I was told that I would be a great candidate for the SCS. After watching the DVDs, reading the brochures, and watching videos of people who've had the SCS, I'm not convinced that I want to even do the trial. The success rates were really low. Is there anyone here with a success story?

Welcome!

Glad you found our little SCS/PP forum!
Believe me, I know how you are feeling!! After I read the brochure I ran and hid from my Dr for 2 more years. . I thought for sure I would find Something that would work for me instead of this. But yeah, I went back to my Dr with egg on my face.

I am very happy with mine!! It's been 4 yrs! It does wonders as far as covering my burning RSD pain in both legs and little bit coverage in my lower back. Now if only I could get all my other issues fixed

You'll get lots of great feedback and support here so do stick around. There's plenty of ups and downs as you read thru the threads and posts. You'll get the real scoop here from real people. that's what I like so much about this place.
Check out the upper level of the forum, called the 'Stickies'. a lot of good info!
Here's a site that describes everything about the SCS better than any other I've come across:

http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-STIM.htm#.UzmS_Y1OXIU

It's great to have you with us! Make yourself right at home!
Rae

Hello and welcome to our world! Some of us here have had more issues then others mine is covering the area I originally had pain in and we have "tweeked" it several times for additional coverage in some areas. I am on my 3rd unit. 1st unit I ran through the battery in no time. My second one the leads were disconnected during a fall in which I dislocated my shoulder. This unit will be at its "end of life" in the next year or two I will have it replaced at that time. I can honestly tell you I would literally not been able to live any longer the way it was. It took YEARS for my diagnosis to be made. I saw many different orthopedic, primary care and pain management doctors. In the end I went to an orthopedic Dr who took care of the Nebraska football players. When he walked into the exam room he was looking at my xrays and reports from others, was sounding like the same old tap and dance, then he LOOKED at me, looked at my leg and told me without even touching me what my diagnosis was! He was quiet frank about the prognosis since it had taken so long to be diagnosed but he started me down the correct path. Im not saying the SCS is perfect but it does cover the areas that the leads were placed to cover. As my areas of pain spread I have had different treatments for those areas. There are other success stories on this site but most of those come around occasionally. Look for Mark56 threads for his entire journey through his own personal hell and back. Don't give up hope keep looking and keep trying to find what works best for you!
z

I have had my Nevro Senza SCS for around four months, so still early days and being fine tuned, but so far I am really pleased with it and can generally reduce my pain levels by about 50% by using the different programs and power levels available to me.

Get a little bit miffed with charging every couple of days, but it's a small inconvenience and I am sure it will become habitual in time.

All the best, Wingy

I have my unit for 4 years this August. It's the best thing that has ever happened to me. After going from practically living my life from the bed to the couch I now can get out and about. I have failed back syndrome so my pain is in my lower back and both legs. This has helped me tremendously. I have had some tweaking some too and as the years have gone by my leads have settled in more which means less movement in them. This means I get better coverage too.
Best part for me is the relaxation it brings for me. Before I looked drawn. People told me I looked gaunt. But now I'm told I look so much better in recent years. And that's due to this stim helping me along the way.
There are lots of success stories on here. People from all walks of like and every type of ailment too. So well worth looking around the site and find their stories.
I hope it all goes well for you and that this is helpful

Hi Wingy, thanks for your input.
How long does your battery last? The doc I spoke to today said it had to be recharged everyday, which isn't always convenient in my job. I am having my trial next week with the view to having the Nevro SCS fitted within a couple of weeks of the trial if all goes well. Starting to get butterflies about it. Look forward to following your progress.

Phil

I normally get 48hrs before i need to recharge, it helps if you can knock the power usage down a bit a night.

I find that I can charge up whilst doing odd jobs around the house no problem, just keep an eye that you are getting a good charge connection otherwise charging can go on a bit.

Good luck with the trial, hope it goes well for you.

Oh and remember that there is a wash in period (delay) before benefits are felt.

Wingy

Hi Phil, I've got a Nevro Senza as well. In the main I charge every day, I do have mine on 24/7 and some days it charges quicker than others. There are also days when for one reason or another I miss charging, not often mind, but it does happen and it's not the end of the world. So long as you don't let it run completely out of charge there are no issues.

Thanks Pamela & Wingy for your feedback. It's always better to get real life experiences. Had a talk to the Nevro Rep on Friday as well and found out a bit more, so now just the nervous wait till Monday arvo.

Hi Phil, good luck with the implant. There is a bloke on NT called Mark56, take some time to read his recommendations following your implant. He has coined it BLAST.
B No Bending
L No lifting
A it's an acronym and he had nothing for it, I included for myself ASK for help
S No stretching
T No twisting the body to put on seat belts
Truly the trial implant caused me no discomfort, more it was the frustration of the dang leads catching on things and the removal of the leads also caused no pain or discomfort at all.

Here are some extra suggestions to help you with the trial period to make sure you get the most out of it and also for when you have the actual implant done.

Post surgery
1. Follow Mark56 BLaST really limit bending, lifting, straining, stretching or reaching out and twisting - that includes being careful after number twos...
2. Have a stock of pre cooked or ready made meals in the freezer.
3. Don't stack or unpack the dishwasher, hand wash dishes as you go.
4. Move milk from bottom fridge door to higher point so as to not reach down.
5. Get someone else to clean house, load and unload washing machine, hang washing or put in clothes dryer and fold up on removal, strip beds and remake etc etc.
6. Have a friend or family member wash your hair if you need it washing, don't be tempted to do it yourself as you shouldn't be lifting your arms above shoulder height.
7. Remove anything like rugs or mats on the floor that could cause you to trip.

Once you have the implant done if trial successful, all of the above plus;

A. For the next 8 weeks every time you move imagine you are walking on ice and you want to take all precaution not to slip or fall. It will make you move slower and with emphasis on being careful.
B. Mark off on your calendar when you can begin to do things so you are not tempted to throw bales of hay, prepare celebratory meals, drive long distances, do the weekly shopping or get carried away with exercise.
C. Establish a routine to charge your battery and remember just because you feel good and look good doesn't mean it's all healed up inside....
D. Most of all, take your time and enjoy the recovery and journey back to living a full life.

All us SCS dudes and dudettes are here for you post surgery. Good luck and we will be thinking of you. :