[Paulb_47]

Hi, I'm new. 59 years old, back pain all my life but I ignored it. After all, doesn't every one have back pain?

5 years ago the pain started getting bad. Doctor finally sent me to a pain specialist. MRI showed it all. Scoliosis, degenerative facet joints, disk, stenosis which was bad enough that I required a lumpectomy to return strength to my right leg.

My pain management Dr says if pain threshold weren't so high, I would have been in earlier. I don't know about that but my teeth can't take anymore.

After PT, shots, Tramadol (the others make me sick), and radio frequency we decided to try SCS. I'm having my trial run starting 01/30/2012. I'm excited, fearful, hopeful and everything else many of you may have been.

I don't have a dramatic story, I just got arthritis and older. I tease my wife and tell her I have higgs boson desease. (gravity, sort of)

I would like to hear about experiences with SCS and Boston scientific. It's my pain management DR's brand of choice. Who am I to argue? I don't know squat.

[ginnie]

Welcome to Neuro Talk. You did find a good site. There will be others around in time to help answer and talk to you about their experiences with the SCS device. I really am hoping this works for you. I had to smile at the metion of the higgs boson. I like physics, and know they are looking for that particuar particle. I got old too, and have degenerative joint disease etc. Had fusion C3-7. Not too much fun. I did find this site however, and I found a great deal of information, compassion and support. I was in a very panicked state at the time I discovered NT. The people I met here have helped me through some pretty tough things. Hope you meet some new friends, and get some good responces. take care, ginnie

[Rrae]

Sounds like we're all having a great time with aging .... just a barrell of monkeys ain't it!

It's great to have you Paul! I read your post in the upper section of the forum also. I like what you said about positive input. Like you said, successful recipients usually have no need for pain forums, so most discussion is on the downside. The good thing about this forum is that there are several folks here who are very happy with their units. We've all come here for the same reason you have......a bit nervous about the upcoming implant, wanting to know more about them, etc.
Alot of times we are here to get support while we are getting an adjustment due to lead migration, etc...

Mark56 will be along shortly and he'll give you lots of good input regarding his very successful Boston Sci.

I sure hope your trial will prove to be a success so you can get a better quality of life going! Please stick around so we can see how this goes for you! Meanwhile feel free to ask anything and everything. As you read thru the posts you'll get a good idea of what to expect.

Glad you're here!

Rae

[ginnie]

Hi Paul, I just wanted you to know that I have heard more good things about the SCS trial and implant than bad stuff. I have been here I think about 18 months now, and I travel around the boards. Hope your pain level is down today. I do wish you all the best with your SCS trial. I had wanted to do that too, but my condition warrented a surgery.. take care Paul, ginnie

[JoanB]

Sorry you have a reason to be here, but since you do, we're happy to have you. I saw that you ventured into my thread--my trial was for a Boston Scientific, and in addition to my astounding discovery, I found that it did cover my pain for a bit.

(physics humor--cripes, this place is getting nerdier by the minute)

[Rrae]

Originally Posted by JoanB

.

(physics humor--cripes, this place is getting nerdier by the minute)

What on earth are you talking about!

[ginnie]

Hi Joan, I actually am not a nerd, but I love physics. I have been reading books on it now for several years. Never learned squat in college, so in my 60's took an interest. I know its funny to start some suject so far out there litterally! Time stood still, is the latest. Its OK to laugh at the nerdy stuff. ginnie

[Mark56]

Wull..... it goes like this. If your quarks are all lined properly so a higgs bosun can way impact them you might just qualify.... BUT, you must realize the first question on every psych eval is about higgs bosun, so if'n you haven't a clue, they don't want you....NOT.

The whole kit and kaboodle is just way COOL, and given the thoughts expressed on this brand new thread of yours, I reckon I should bid you all a fond farewell, because of the fantastic success I have known through the great benefit of wielding one of the most successful Boston Scientific implants known...... funny thing is these Queeks at Boston Scientif have not looked me up or spoken one single word regarding the "what makes Mark so different?" query. Spooky it is. If I were to experience such a patient phenom as an executive, and I have been a high executive in a company which was pretty darn interested in revenue, revenue, revenue..... so much for the "don't give a hoot" Boston Sci crew.

So think not of them for a moment... instead the MOST important factor in my case, the single reason I believe I am fully withdrawn from all pain meds is because I was allowed to drive the computer programming my implant two weeks after the surgery!!!! I kid you NOT. I am certain of this since I have had no "tweaking program sessions" and never have complained to the doc the doggone device needed revision. Oh, and I have never asked to be re-issued pain meds. Don't want them, don't need them, no how.

So, if you have to wrestle your rep to the floor [I only kidded my rep about putting him in a headlock if he would not let me], then I believe what you want is a hands on experience dialing yourself in.

Oh, and there is this way cool thing about Ginnie, who is humble as can be, she prays and prays and prays for all who are on here. She is devoted to faith and the folks who populate this place. Rae, the same PLUS a sens of humor which will not quit! Then there is my great friend Joan, whom I would contact in a heartbeat if I needed to know something about a computer besides the on-off switch.

Truly, all of the people here in this special place CARE about YOU and the story you bring, the promise of help you are being provided, and the opportunity within your grasp to gain management over your pain. The device is NOT a cure. It is a management device, like a rheostat for a light dimmer and such. I feel the sensation of the stim where my legs still have sensation, and the burning h e l l I had known everyday since injury is managed. I am still plagued bodily by the masked pain, for it produces fatigue, a factor I did not realize until I had resumed my profession AND WHAT A THRILL IT WAS TO RESUME CARING FOR CLIENTS!! You bet!

Now, as for me, I would not be here but for God, and I thank God for the blessings every day,
Praying for you also,
Mark56

[starwarsfan93]

how do you post a question on this website? and good luck on your recovery

[mrsD]

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

Go the the first page of SCS & Pain pumps:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

On the left at the top is a button...."new thread". Click that
and a box will come up for you to type in what you need to ask.