know we're wishing the best for you......I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to rush in to getting another surgery......I was really hoping they could land on some program settings that would be right for you.....
or even if they had to move a lead a bit if it's aggravating a nerve or something. It's so sad to know that you've been thru all of this and having to throw in the towel.

Caring Always
Rae

Patti Im so sorry to read your last post...how awful for you indeed.

I too will pray that you will come to a satisfactory end with all this and somehow they can help with your pain rather than have to put you through anymore surgery!!

take care

Jackie