[Silverback]

I confess; I have been lurking for several months gleaning knowledge about the Boston Scientific SCS. I had the trial Stimulator installed last week and removed today. The trial went extremely well, no complications, and the final implant is tentatively scheduled for the last Monday of this month.

By way of introduction; I am 73 years old and have had "back problems" since my late thirties. The diagnoses have ranged from Degenerative Spinal Disk Disease to Spinal Stenosis with a couple of others thrown in when they really didn't want to mess with "another back issue."

After a few years of Darvocet, Gabapentin, Lyrica, Xanax, MRIs, XRays and numerous others and increasing leg pain, I went to a pain specialist where I had three Epidurals, again with absolutely no improvement even for a short time. From there a back Surgeon prescribed an X-Stop procedure. I think it was placed at L4-L5. The results were totally unremarkable. No reduction in pain. I did, however, graduate to Hydrocodone and working with another pain specialist added Fentanyl.

At this point the medications were controlling the pain; however, I slept most of the time, missed a few grand children's birthday parties, and gained 30 pounds.

Enter, stage left, a young (all doctors are young when you are 73) Pain Specialist/ Anesthetist who was entirely willing to handle the pain medications but also actually listened to me for more than the standard 5 minutes allocated for patient/doctor dialog. After two more unsuccessful Epidurals (insurance requirement) she suggested we might try Spinal Stimulation. Only one week for Psych and insurance approval and we are now up-to-date with the coming out of the closet lurker and a successful Trial Period.

They removed the single lead at 2:30 today and by 4 the intense burning leg pain returned with a vengeance. I expected that from reading the experiences on this sub forum. I haven't added much to encourage/discourage newcomers to this experience. I will try to add more details of the trial and decision making progress if there are any lurkers out there hiding in the bushes hesitant to come forward and participate.

I do add my sincere thanks to those who post here regularly. You all have been a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for me, even if you didn't know it.
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Silverback
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Wise and appropriate saying of your choice inserted here.