hi

i´m considering getting a paddle scs electrode implanted. to those who already had the procedure, how long did it take for you to recover?
was the surgery done in general anesthesia?
was it painful, during or after the procedure?

thank you so much
xxx

I have a paddle with 20 contacts. It took about six weeks to recover. I had to have a revision, but I fell and knocked mine cockeyed. My surgery was done under general anesthesia. The pain was bad the first week, but I took my meds so I wasn't playing catchup and it helped. I've been through two surgeries, and I'm still kicking. I even had complications ths time. (totally unrelated to scs; it works great)

I am extremely interested in the same thing. I will be having mulitple paddles . I haven't seen the surgeon yet. The MRI of my entire spine results are back so I expect an appt. shortly. Based on previous experience, I do not expect any straight answers from the surgeon concerning increased pain due to the more aggressive approach and a longer recovery period. It is my understanding that the paddles require at least a partial laminectomy for placement. I have had seven lamies and they are aggressive and painful.

I will see my pain doc as soon as I see the surgeon. If he says he will be doing lamies due to the paddles, I will have Pain Man pre-cert me to go into rehab immediately. He's chief of staff there so I will get good care. The big concern for me is that I live alone and have a long history of nasty post op infections. With no help with me, it will be a good idea for me to spend my initial recovery where I can be monitored. Best wishes.

Hey there! I had two SCS (cervical & thoracic) implanted last year and both had percutaneous leads. I had a revision surgery 4 months later on the thoracic SCS to change the leads out to a paddle lead (and relocate the battery). Because I already had leads there, I did not need to have the laminectomy. The paddle lead is much better!!

I will be honest with you, yes the procedure is painful...but that pain is temporary and goes away. Recovery time...generally it takes 6-8 weeks to recover and you are under restrictions during recovery. I am not sure if it is different if you have a laminectomy. I took a week and a half off from work when I had both implanted (it was not enough time) and two and a half weeks off when I had the revision.

Mine was done under local anesthesia since they have to test out the stimulation. I was in and out during the procedure. I spent the night at the hospital both times.

Good luck to you!
Nanc

While I understand it is more painful with the paddle (common sense), I also understand that the leads are less likely to migrate. I want the best possible results once I get on the other side and am willing to put up with added pain.

We all respond/recover differently as we have all sorts of different issues. 20 years ago, I would bounce back from monster surgery in record time. At 63, I have aquired additional problems and I have slowed down, across the board.

The last few weeks have been pretty depressing in my building. Two neighbors have died and one had her second son murdered. I think I am glad I am not having the surgery in the immediate future.

Indeed, as Spine mentioned, the paddle leads are a lot less prone to migrate.
Sure the laminectomy required to get the paddles in is a more indepth procedure than the simpler percutaneous leads, but you're making a much better investment by doing it this way.

It can't be stressed enough to follow the 'no bending, lifting, twisting' restrictions and like Nanc said, the recovery is a bit longer, but it WILL pass and hopefully you'll be able to experience a much better quality of life as far as pain control goes.

This is certainly the place to be for support and understanding as you go thru the steps of getting this unit. The people here are wonderful!

Caring,
Rae

OK, so for a kid who in Jr High School years ago wanted to stay away from the paddle [I succeeded there, no visits to the principal] I REALLY went after the Paddles for SCS! It is Fantastic for me. I use it 24/7/all year long....

Recovery was less than for a fusion surgery, as less was disturbed and the post operative pain meds took care of that issue. Physical therapy was fine, and all went well.

REMEMBER BLAST, no bending lifting twisting stretching and you will get along well with your recovery, then also you need to know LOG ROLL to get in and out of bed and the strain of movement post surgery will really pass well in a couple of weeks or so. Once your doc prescribes PT for full recovery and begins to relax the movement limitations, getting into the swing of doing more than pain has allowed will seem like a new lease on life! Ta DA!!

No, I am not a sales person for SCS,
No, I do not receive any commissions or kickbacks,
YES, like everyone else here, I CARE,
Yup,
Mark56