Hi,
My name is Erez, I'm 28 years old. I've been suffering from chronic pain since I was about 14 – first at my left wrist and currently all along my left arm, left side of my back and shoulder.
Three years ago I was diagnosed with CRPS Type II (after previous diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and multiple surgeries that have just made things worse).
I went through all the "regular" treatments without any luck – a year and a half ago I was prescribed medical cannabis which helps but isn't a cure of course. Finally 8 months ago I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery (Boston Scientific – Precision Plus). The SCS helped from the very beginning, and helped to bring down the pain. Unfortunately 4 months after my surgery that SCS stopped working, and according to my Dr. the electrode was the fault (4 out of the 8 poles were disconnected) – I went through another surgery, in which they replaced the faulty electrode and the SCS "came back to life". A month after this surgery I started having similar problems (now 2 out of the 8 poles seem disconnected). My Dr. wants to perform another surgery to fix this problem, but I really don't think that having surgery every other month is the right way… I wanted to know if by any chance anyone had any similar SCS problems.
Thanks in advance,
Erez

Hi Erez,
I am sorry for the pain you have in your life and oh gosh what disappointment for you to have lost some relief that was finally found.

I have a Medtronic and can offer little help...soon come good advice...many respond here with factual info....hang in for advice,

I would say if it was me...if they were going in again...I would ask for an entire new unit or not go in at all...IMHO...that is a lot of invasive surgery in a short span.

HB

I am truly sorry to learn of your medical equipment failure. I hope someone is taking a very serious look at the responsibility borne by the repeated supply of faulty/failing equipment. Mine is still functioning well, and I can surely relate to the fear associated with equipment failure....after all, what would any of us do if it worked, then stopped.

Surgery is hard on the recovery side of things, so I truly empathize with you in the concern regarding having to have replacement work "back to back" and so soon.

Hoping all of the best for you,

I am sorry to hear about your struggles with the stimulator. I have the same stimulator. It doesnt work at all for me. I would say for you, It would be tiring to keep having surgery. And the chances of infection. I know I was told by my drs they can only replace the box. They refuse to take the leads out because of the risks. so I dont know if a new stimulator is an option. ( every dr is different. Some may not be afraid to remove the leads like mine are.) I would get a second opinion from another dr if possible.

i so agree
my observation has been
most time all is well during trial
the problem you speak of seems
to be a given for some

what i do not get
isn't there a survey
of the company and the SCS model
have seen many patients have
problems with the leads staying in
place until it fasten permanently
and it literally fuse itself to your body
and hope it act as one
this is only my observation
as i was recommended a pain pump
opted not to have it
as my surgeries were nightmares
and then get breast cancer
had my share of surgeries
my last ortho surgeon
said "there are to many things going on"
"it wouldn't help"

there are however successful stories
and i pray all be well with you
and for everything to work out
it is a helluva road
blessings

Emily
i'm sorry for you
may you
find peace also
blessings

I am inclined to agree with Hannabananna (HB). Seems like too many surgeries. A second opinion might be a good idea.

Not saying this is the case; but sometime $$$$ play a part in the decision for procedures, surgeries, etc. Reps, working for SCS get commissions. We would like to hope this does not enter the picture.

When I had failed trial SCS, rep didn't even say "goodbye" when the different programs he tried did not work and that I was not planning to do another trial. Beforehand, he was my "best friend".

Again, a second opinion might be a good idea. Hopefully your Primary Care doctor can recommend someone reliable.

Wishing you feeling better and less pain.


Gerry

...and Welcome!

I think Ger has read my mind b/c that's exactly what I was gonna say...
there is a lot of $$ involved and they need to get it RIGHT. You aren't a pin cushion for goodness sake.
I'm so sorry you are going thru this and like everyone has said, I'd surely get a 2nd opinion.

Please keep us posted

Caring,
Rae

I agree it should be made right. I also understand the concern about repetitive surgeries. I have been there and felt that. It is not easy at all. Doc should be made to understand the anguish involved in having it fail. You might need to check with someone else regarding the obligation Boston Scientific Owes You, the consumer of their equipment.

This is not right, not right at all,