I was in a car accident that really messed up my neck on October 13,2008. I have had many Radio Frequency Nerve Ablations, in fact I have had two different procedures in the last month for C2,C3,C4,C5,& C6, on the right and left side. I wear an exterior neuromuscular stimulator/TENS unit daily. I still feel terrible. My pain management doctor recommended the Boston Scientific SCS implant. Has anyone had success with this in the "C" section of their spinal cord? Feedback on any brand would be appreciated. I just started using the tool of others who suffer like I do and it has been helpful. Of course the pain meds help but I was told this SCS could cut them down by 50%. I would like to hear some feedback. Thanks.

While I am not quite 2 weeks post-surgery ( I got both lumbar and cervical SCS's put in), I was told that the cervical area is the easiest to do and usually gets the best coverage for the patient. The lumbar area is harder as there's more area to cover (lower back, hips, legs, feet etc.). The drawback with the cervical is that since it's such a more flexible part of the body, you really have to be careful during post-surgery until your leads/paddles are really scarred in well. Usually 2-3 months to get the leads/paddles scarred in well. The cervical area also has the benefit of not using as much battery power so you don't have to recharge your battery as often. Good luck!!

Glad to see you found your way over here to our little neck of the woods!

I'm so sorry about your accident. You aren't alone, however, several here have received their implants because of some pretty serious car accidents.

Several of the latest SCS'ers have received the Boston Scientifics and are getting good reviews. The Reps seem to work wonderfully with the patients in getting the right programs to cover the area in need of pain signal interruption via the stimulaltion.
I think you'll be pleased with what you read, although not all implants are for everyone. It is a very individualized form of pain therapy and there is quite a process in getting the unit, but you can get a pretty good idea of what patients are saying by reading thru some of the threads.

Others will join in on your new thread and be of great support and gladly answer any questions and concerns you may have.

Meanwhile, here's a good information piece on the basic frequently asked questions:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post689330-12.html

The best part of the process is the fact that we get to do a 'trial period' with the implant to give an idea of how well it may work for us before making the commitment of getting one. I'm sure your Dr has explained all this to you, but feel free to ask anything!

It'll be good getting to know you! You've certainly found the right place.
We continually learn and grow from one another and the support here is wonderful. People from several different countries have jumped aboard our forum!

Glad you're here!
Rae

Welcome Spord...

Good to make your acquaintance.....Very pleased indeed to see you here on this website. I only found it two weeks ago and the amount of knowledge Ive learned in that time is so valuable.
Im very sorry to hear about your accident and how you are suffering. I have an SCS since 5th Aug and its for my lumbar region and legs. At the moment Im waiting to see the rep for some tweaking, but having said that where it is covering is doing a great job. At times I feel like I'm in a jaccuzzi if that makes sense. Thats the feeling I get when Im lying down anyway!!!

You will get great feedback from the great people on this site and make sure you ask plenty of questions because someone will always have an answer for you. Its just terrific

Take care

Jackie

Hi Spord- Fiona is a good resource for you as a recent cervical recipient of her Boston Sci unit!

All the best with your decisions!!
Mark56 PJ

Fiona,
Please keep me posted on your progress, ecspecially the cervical part of your SCS. I wish you the best of things and I look forward to hearing good results. Thank you.
David.

Fiona, I was wondering how your SCS has been helping. I have my referral from my PM doctor for the trial, but workers comp wants me to go to one of their doctors for a second opinion. I am hoping they act quickly so that I can get the trial done. If you get this let me know. Others, if you have had experience with workers comp and can give me direction, please respond. I'm getting a little anxious about the waiting.

Hey Spord!
Thank's for the update! I was hoping you'd stick around.....but gee I'm sorry about the work comp frustrations.......
I've heard they can drag it on......

Not sure if you knew there is a forum here that has alot of info on WorkComp.... here it is...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=30

Hopefully you can get some good feedback and maybe some tips on how to keep the process moving along......

Fiona will give you an update soon
Hang in there and stick around with our little family! We're always learning and growing from one another......

Rae

Welcome to this site.

I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in my cervical spine in June. It was implanted for facial pain. The leads entered at C5/C6, but I think my doctor set them up higher in my spine. I am having great relief and the recovery has gone smoothly. I am now off all of my anti-siezure medications that I was taking for the pain. I still take a Cymbalta at night time.

My stimulator is a Boston Scientific SCS implant. The program that the rep set in the operating room has been the most effective.

Let me know if you have any questions - we are here to help.

Emelie

Thanks for the input. I'm still waiting on WC. They want to send me to one of their doctors for a second opinion. I'll keep y'all informed.