[Suzanne8]

I haven't been here for a while. Still dealing with EXTREME pain every day in back and ribs. It has been recommended that I have my SCS taken out. Am also being told I never should've had it put in. Was originall told that stimulator was only course of treatment for entrapped nerve in hip. Now being told that I probably don't have an entrapped nerve because they are very rare and found in very overweight people. Has anyone out there suffered as I have and has anyone out there had their SCS taken out? If so, how difficult of a surgery was it to have it removed? Thank you!

[Rrae]

My heart sank when I saw your post
You've been struggling with this from the get-go back in December. I'm so so sorry.
It's awful to think that your Dr implanted your SCS if you didn't really have an entrapped nerve in your hip. And now here you are being told nothing can be done for you.

There are a few folks here who've had their units removed and I'm sure they'll be along shortly. I had one of my leads taken out and it was a pretty simple procedure. You had the laminectomy procedure (different than mine) so it will probably be a bit more involved, but generally they keep you very comfortable and you'll probably be a bit tender when you get home.

I saw that you posted in the Spinal forum and I sent Leesa a msg to make sure she sees your post. She is very helpful.

My heart truly goes out to you.....
I always try to hang on to the hope that SOMEthing will give you the relief you so deserve.
My prayers are with you....

Rae

[ger715]

Just so sad that doctors will recommend something not necessary; but a good commission is had by him. Too often the patient is not seen as a person who will endure pain and problems because of your decision; but $$$$ make their vision quite cloudy.

So sorry for all you have to go thru all this pain. I pray the removal will be an easy procedure with very little pain
(Ger)

[Mark56]

Dear Suzanne- for now, I offer prayer that you survive this horrible setback and revelation, especially if a record is conclusively made regarding serious doubt you should have ever been implanted, as such procedured are well attended by pain and more pain, then the ultimate pain of removal of scarred in machinery, wiring harnesses, and leads or paddles in VERY sensitive areas near the spinal cord itself.

No release from liability regarding risks to the spinal cord should be presented to you if removal is recommended. The professionals have to ultimately stup up to the OR grim faced and prepared to perform their level best as carefully removing materials potentially and significantly harmful to your body if left in situ. What is the effect of allowing paddles or leeds to remain? Is there a risk associates with removal given the scarring which aids in thier solid emplacement? Is there a second opinion corroborating the necessity for removal and the procedure by which it would be attempted? This is hard stuff for any patient, and fine print of exoneration should be cast to the wayside if the very IMPLANTER is now suggesting "well, I may have jumped the gun, and we should serously look at taking this carefully from your body." All of this fails to take into account the very cost to you, the patient at removal and incurring copays, deductibles all over again, risk of harm to you excising paddles and scarring from around the spinal cord, the very need for physical therapy post surgery to regain strength in areas so affected. Consultation on who should bear such costs and risks are not beyond consideration as well.

Prayin for you in a most difficult situation,
Mark56

[fionab]

So sorry to hear your SCS has not been helpful in pain relief and has to be removed. Praying that the surgeon who does the removal will be guided by the Lord's hand and that recovery will be as pain-free and short-lived as is possible. I pray you find answers to the dilemma that faces you.