[Callahan]

I think I am ready to go for it with the scs. I am a little scared that there is something that could be surgically fixed that they are missing as my MRI's are not too bad. The pain is no longer tolerable, but I am not on very high dose meds yet.,,,well I read there are much higher doses. How did you finally say yes...let's go for it? Even to get to trial....what was your final straw?

[Hannabananna]

Hi Callahan,
My decision was mainly based on financials and no family support.It was the wrong one. I have more pain from the surgery than I had from the original injury. I now take twice the meds although I have cut back from three times....for pain from the laminectomy....2 1/2 years post op.
The original injury is in my lumbar area.....the paddle is mid back cutting thru my postural muscles. For two years it hurt to just have the weight of my arms hanging on my body. I can't push a grocery cart or push open a door.
All after being taught in rehab to use my arms to lift my body due to the lumbar injury.

IMHO....have you tried stronger meds to control the pain? You may tolerate them just fine. Hesitation (for me) is my guts telling me take a good look!!

You always have the trial and that is worth a try when you are ready.

I thought I might get the lousy experience out first...I see I still have issues with the decision.
HB

[Callahan]

HB, I am sorry to hear that you hurt worse now than before the surgery. I am scared of that as well. I did a trial in 2012 and loved it. It covered my leg pain but not my back pain. I did not get the perm as I figured if I was still going to need meds for my back.....why do it? Now, I have a new wonderful PM and he is sure he can get both my back and leg covered. He is going to see if there is a way for me to have a second trial. Not sure if this can happen. Do most people just keep going up and up on their meds? I'd rather not do that, but the pain is no longer tolerable when I sit at work. I can't jeopardize my job. I think I just need to go for it. I am very scared of post procedure surgery. I don't have any meds to cover post pain as I am tolerant to the meds I have now. I love reading your stories and I am thankful for this board amd the support you all given!

Originally Posted by Callahan

HB, I am sorry to hear that you hurt worse now than before the surgery. I am scared of that as well. I did a trial in 2012 and loved it. It covered my leg pain but not my back pain. I did not get the perm as I figured if I was still going to need meds for my back.....why do it? Now, I have a new wonderful PM and he is sure he can get both my back and leg covered. He is going to see if there is a way for me to have a second trial. Not sure if this can happen. Do most people just keep going up and up on their meds? I'd rather not do that, but the pain is no longer tolerable when I sit at work. I can't jeopardize my job. I think I just need to go for it. I am very scared of post procedure surgery. I don't have any meds to cover post pain as I am tolerant to the meds I have now. I love reading your stories and I am thankful for this board amd the support you all given!

Hi
I just wanted to pass on my comments. I have failed back syndrome and have been suffering with my back for nearly 10 years now. I got my SCS in August 2010 and it has been a lifesaver for me. It has given me 50% if not higher my life back. I ca go out now and do things I couldn't 4 years ago. Mentally I'm in a better place. As soon as I had the trial I wanted it straightaway.
Now over those 4 years the leads have settled in. At first I didn't get much relief in my lower back. But as time progressed and obviously the leads were more secure with scar tissue building up, the relief I get in my back and down my legs is second to none. It's a life saver for me.
You said you liked the trial and that you are not in much meds. Than you really should consider it. But then listen to others. Of course you are going to hear good and bad stories. But at the end of the day only you can decide and I do hope you make the right decision.

Jackie

[Rrae]

I understand right where you're at! When my Dr first presented me with the option of SCS, I ran in the other direction and hid from him for nearly 2 yrs!
It sounded completely creepy to me.

Only after I tried every possible avenue I knew of to help with my RSD in both legs/back, then I finally went back to Dr SCS with my tail between my legs and I was completely desperate by that time.
Thank goodness for the trial,, and I'm glad you've had a positive experience with yours. I went ahead with the permanent unit and was glad I did. It covers 70% of my RSD. Like Jackie, it gave me a lot of my life back. Now, that's not to say that I didn't have some issues with mine. SCS's can be a high maintenance thing, meaning repeat visits for tweaking to get the right coverage area, possible lead migration, battery issues

Like HB shares, unfortunately sometimes it doesn't have the same effect as others.....actually, I don't know of any two people having the same testimony. Each case is unique.
It's just good to hear the different stories to get a realistic idea of the different outcomes.
I wish you the best as you come to a decision. Many many questions go thru our minds as we go thru the process and you're at a great place for support no matter how you decide to go forth.

Caring,
Rae