[Treca]

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone is having a good evening and not in too much pain. I am new to the site and have been reading and researching like crazy. I will be having my cervical SCS trail on Jan 25th and I have a quick question. I do not know if this has been answered and I've searched through the site and have not found what I was looking for.

So, my question is this....

Which company in your experience for people who have the Cervical SCS Implant is better for the Cervical vs. the lumbar? Medtronic or Boston? Is one better for one area vs. the other? For instants is Medtronic better for lumbar SCS and not cervical or is Boston better for Cervical and not lumbar?

Am I making any sense? LOL

By the way if the trial goes well I will be having paddles and not "regular" leads placed. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

If there is a link or thread already out there about this topic please point me in the right direction because I just could not find it

I have to say that I am so happy to have found this site. It is very informative and all of you guys are so encouraging and supportive. It's really nice to know that you guys are here when people are in need of support and information.

So thank you guys in advance for your help and comments. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hugs,
Treca

[Rrae]

It's GREAT to have you!
I'm so glad you started this thread! You will get alot of feedback I'm sure.
I distinctly remember how 'nervous' and apprehensive I was when getting the trial (Lumbar)....and it meant the world to me to have people encourage me along the way. I come from a rather small community and NObody really 'comprehended' the SCS (not even ME )

I was 'glad' to read that you are getting the paddles. They will probably prove to be more secure in the longrun. I have the less-invasive percutaneous leads and one of them has migrated, so I am getting it fixed on Jan 26th (the day after your trial!)

Both of the manufacturers you asked about are very reputable. There are quite a few folks here who have units from each of these companies.
I think part of it depends on our location. My doctor uses Medtronics as his vendor...and they are 3 hours drive from my neck of the woods....but they are real good about making regular visits here to accomodate the patients.

It's so good to have you aboard!
Ask anything! We are constantly learning from one another....I think that's what makes this such a sweet little forum.

Rae

[Mark56]

I am a T8/T9 implantee of Boston Sci paddles for leg symptoms. My implant was done June 30 and since then I have fully withdrawn from opiods and use only the stim to control pain, inclusive of flares I have experienced. I think Tchr012 is the only person I am aware of who has experienced both company products [and she has just received her new implant so has no lengthy experience by which to compare]. Read her threads, and you may get a feel for the answers you seek.

Nonetheless, my prayers are with you for a good trial on 25 Jan.!
Mark56

[smae]

I had one company (Medtronic) for the trial and another (Boston Scientific) for the permanent implant. I don't have a lot of experience with Medtronic since my trial was only 3 days. I do prefer the 'equipment' with Boston Scientific though. I don't need to charge as often as the rep from Medtronic said that I would need to and the technology is supposedly better.

I think overall it doesn't matter too much on company because they all generally work the same. I just prefer Boston Scientific with the experiences I have had.

Good luck as you go through this journey!

[Treca]

Mark~ I will go and check out her threads today and see what info I can get from them. Yeah, I'm just trying to get a feel for what would be a better fit for me. I've read up on both but of course both companies are biased about their own product..lol I've read your thread and you inspire me Mark you really do. I pray that my outcome is as good as yours. My one true dream/wish is to get off opiods FOREVER I LOATH them! However, they are a evil necessity in my life at the moment.

smea~ The recharging is a issue for me as well. The less I have to do it the better. I am so forgetful about even charging my cell phone and thank goodness that sucker holds a charge for a long time I will be having Medtronic for the trial as well and I will be seeing my rep this Weds. to ask questions and actually see the unit and feel it for myself before my acutal trial on the 25th of this month.

Rrea~ Thank you for the warm welcome! I have to agree that after having lengthy talks with my doctor that the paddles would be best for me. I really really want to be able to dance again like I did for the majority of my life until pain hit when I was 20. I really want my active life back, BUT I know that this may not work so I'm being equal parts optimistic and pessimistic. I come from a small town too and I also do not talk to people about my condition except with my mother,father, brother, and of course my husband. I am a very private person and this(my condition) is just too private. However, I have no problem talking about it with people that UNDERSTAND and are walking the same road I am. That honestly makes all the difference in the world.

Treca

[Rrae]

My first thought (when I realized how important dancing is to you) is that the paddles would certainly be more secure. Make sure your doctor knows how important this is to you. Get specifics on post op restrictions.

I think part of my 'mis-hap' is because of lack of communication with my Dr. I am more 'active' than he realized.......I have horses (I don't ride, but I love taking care of them.....but tossing bales of hay probably wasn't a good choice to make during my post op )

I have faith that you WILL get your life back. Stay determined and hopeful.

I see that your husband is in the army.
Hat's off I thank him for his service to our country!

Let us know how your appointment goes!

God Bless
Rae