Hi gang - It's been 19 months since my implant surgery - and I would definitely recommend a TLSO brace to folks to wear that first 3 months. I've seen 6? reps with "tweaking" my settings over time and every one said they would recommend it - if the patient asked them. How about that - they don't volunteer that information. It is up to the surgeon to mention it.

After having my SCS for 15 months I did a severe twisting motion to get out of the back of our mini-van, where I travel in the back on a mattress for the 10-12 hour drive to go see our grandchildren(!). Now I have done this motion at 5 months post-op, and a couple of times already this trip. But something changed - I thought my leads had moved. I could barely feel sensation in all 4 programs unless I turned it up REALLY high. I saw a rep, who found one of the electrodes was no longer working. He programmed around it, but over the last several months two more shut down, right next to the first. I am still getting good sensation where I need it, but the rep seemed very unsure as to what was going on. He just said we'll see how things go. Boy, that's scary. Any thoughts?

That seems reminiscent of RRae, who, being a good Totoland horse lover, decided one day to toss a bale of hay...... now that is a good one for giving the old SCS a try for flexibility. Anyway, it seems after she noticed one lead was no longer providing coverage, a followup xray disclosed the particular lead had migrated down in an upside down U fashion, the reason for its loss of effectiveness. This is partly why my family is VERY protective of my anymore, I reckon......

Yup...... maybe check with Doc about your facts and ask whether an xray is in your future.....

So sorry...dang we get better...feel like we can live again with our restrictions and wham!!!
We are so fragile and yet want to just get out and live.

It does sound like x-rays are needed.

keep us posted
Johanna

We have had essentially the same thing happen. Three times now in 18 months. The rep says 4 of the 8 electrodes are still working, the other four are not. The cause: "probably" the lead has moved. No x-ray yet, but "probably next time." There has been no mention of surgery to correct it, although I expect that will be the case in the near future.

Not at all what you (or I) wanted to hear.

I would insist on x-rays.
The rep should tell you (or ask the doc for) an xray even if he is limited to what he can say.

Go get those xrays....the only way they can see what is inside!!!!

HB

IT WAS THE HORSE'S FAULT!!

Hi Silverback! It's great to see you back!

Rae

I have two contact leads (on the paddle) that aren't working anymore also. I've only had my unit a year and a month. Seems they shouldn't be losing them that quickly. My rep programmed around mine, too. Only one of my programs was using the faulty contact, but still. I have two. How long until the other one starts screwing up? It seems this is a common problem. I assume it's just due to a foreign object in the body.

I AM SO SORRY
BOY, THAT'S SCARY FOR SURE
one thing i have been paying attention to is during trial
things seem to go great
it is when a person gets the permanent ones that are problematic
does anyone else notice this

someone who cares

dear friend

your """"""""' 's so well received
somethings seem very strange

someone who cares

If you have ongoing issues, get paddle leads. They can stitch them to dura. Ain't going nowhere.