[wdt5150]

I just signed up and am very glad to see the info on this I have had three surgeries in past three years around the c4-c7 area and have had bad pain to return after each I have a Dr. to see Monday about the SCS unit and if it will help me. I have pain in center of neck and it goes down both shoulders and arms and all of my Doctors from before have said there was nothing else that could be done so for the past 6 months I haven't had any pain meds and no longer leave my house. I just got a new neurosurgeon and he advised the SCS is the way to go, another pain management doctor said they don't work and I don't know what to do. I hope to find something to help , life has been really bad with nothing and no one helping with the pain.

[Saffy]

You must be worn out from dealing with the pain with no meds. I've cut down on mine a LOT and I still feel drained by the amount of emotional energy it takes to try and keep from taking a heavy pain killer in the knowledge that it may help disassociate myself with the pain.

In saying that, I've had a bad couple of weeks and given in .. and spent most of the days in bed or moping around the house .. that's not a life.

I think you are a definite candidate for a SCS .. and although it wont take the pain away, it could distract you enough to be able to cope better.

I'm out on whether it works or not, as I had mine implanted in May this year and have yet to be able to use it as the coverage isn't right and they can't put it right without another operation. I was given a choice, either opt out now or try a different lead.

I feel that the sensation I am getting (but in both legs, not just the one) could benefit me ... therefore I'm giving it a go, despite all my family not wanting me to.

[Mark56]

My physiatrist aka pain doctor is a board certified fellowship educated physician who is most conservative in his selection of patients who present as candidates for SCS. He works closely in association with well known board certified surgeons who perform SCS implant with what in the jargon of the business are known as "good hands." My pain case originated from a car wreck in 2005 resulting in many surgeries. Pain was relentless and the SCS option, the so called "final option" according to my doctors was offered in March 2010.

I went into the consideration of yet another surgery with much trepidation. Would this work? Could this work? Could it cause other troubles with which I could not contend? Since my issues were related to permanent nerve damage affecting the lower half of my body, what if it was worsened?

I researched and read like mad..... everything I could find. Spoke with some patients who had received implants. Began to feel more and more convinced. I knew the situation was basically a three step process once I decided to go forward: (1) a psychological evaluation to determine my stability and expectations, (2) a Trial Surgery in which leads would be placed into my spine at about T8/T9 for my issues [different placement for your cervical scenario], and (3) if the Trial of the product lasting a week was successful, further steps to be considered by an Orthopedic Surgeon whose certifications include implant of such devices and ultimate permanent implant surgery.

The psych eval went well, and I was pronounced a viable candidate. The Trial Surgery was performed by my physiatrist after which I was elaborately taped down to allow the leads to protrude through my skin, run down my back, and connect to a trial computer package similar to that which would be embedded in me if it all worked. Leaping to the end of the Trial, I did NOT want the Trial Leads removed because the release from dramatic pain had been SO successful. During the trial I continued to take pain meds, so the device was handling the over the top pain I felt constantly, as I was not willing to be fully medicated.

At last on 30 June 2010, I was permanently implanted with the Boston Scientific Precision Plus SCS- not a clunky unit at all. It had worked well during Trial and it has served me well since the implant. The surgery was accomplished on an outpatient basis, and I spent about 12 hours or so in hospital registering, prepping, in surgery, then in recovery- zoom back home after that with my wife driving.

The sensation which occurs in my lower body disrupting the pain signals which remain nevertheless is as though I am constantly beset with chills. I would much rather have the chills than PAIN. In August 2010 I commenced withdrawal from all of the pain medication I was consuming, and succeeded fully withdrawing, to this day fully off of pain medications as I use the SCS for all pain management, even pain spikes. The SCS never cures your pain cause, and the pain you have suffered will continue, although masked and managed hopefully by the SCS.

Would I do this surgery again knowing what I know now regarding SCS..... in a heartbeat.

Hoping the best for you,
Mark56

[wdt5150]

Originally Posted by Mark56

My physiatrist aka pain doctor is a board certified fellowship educated physician who is most conservative in his selection of patients who present as candidates for SCS. He works closely in association with well known board certified surgeons who perform SCS implant with what in the jargon of the business are known as "good hands." My pain case originated from a car wreck in 2005 resulting in many surgeries. Pain was relentless and the SCS option, the so called "final option" according to my doctors was offered in March 2010.

I went into the consideration of yet another surgery with much trepidation. Would this work? Could this work? Could it cause other troubles with which I could not contend? Since my issues were related to permanent nerve damage affecting the lower half of my body, what if it was worsened?

I researched and read like mad..... everything I could find. Spoke with some patients who had received implants. Began to feel more and more convinced. I knew the situation was basically a three step process once I decided to go forward: (1) a psychological evaluation to determine my stability and expectations, (2) a Trial Surgery in which leads would be placed into my spine at about T8/T9 for my issues [different placement for your cervical scenario], and (3) if the Trial of the product lasting a week was successful, further steps to be considered by an Orthopedic Surgeon whose certifications include implant of such devices and ultimate permanent implant surgery.

The psych eval went well, and I was pronounced a viable candidate. The Trial Surgery was performed by my physiatrist after which I was elaborately taped down to allow the leads to protrude through my skin, run down my back, and connect to a trial computer package similar to that which would be embedded in me if it all worked. Leaping to the end of the Trial, I did NOT want the Trial Leads removed because the release from dramatic pain had been SO successful. During the trial I continued to take pain meds, so the device was handling the over the top pain I felt constantly, as I was not willing to be fully medicated.

At last on 30 June 2010, I was permanently implanted with the Boston Scientific Precision Plus SCS- not a clunky unit at all. It had worked well during Trial and it has served me well since the implant. The surgery was accomplished on an outpatient basis, and I spent about 12 hours or so in hospital registering, prepping, in surgery, then in recovery- zoom back home after that with my wife driving.

The sensation which occurs in my lower body disrupting the pain signals which remain nevertheless is as though I am constantly beset with chills. I would much rather have the chills than PAIN. In August 2010 I commenced withdrawal from all of the pain medication I was consuming, and succeeded fully withdrawing, to this day fully off of pain medications as I use the SCS for all pain management, even pain spikes. The SCS never cures your pain cause, and the pain you have suffered will continue, although masked and managed hopefully by the SCS.

Would I do this surgery again knowing what I know now regarding SCS..... in a heartbeat.

Hoping the best for you,
Mark56

I am glad it helped you it is no fun "pain" I don't know why mine hurts so bad the last neurosurgeon said muscle and nerves are pulling across the rods and bone that was put in and surgery was not going to fix it , after a doctor accused me of being addicted to the pain meds I said nope I will stop them the only thing the pain is 9x worse and now i really don't do much but lay in bed or on the couch which isn't a life and the scary thing is now my eye sight and coordination seems to be effected I think the pain plays a part. So I really hope the SCS helps just unsure what makes a person qualify for one and what one feels like. Thanks I really hope it plays a success for a long time for you.

[Saffy]

Originally Posted by wdt5150

I am glad it helped you it is no fun "pain" I don't know why mine hurts so bad the last neurosurgeon said muscle and nerves are pulling across the rods and bone that was put in and surgery was not going to fix it , after a doctor accused me of being addicted to the pain meds I said nope I will stop them the only thing the pain is 9x worse and now i really don't do much but lay in bed or on the couch which isn't a life and the scary thing is now my eye sight and coordination seems to be effected I think the pain plays a part. So I really hope the SCS helps just unsure what makes a person qualify for one and what one feels like. Thanks I really hope it plays a success for a long time for you.

Utterly disgusting for a doctor to say you are addicted to pain mess when it's them that prescribe them initially!! Most of us are "addicted" to flippin pain mess as sometimes it's the only way we can function. By that I mean stand up and walk.

[Mark56]

Hi WDT, my own physiatrist wrote to my file that I was Dependent upon the pain meds he was prescribing. Now while learning of the dependency issue and feeling low about it, I understood through the file the report he was truly rendering to Worker's Compensation Insurance, and the two judges who have worked my case, and it is this---- My patient Mark cannot live life even partially well without continuing pain medication prescription, therefore dependent upon them; however, I have hope he will do well on and through the SCS therapy so as to perhaps wean away from the meds.

Once I put my doc's language into that context, I knew he was working to persuade the insuror to allow my SCS treatment. My doc knew I did not want to be forever dependent upon pain meds, and he was thrilled to have me request to go through withdrawal, saying it would be hard. He has been a cheerleader and supporter of my complete withdrawal from all pain meds.

Doc ALWAYS intended that I use the prescribed pain meds needed at the time to manage pain. If he had not felt so, he would not have prescribed them. Perhaps your own doctor is attempting to communicate a similar concept to you WDT and is a good advocate for your upcoming possible SCS. If so, I imagine your doc wants you to use the meds until it is established the SCS is a viable help, else the meds would not have been prescribed.

Dependence and addiction are terms on a continuum of dependence which I think are separated by therapeutic administration. I followed prescriptions to the letter. Did not seek more unless in Doc's opinion more was required. AND I never resorted to some "street" means of attaining something my body craved. Thus, I think there is a difference between dependence and addiction.

Bounce this off your doc if you want, follow their advice regarding using the meds to manage pain until you can make a move regarding SCS if it is for you.

Prayin for ya,
Mark56

[wdt5150]

Originally Posted by Saffy

You must be worn out from dealing with the pain with no meds. I've cut down on mine a LOT and I still feel drained by the amount of emotional energy it takes to try and keep from taking a heavy pain killer in the knowledge that it may help disassociate myself with the pain.

In saying that, I've had a bad couple of weeks and given in .. and spent most of the days in bed or moping around the house .. that's not a life.

I think you are a definite candidate for a SCS .. and although it wont take the pain away, it could distract you enough to be able to cope better.

I'm out on whether it works or not, as I had mine implanted in May this year and have yet to be able to use it as the coverage isn't right and they can't put it right without another operation. I was given a choice, either opt out now or try a different lead.

I feel that the sensation I am getting (but in both legs, not just the one) could benefit me ... therefore I'm giving it a go, despite all my family not wanting me to.

I hope all goes well and it has been a very draining 6mts I have had to go to the hospital twice only once again they try to give me pain meds.The first time I filled them but soon as I went to a doctor I have always got well you are addict and I just stopped everything it has made a grown man cry as they say and after reading the posat here and research I think this SCS may help I am unsure about a phsy elval I did see 2 psychiatrist in past and they both have advised that I have a real need for pain meds and recommend it the only thing you could say bad about the report is they say I am very aggressive as I told them yes I am cause I research everything and ask a lot of questions and doctors seem to get very upset at that.
I do want all the info I can get I really feel for all about the pain I am nervous cause this pain management doctor is new and in another state.

[wdt5150]

Originally Posted by Saffy

You must be worn out from dealing with the pain with no meds. I've cut down on mine a LOT and I still feel drained by the amount of emotional energy it takes to try and keep from taking a heavy pain killer in the knowledge that it may help disassociate myself with the pain.

In saying that, I've had a bad couple of weeks and given in .. and spent most of the days in bed or moping around the house .. that's not a life.

I think you are a definite candidate for a SCS .. and although it wont take the pain away, it could distract you enough to be able to cope better.

I'm out on whether it works or not, as I had mine implanted in May this year and have yet to be able to use it as the coverage isn't right and they can't put it right without another operation. I was given a choice, either opt out now or try a different lead.









I feel that the sensation I am getting (but in both legs, not just the one) could benefit me ... therefore I'm giving it a go, despite all my family not wanting me to.

I hope it works for you ,
The pain is very draining and I thank the Lord for my family cause they have stuck beside me through everything and I have missed a lot birthdays , holidays and so on.
I tried to make it up this year but once again I ended up at the hospital and that drives me crazier than anything I am tired of the hospitals over 80 times I have been put in hospital a week to two weeks at a time in 2 1/2 years that's crazy maybe they need to check the doctors heads.

[Mark56]

Hey WDT- Regarding the Trial, my thread has a bunch of that down on a day by day basis and you can find it here: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread117854.html

Regarding pain and faith and missing out on things, well that is pretty much covered in the thread too, but I have had a deep dependence upon God for a long long time, and I believe God has seen me through so much that all I can say is I feel blessed. I missed out on some school plays, family movie nights at the theatre, sports events because I just hurt too much. I refused to give up going to church, because I felt it was God carrying me through the pain and I wanted to worship. I had sung on the worship team for years and played bass. Those I had to drop [although now I am back to singing as Rae can attest]. So, I would lie in the pew, my head on my wife's lap, and tears would fall from my eyes the pain was so bad. I finally missed a Sunday or two right before the first of my deep back surgeries because I was screaming in pain by then and nothing was functioning anymore.

Even so, with pain, God has been my constant companion as has my wife. The young ones, well they did drive me around when I needed driving, but the pain I suffered eventually drove our daughter into counselling because she began to feel so down that I hurt as I did. For a while she could not acknowledge and was angry with God, although I let her know that without God, without the many prayers I received things could have been MUCH worse.

I have been praying for you, and hope you will be embraced in His arms as your appointment time approaches so that all may ultimately be well,
Mark56z

[Sophie_]

Hi there,

I hope this works out for you and you can look forward to getting some pain relief and your life back.
Pain is very tiring, draining and as for the depression it can cause, it's just terribly unfair, I dunno why i asked God so many times, what did I do to deserve this, in the depths of ugly deep pain with the tears streaming down my face. It's not easy, thankfully my husband and family have been a great support.

Like most people, I've missed loads of work, birthday parties, weddings, girls night outs etc, this is hard but thankfully this year I've started to go back to these things and it feels good.
I think you're right in what you say about some Dr's, they are orientated by greed and the private payout they receive from the companies, they tend to push for a device that might not suit you. I guess that's where your research, common sense and sheer stubbornness can help.

As for the trials, I have a Medtronic SCS and I too feel the sensation of it working but it's not a horrible sensation, more of a tingling sensation. The surgery in Ireland for this was a day procedure and it was done under sedation rather than a g. anaesthetic. Its supposed to be left in for about 5 days to a week to see if you get some relief. Unfortunately there was a problem with the technology for my trial and it didn't work. My Dr decided to proceed with a full implant as he knew I'd benefit from it and so far he has been right.

I hope this Dr works out for you, let us know how it goes,

Sophie xxxx