Hi Everyone,
I joined Neurotalk a couple of weeks ago and have been lurking, reading, trying to gather info about SCS. I had a spinal fusion 10 years ago, L5-S1, plus laminectomy, L3-L5. The surgery helped with pain in my left leg, but I awoke unable to feel anything in my right leg and have suffered constantly from the nerve damage since then. I also have never been pain-free since the surgery, but had several years where I could at least function although I had to give up teaching special ed and go on permanent disability. Anyway....lately the old burning nerve pain in the left leg/foot is back and increasing, so after an MRI my ortho doc told me that the disc above the fusion is pushing out on both sides and impinging the nerve roots. He suggested the Boston Precision Spinal Cord Stimulator and sent me home with a DVD (which is really more like an infomercial...lol!) explaining how it works. I've decided to give it a try, hoping maybe I can get my life back again and put an end to this nonstop pain. It's been very helpful to read your experiences so that I can weigh both the pros and the cons. This week I will schedule the "test drive" to see if this option is going to work. I am SO praying that it will! Thanks for all the great info and support, and I hope you are having a pain-less day.
Jan

I am an oldie here, well sort of, and I have the Boston Scientific SCS for low lumbar and leg pain management. For me it works so very well I have been able to resume my profession leaving our family business to my family so we may increase the revenue stream. It has been truly a blessing to be able to practice again, and I reckon you would find if it is right for you the teaching profession may not be out of your grasp. Most anything you might want to ask is in the thread on this forum http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread117854.htmls where the tale from injury through Trial Surgery of what was actually a Boston Scientific model then implant of said Boston Scientific SCS occurred. The best thing possible occurred for me when at the time for programming, I was allowed to program the unit to fit MY PAIN PROFILE and not what some rep would guesstimate.

If you have any questions I am here,
Mark56

Hi Jan,

I've just realised your new to our forum, you're very welcome and I hope you receive all the support and advice to help you and you've come to the right place for it.

I'm looking forward to learning more about you.

Chat soon and all the very best, if I can help in anyway please just ask or send me a PM ( private message) my long story which ive been meaning to change is in he About Me section, it's long, hence I won't to change it.

Love and God bless,

Sinéad xxx

Thanks so much, Sophie! I'm still learning my way around here, so haven't yet found the About Me section, but will do so as soon as I can! :+)
Jan

Hi Jan welcome to our world! Keep doing your research and ask all the questions you can. I am also an oldie and am currently on my 3rd SCS. Wouldn't be here without it. Rrae will be popping in soon with her wonderful left pocket

Welcome!
AH YES, the LEFT POCKET! Much wisdom lies within the left pocket....
For instance, the magical LINT BALL
And, the wisest owl known to man. Just try not to be intimidated by his supreme appearance. Many are.

It's great to have you with us! As you can see, many caring and supportive folks here. SCS's have high success rates in the lower limbs. I too am a happy one. My CRPS in both legs don't BURN anymore! Just a soothing barely there buzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm so sorry about the nerve damage you've suffered since your surgery. Mark's thread is a tell-all of his great experience with his Boston Sci unit. Please stick around and let us know how this unfolds for you. Don't be afraid to ask anything you'd like.
We've all been where you are now!

Rae

Thanks so much, Pooh....I'm looking forward to getting to know folks here and gleaning from your experiences!

Thanks for the welcome and for the info, Mark! It's nice to hear from someone who's had such great success with SCS. Sounds like our pain is very similar, so maybe this will be just the ticket for me, too! I will check out the link you included.
Jan

Mark, I'm so glad to hear that the SCS has worked so well for you. I read through the chronicle of your experiences, and all I can say is, "WOW!" You write so well, and it was honestly enjoyable reading! It was also heartwarming and uplifting to see the love and support from others in the group. You truly have a special gift for sharing your faith and experiences in such a touching way. I found myself laughing out loud with delight, and weeping sometimes too, as I read through your journey. Thank you so much for sharing this--you have given me a lot to think about as I get ready for this procedure, plus I found lot of real info that has already helped. God bless you!

AND I like your Java! I nice looking Latte, that! Nutmeg on top. Yum.

The thread has been doing and doing exactly what God inspired, sharing for others the layout of the process so others may learn or avoid some pitfalls along the way. Rae is responsible. She sought me out and softly booted me to share. Our pastor calls this "nudging." I call it God's love and a means to draw us out or along to help others. So Rae was the impetus through whom God said, "use those fingers!" Fingers have seen much use.

And the light is shone that others may see.
Light is life,
Life is love,
through love we thrive,
Mark56zz