Hi All!

It's been over a year since I had 2 SCS implants. Been lucky, as far as the whole surgical procedures and my happiness with them. Only just recently, have I noticed "nuisances" that I believe to be scar tissue related. One, is I've been having a lot of episodes with sciatic nerve down the left leg. Don't think it's from the battery implant itself that was placed on my lower hip causing it -- since it's been there for over a year -- but from continual scar tissue formation.
Also, I get the urge to rub on the incision area on the spine between my shoulder blades (at let me tell you, it's hard to get to!) of which I've never really had the urge to do before.

I once read that it could take 2 years for scar tissue to stop forming
Pretty scary reality. Anyone else with interesting experiences regarding scar tissue issues??

Thanks and God Bless!! Vanna

Well........hmmmmm
Yes, I do seem to have some type of 'issue' going on and I'm not quite sure what to point it toward.....
Do you recall having lower back pain problems when you were about 5 months out from surgery??
I'm going to make an appt, but I haven't yet...thinking it's just because the muscles need strengthened....but it's wierd to me that I can go out and take care of my horses, rake horse shat, etc......but then when I go to work at my office and sit in front of the computer, my lower back starts to KILL me!!!
I've tried several different chairs, pillows, cushions.......
and I feel like a complete whimp going back to doc to talk about this when it doesnt' seem that it would have anything to do with leads or scar tissue?
What's your take on this?

Regarding possible scar tissue, is there a way they (whoever) can do some sort of floroscopy to take a look at our lead placement.?
We can't get MRI's now, we all know that, but how can we get a look at issues we are dealing with i wonder?
I know I'm due for a tweek session, as I can only use one program.
The other 2 programs make this 'grabbing' feeling in the muscle when I turn them on...... does this sound like lead migration to you? Or perhaps scar tissue developing like you are referring to?

Plus, i just now remembered my doc said he noticed i had a bit of scoliosis (curvature) of my spine as he was doing my implant! I bet MAYbe this has something to do with my lower back issue......
I'm gonna call the Dr right now and make an appt, cuz this has been getting worse......

Let me know if you find anything out with your issue and I'll do vice versa.
Huggs Mate~
Rae

For me, this sciatic nerve problem in my left leg has caused quite a flare-up of RSD pain in both legs/feet. The pressure point seems to be right under my left implant. I'm guessing scar tissue....... my PM doc is guessing herniated disc. I love my PM doc, as he is genius ....... but, I question HOW did I get a herniated disc out of the blue? OR is it my disc became herniated because of scar tissue pushing on it?? I'm scheduled for a left sympathetic nerve block (how he's gonna do that with all that 'mess' there is beyond me ). We will see if I get relief from that. If none, he wants me to get a CAT SCAN to see what's going on. My stim does not provide relief to sciatica, burning sensation on skin's surface, or intense pressure in legs.

As for you, I could see how sitting in a chair and leaning for a long period could distress your lower back. That could happen to an average person. You've had surgery there, got a battery pack with leads there, and curvature of the spine. As you've stated, you may be due for your tweaking. That may make all the difference in the world for you (It has for me twice).

God Bless You Friend!! You are SO special

Vanna

Rae,

I find that I have a lot of back pain after sitting at my desk if I am hunched over my computer....even if it is only a little bit. I asked my doctor about it and she said that I need to improve my posture or the pain will continue. It's tough to make a conscious effort but since I have, my back doesn't hurt as much. Although, I can tell on the days that I'm really busy and don't have time to think about my posture!! I guess the good thing about all this is it forces me to slow down and actually listen to my body which I haven't ever really done before (which is probably half the reason my body is in the condition it is now!!)

Let us know what your doctor says.

Take care!

I have no clue whether post implant this is even viable, but acupuncture by this grizzled Chinese doc I know was supposed to be a means to break up scar tissue. It was deep tissue acu, and hurt like as if an epiduragram was being done. Dunno whether any discussion along this line might be helpful to you.


Mark56

Thank you guys!

Yep! The posture thing! Makes perfect sense! This would certainly explain why I didn't seem to have this 'back issue problem' right after surgery because I had a leave of absence and didn't have to sit at a desk......
I was on HERE most of the time, sitting with a laptop conveniently leaning back on pillows yacking away into cyberspace

Now, I'm beginning to see that this has perhaps backfired on me a bit......
Not the 'yacking in cyberspace' THIS has been my saving grace! But the position my body has been in is a very comfortable reclined position, laptop at the ready and my buttbuzz in high gear.....
So, no wonder raking horse doodies hasn't affected me in a negative way,....it's probably doing wonders to strengthen the lower back muscles that I inadvertently allowed to become seriously lax!

The distress on lower back plus my not-so-good posture....of course!
Good Lord, sometimes it takes a simple knock over the head to see the forrest for the trees!!

Mark, the acupuncture sounds very intriguing!! Certainly worth checking into!
What do you think Vanna?

I don't like the sound of this Vanna! RSD BE GONE!!

I'm glad you've got right on this and have an appt scheduled! When are you getting the SNB?
I am very VERY interested in hearing what he has to say regarding possible scar tissue! Keep us in the loop on this! This is a huge learning curve for all of us!
Good LORD i pray the RSD doesn't try to get a bite on you! I HATE @#$%! RSD and what it's done to people's lives!!

You've come so FAR from the car accident(s)! You do NOT need this!!

Praying & Praying more,
Rae

My SNB was scheduled for Wed 8-25, but got a letter in the mail the other day ........ my son's school orientation is scheduled same exact day and time (Murphy's Law is a stinker ). So I'm rescheduled for the soonest, being Sept. 2nd.

You know, the RSD is AWFUL, but I realize how lucky I am with it as I know some others are so stricken that their limbs atrophy away. I still have all my toes (and toenails!)

As for Mark's suggestion with the accupuncture, I'm on the fence with that one I can see the theory with the needles breaking up the scar tissue, yet, isn't it the trauma to the flesh (though mild, needles would certainly do that) that would cause even more scar tissue to form?