Is there any one out there that is considering or recently who got the pain pump? I see much talk about the SCS but not much about the pain pump. I am at the very beginning of this and am looking for some answers and stories regarding the pain pump. Thanks so much, pretty nervous after my hip replacement is what brought me to this decision.

It's good to have you!
There are several here who've had the pain pump.....
"Bobinjeffmo" would be a wonderful resource - he actively posts and you can visit his profile page and maybe send him a visitor message. He talks very openly about his and speaks very highly of it.
Another way to track down posts of discussion on the pain pump is to use the 'search' feature at the top of the page. Type in 'pain pump' and it will bring up posts you can refer to.!

I hope you stick around! This is a wonderful place of support and information.
Also, at the top of the page you'll see a special little section with important info and links. Check out the 'stickie' thing at the top

Rae

well its a beautiful sunny Monday lunchtime here in Dublin. A real Autumnal day.
Today Im feeling somewhat better than I did last week. THat nagging pain in my upper back has definitely eased off a lot. Im hoping it stays that way I went for my walk this morning and it was just lovely to get out in the sunshine and fresh air, be it a bit chilly!

My stim is doing ok for me while Im sitting and lying down. I dont get a lot of relief while Im walkingbut maybe next time Im tweaked I could address and see if I can have it sorted just for walking. But, Im a bit happier that its doing 'some' good. I even did a couple of my winter baskets over the weekend, now that was just awesome!

Hope you are all keeping well too

Hi Jackie,
My battery sits in the right side front. I understand what you are feeling,my first battery never sat right in the pocket. When I would sit, or bend it would pop out. This went on for over a year but what happened with all the movement the site became very sore. After alot of talking, my doctor went back in and put in a bigger battery. Well, the new one does the same and when I have a fill it is very,very painful. I really feel the pain you are feeling is just from surg, and it will get better,but if not, tell your doctor and make sure he or she hears what you are saying. The bumps you feel, when you touch it, may be scar tissue, but once again if they do not go away,tell the doctor. I have found in the 4yrs that I have had my pump, I have to be very in tune to what is going on in my own body. But what a wonderful thing this is! Even though I'm still in pain, I can't even think what it would be like without the pump. Stay strong,you will get used to it, and enjoy each day

And WELCOME!
So glad you found our little corner of the cyber world!
You have a PUMP! Fantastic! I'm so glad it's doing good for you!
There have been several coming to the forum asking about the pain pumps.

I hope you stick around so we can get to know more about you.
I cherish the wonderful people who take the time to share their experiences with these devices, as it is a complicated concept for the 'rest' of the world to comprehend what we are dealing with.....
The support we gain from one another is fantastic!

It's so good to have you!
Rae

Firstly I'd like to reiterate the last reply on this post. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences, it is so hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced an SCS or similar implant, what it's like.

After 2 diskectomies and a lumbar fusion I was fitted with a Boston Scientific SCS. It worked really well for around 9-12 months, though I did have to keep increasing the power over time. Despite several bouts of re-programming it quite quickly became ineffective, so I had not only the sacral and sciatic pain, but also the very intense tingling from the SCS. As the frequency of this device is fairly low (around 20-50Hz)the brain can pick up the pulses, so over time some people can 'filter' out the noise, which leaves the pain signal behind. At this point you are effectively back to square one.

I was trialled for a Nevro SCS system, which is a higher frequency (5000 - 15000Hz) the brain cannot detect it, therefore there is no tingling or similar associated parasthesia. The trial was graet, and I was lucky to be fitted with the new implant in June 2012. The old 'pocket' in my right buttock was re-used for the new battery, which is approximately 60% larger and after a few weeks this healed as expected.

The implant itself took a bit of getting used to and a few re-programs later it's brilliant. HOWEVER, since Christmas I've had a reasonable amount of pain from the battery site itself. This has escalated quickly and is now very painful, and on a bad day is excrutiating. So I am now reduced to taking strong painkillers for the battery pain whilst my sacrum and sciatic pains are pretty good .

I'm on the list for a battery re-position but have been advised that this could take up to 4-5 months. My GP has prescribed Lidocaine patches which I wear for 12 hours overnight which at least helps me get some sleep. But I just can't wait to get it re-positioned now.

It's good to know that I'm not alone with this, as it's very easy to feel isolated with chronic pain.

The Oh So Very Cool thing about this place is the certainty which dawns on each, regardless whether someone bears the exact same experience, we are NOT alone in the world of chronic pain. Reaching out to one another provides its solace no matter the pain with which each is burdened.

I feel sad your Boston Sci device descended into uselessness and glad your Nevro replacement stepped up to the challenge. Now, if your battery situation will calm.....

For this I will add prayers,

OMG....I am runnng to get my booklets out....
I have been having pain under my battery (top right quadrent of my R buttock) that travels to my hip just under my waist. It gets excrutiating and I cannot step up a stair without hip pain so I now go one at a time.


Yikes....I have been treating it with a heating pad; extra costly massages... the one thing that really helps is a yoga move which made me think pinched nerve even tho it is my battery side.


wondering if there is a pattern developing here...I am one year post op
My battery gave me no trouble other than inflamation. It is however coming closer to my skin.
Praying for pain releif all around
Johanna

Thank you for your testimony, Roger. You hit the nail right on the head about how chronic pain is very isolating.
I hope and pray that your situation will improve. You've been through alot.

Caring,
Rae

My battery hurts, also. The left one burns, but the right one. The one that's been in there for 9 months has been very tender and sore. Really strange. I see my rep Tuesday or some tweaking at six weeks for the new one. I'm going to ask her. This bipolar Texas weather is driving me crazy. It's got my pain levels high even with the stims. Anyway, I miserably failed a vision test yesterday. I have no peripheral vision in either eye. There has been some type of optic nerve damage and neuropathy. No glaucoma or retinal detachment. I see the neurologist the 29th. I'm trying to be positive. But the battery thing, I may take some adil and see if it helps.