Is an SCS a good idea for chronic back pain
 

Hi all,

Im after some advice if anyone could help?
I suffer from chronic lower backpain with peripheral pain in my legs, does anyone know if the SCS will have any affect on my back pain as ive heard it is good for peripheral but might not work on the main back pain...

Anyone have any thoughts?
:confused:

Chris,

SCS & Pain Pumps now have their own subforum in the Medications & Treatments forum. See:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

Doc

Thankyou Dr Smith, ill have a look see at the forum.

wouldnt want to be in 'Danger, Danger' (from lost in space also) im not mad honest !!

I was told don't do it
 

My Dr talked to me a few months ago about getting the stimulator put in so I talked tommy pain management about it he says he doesn't recommend it for me said to be honest it will work for a little bit but then won't help me so it would be a waste of time getting. Now again yesterday my surgeon said something about it again he went from talking about fixing my incomplete fusion to have the stimulator put in even wrote my pain management dr a note for me to give him about it. My husband, mother and everyone else said don't get it. Now far as the pump goes my mothers dr wanted her to get that but she declined because she did some searching on it and found out they have to cut out a space in your back for the box and you will go through more problems with it then you already have.

My name is Anthony and I am a 43 Year old Male. I was an extremely active Weekend warrior. In 2010 I was diagnosed with a tumor on my spine. I was advised to have it removed. I had the surgery and my entire life changed for the worst. After surgery I was left with blunt nerve trauma scar tissue and severe chronic pain. The pain started at the surgical spot wentdown my spine and radiated to my left abdoman. It was determined that another surgical procedure was not an option. My strong will allowed me to return to work for a few months. Than I could no longer answer the bell and went out sick..From 6 16 2012 I was under the care of pain management..Pain pills..Facet blocked shots. Epidurals..radio frequency ablation..Nothing worked..I than became a candidate for a spinal implant trial.In April 2012 The procedure was scheduled. The doctor attempted to place the leads into my spine and failed...The scar tissue was impenitrable ..I thought I was never going to work or play again..I was so depressed. My doctor knew how badly I missed my life. He referred me to another pain management specialist..Dr.Sue DoOuro of Beth isreal in manhattan NY..She scheduled the same procedure..She was unabsorbed topenitrate the scar tissue but did a work around..she placed 2 leads in my spine one up and one down...She changed my life.The trial was a success..I was still utilizing pain medal but notas much...I was amazed. So was my family..I was no longer hand cuffed to my bed..I am one of the lucky ones...Dr. DoOuro than scheduled me for the perminant implant...The implant went in on 6-1-2012...The stitches were removed on 6-13 and miraculously ...I returned to work on 6-18..I am currently on modified duty but after a year of hopelessness ..I am a productive and extremely happy guy. I don't think I could ever do karate or play softball again..but I can go to work..go fishing and enjoy my family..I cant speak for anyone but myself but medtronics and Dr. DoOuro have given me my life back..I still take some pain medication but not nearly the amount I was taking before the implant..Thank you for reading my life changing story. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have..I must get some sleep now I must wake up for WORK at 5 am..

I have a SCS..I don't know your situation but this device gave me my life back. If you doctor believes you are a candidate..Go for it. If facet blocked shots -Epidurils - and Radiofrequency ablation cant control your pain..Maybe a SCS is the way to go. At least try the 5-7 day SCS trial..the lead or leads will be placed in your spine and you will have a temporary. Wire sticking out of your back. You will have the opportunity to feel the benifits of the device...it is a bit painful at the entry point..but if your pain was close to the horror I felt before the implant. You may benifit from the SCS like I did..My permanent implant was placed on 6-1-2012..my stitches removed ON 6-13-2012 BACK TO WORK ON 6-18...Priceless....good luck.

Hi Rrae
 

I may be off the beaten path, but I do think doctors are forcing people to get the SCS pump. For what ever reason I did not quallify. I still got the fusion however C3-7. Pain isn't so good, and I often wonder if this isn't going to come up again as I take pain medications. I don't want the pump in any case, not really. Without the meds however I would be in trouble I think. Not much choice is given it seems. If the doctors want you to have the SCS, then thats what the patient does. My spine is not holding up that good. I wonder indeed, if at some point, this issue will be presented. I hope that your decision with your doctor works out Rrae. This pain is no fun. I will pray that it does relieve your pain. ginnie:hug:

Another productive week with my Spinal Cord Stimulator
 

Another Friday in the books..That makes four weeks in a row Working. WHAT A LOAD OFF MY MIND. I was staring social security in the face 7 WEEKS AGO..Now I'm working..Playing with my grand kids and going fishing. Im an A type personality and at times I have been pushing my body a bit much..The medtronics people told me that my implants power will only last about 3 MONTHS...THan They will put in a re chargeable device...The last thing I need is another operation..Click my name and read my story..maybe it canhelp guide you with your decision to get a Spinal cord stimulated....Mine has 3 programs and I'm cranking them to 8.50 or better. THATS THE LOWEST SETTING THAT GIVES ME SOME RELIEF. Unfortionatly I still require pain medication at the end of my work day and at night. But without this implant...I was practicly bed ridden..I also lost about 12 pounds of belly just.moving around working...I'm now a stealth 174....I'm learning how to adjust to life with my implant...but its a Life..not a doped up immobile drain on my family...Thank you technology..And thank you Dr. DoOiro....NYC..if anyone has questions feel free to reply..I am AN OPEN BOOK....,GOOD LUCK.

Anthony,
 

As was posted in the 2nd post in this thread, discussions of SCS & Pain Pumps have their own forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

This thread is basically dead.

Doc

I had a spinal cord stimulator implant where the leads were placed at about the T4 level and the device was in my left hip. I have had numerous cervical and lumbar issues. Obviously where they put the implant it was to help my lumbar region. I had low back pain; peripheral neuropathy of the left leg from the knee down. I kept the device in for 5 years at which point it was removed. In the beginning it seemed to be effective but eventually it became less and less effective, thus they removed the device. It just was doing absolutely nothing for me at one point in time.

I didnt try have a SCS implant in the neck since I have Harrington rods and there was absolutely no room to place the device. They could have removed the rods but I was told it was too dangerous to remove the rods.

If you do have SCS done you will go thru a psych evaluation first, then a trial SCS. If that works then onto a permanent one. Just remember that if you have a SCS implant done you CAN NOT have an MRI done.

help
 

:mad: Hello,I am new to this site,but not new to the insane pain that I have endured since 2005. I was injured in a industrial accident in Missouri and was denied surgery for over three years .When I finally received surgery in 08 much of the pain was relieved,they removed two discs and put in rods and plates and screws and bridged my spine...ever since i have had major nerve damage and just insane pain in my lower back as well as numbness in my legs and this huge knot at the top of my right buttocks about the size of a softball that is excruciatingly painful and the pain goes down my leg to my foot..cant sit to long cant stand to long cant bend over or lift......what a pain in the ***..lol..but my drs cant seem to do anything for me ....tried every drug known from hydrocodone to morophine,nurontin,percocet,the patches,multiple spinal injections,spinal stimulator which failed in the trial...and i am at my ropes end ,,,,the drugs just made me loopy and I would still hurt just couldnt drive or havemuch of a life,so i took myself off of the drugs,,,now that the pain has increased and i considered drugs again the damn drs. wont give em to me...something about new policy got to go thru the pain clinic....so i went,the dr. there wouldnt give me pain meds either but suggested the pain pump and was recommending it to be scheduled when the only Dr that did these in there system resigned and flew back to Austria....REALLY...So they left me hanging to do my own research and find my own help....Damn what a world of help...Any one know about pain pumps or someone I can talk to?

Rae, I am new to the site but my very reason for joining is to get information about the pump OR stim unit. I am to the point of having to choose and all I have is the info from my doctors.

My name is Wayne,new to this site. My date for the pain pump is JAN. 7th, I wish I could talk to someone that already has one. Thanks for every ones help. Wayne

I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in 2006 and had it removed in 2011. Quite honestly for me it probably should have been removed a lot sooner then it was. I think I was kidding myself that it was working or having some affect on my pain.

I finally made the decision to have it removed because MRI's were not allowed with the implant and I felt the MRI was the best diagnostic test for me. CT scans didn't seem to give the same quality as the MRI's and for my health reasons contrast could NOT be used .

So I am now in the process of going for the Intrathecal Pain Pump. I had the trial portion done on 12/10/12 thru 12/13/12 and was happy with the results. I am not going for the permanent implant on 1/11/13.

In addition I was able to hook up with someone that had the permanent pain pump already done and was extremely happy with the results. The pain pump for the woman I spoke to was the last chance for her to find some sort of relief. So I was glad to hook up with for a few minutes to speak to her and know someone where it was successful.

brand new candidate for spine stimulator
 

Hi all:

I just saw a dr regarding the St Jude Spinal stimulator and am quite concerned what I am reading. I have had multiple neck and back surgeries and find that pain medication no longer works. I have tried and done just about everything over 15 plus years including steriod injections, physical therapy and multiple surgeries...

I am overwhelmed and would love to hear from other members.

I too have the exact same questions here....I'm confused.

im here re implant too

Wayne:

I saw that you are having the pain pump on Jan. 7. I go in Jan. 11 for mine. But mine is the Medtronic unit.

I know Medtronic has what is called an Ambassador Program I believe is what it is called. If I understood it correctly you can hook up with people that have already been the route and can give feed back on their experiences.

After my trial was done, I hooked up with someone that had the permanent implant, not sure how long before, but she swore by it. She was at the end of her rope as to the pain and if the pump didn't work I don't know what she would have done. But in here case she swore by.

In the other posts it seems there are some that have concerns specifically in posts about St. Jude. What are your concerns? Can you clarify what you are concerned about?

I have been thru the SCS and now the trial end of the Intrathecal Pain pump. Would be glad to address any concerns. My SCS was a Medtronic as will be the Pain Pump. I dont know much about St Jude Medical outside of the fact that the manufacture the devices.

Unsure wether I should have SCS
 

Hi I'm new to this so please forgive me if I've posted in the wrong place. I'm having a spinal cord stimulator implanted in march and I am a bit unsure if I should go through with it. I have failed back surgery syndrome from two michrodiscectomys , I have been on a lot of different pain medication combinations and at the moment I am taking 6 x 50 tramadol 8 paracetamol and 600 pregabalin and 20 amatriptaline daily which only just takes the edge of my pain. I have been on a 16 day pain management program which I found very helpful but I still suffer with a lot of sciatic pain in mostly my left leg but also my right, and also lower back pain. I am 40 in march of this year and I feel I can't continue on the amount of pain meds I take for the rest of my life. I had the SCS trial in dec 12 and it was successful it was a bit of a strange sensation but one which I could learn to live with, the best part was the fact that I had a full 6 hours sleep without being woke up in pain. I have read some information on the SCS implant but I am worried about complications etc and I would be grateful if there is anybody who can tell me of their experiences with it, like the op itself, the recovery period, the battery life and anything else you feel would help me with my decision. I live in lancashire England. Thank you for reading my post I appreciate any replies Janeydon

Thanks for this info....my mom has severe spinal stenosis and I am so happy there are new alternate aids for back pain

I am sorry your mum is in pain, I hope that she can find some sort of relief soon,and I'm glad you have found something which you can now research and fingers crossed it leads to the relief she has been searching for. I know how hard life can be in pain and I'm glad I have found this site, because some of the information people have posted on here really helps. THANKS EVERYONE :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::

Just received Spinal Stimulator Implant
 

Hello, I'm new to here. I have had 7 surgeries with Reconstruction to many parts of my body since 2003. I was in a OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) IED Humvee acident on 5/13/2003. I ended up having 2 broken wrist, Rt broken hand, Crushed Rt lower extremity(had 8 pins in foot/2 srews in each side of ankle/steel rod lower leg), Shattered left knee from shrpnl, Rt elbow very hyber extented broken (pinkie touched back of rt shoulder), both shoulders dislocated, broken rt collar bone, broken nose, broken ribs, and finally multiple crushed disc. Also Military lost all of my entire military career file (June 1985 to when I got hurt 2003). I guess that it. I've had almost every pain medications availible. Dilaudid and morphine is just like taking a tylonel for me.
Anyways, well I just had a Spinal Stimulator implant surgery last month Feb 2013. It was the worst pain I every felt the next day. I'm very tolerant to pain. But this surgery hurted me the most. I could'nt caugh nor move my upper and lower extremities. Just before I left the post op to come home. I had turned on the Implant. I only had felt it working in my left back rib area. I had asked is that is normal. The assured me that I will feel more as time goes on. I had a post 2 weeks appt where I had an Hematoma where the implant was installed. The dr took 17 cc's of fluid out of the hematoma. Then 3 days later I had to go into my local ER and have them check on the hematome. Which came back. The ER dr took 22 cc's out. Now a few days ago I went in to my Spine Doc to checked out my hematoma and get my implant programmed. When I went in for this appt I had went to my medical dr ahead of time for some Xrays. I brought the Xrays in to the spine doc and they did try to program the implant. A half hour went by without them trying to program thi thing. They finally looked at my xrays and it turned out that the Electrodes had moved of the spine. So now after all this I have to get a redo surgery. Ast the old sying "No pain no gain". Yeah right! I'm just o tired of the pain. Not to mention I have liver disease due to meds and also Diabetes. Sucks! Sorry so long I just had to vent! Plus still fighting the govt for my military benifits, retirement, disbility. They owe me almost 10yr of backpay. :confused: :mad:

:eek:WOW to say you have been through it would be an understatement !! I am grateful for your response and for giving me so much personal detail and want to thank you for giving me an insight as to what can happen. I have been researching for a while now and I am really un-sure as to wether or not to go ahead with it:confused:whilst I have been waiting I have had a breakdown. I have had so much going on lately that I just couldn't take it anymore and I just snapped. I feel that now is not the right time to go ahead with it, also I don't think I would be allowed to. I have been through all the trials and tests and passed with flying colours but now things are a different story. I believe that things happen for a reason and possibly that my breakdown has meant me putting the implant of the SCS on hold or maybe even "off" for good reason. Some of the "horror" stories I have been reading about are quite scary!! But I am glad that I have had the opportunity to research. So once again thank you and I do hope things improve for you very soon. :winky::Thanx:

scs
 

I had a scs implant on Jan 1,2013 it has been and up and down battle with me
I have had to have it reprogram several times and its still not working right
Still have alot of pain with this it worked good the first month so not sure what is going on with it I have another appt with company that put it in so
I guess we will go from there and I will let you know what happens

Yes, please have a spinal stimulator forum. I have been referred for the St. Jude stimulator. Don't like what I'm finding out about the subject. Dolores

Does anybody know of the long-term results of the spinal stimulators? Anbody who has had one in with success for over 2 years, 5 years, 10 years? I'm assuming that once the doctor's implant it, it's supposedly in for the rest of your life, but unfortunately, I haven't read anything about this. Their studies are for two years and that is nothing!

We do have a SCS & pain pumps as a sub forum under
Medications & Treatments
(For discussion about medications and treatments for any disease or health condition, including issues of medication toxicity.)
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum72.html
Sub-Forums: SCS & Pain Pumps
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

Hi Dolores!
 

Welcome! :hug:
It's good that you are doing a lot of checking on this. Come on over to the SCS forum in which Jo*mar gave the link. You'll get TONS of great info (both positive and not so positive) I've had mine 3 yrs now and love what it has done for my RSD/neuropathy in both legs.
The only issue I'm having is back spasms. for some reason the muscles in my back are very maaad. I suspect it's because of a migrated lead that was removed 6 months after the implant.

See ya at the forum!
Again, here's the link, just click on it:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

Start a new thread when you get there. The 'New Thread' button is in the upper left corner of the screen..
Holler if you have questions

Caring,
Rhonda
:grouphug:

Lead Replacement to paddles
 

Hi I am new, My original leads have slipped, all that gets stimulated is the bottom of my butt now. They are planning to replace with paddle leads. Of course the surgeon made it sound like I would be up doing my weekend market in just no time. I do get excellent drug coverage, and my husband makes sure that if needed all I have to do is sit and smile while I sell my lotions and soaps. I want to know am I going to even be able to do that? Three more invasive incisions, but have had the rodeo before. . Thanks Kristina

Hi Kristina!
 

Welcome!

I wish doctors would just do the paddles in the first place. there are SO many revisions being done because the percutaneous leads just don't seem to hold worth a hoot!
You'll be happy with the paddles I'm sure. they are much more secure.
Hopefully you'll have the stimulation back where it needs to be soon.

Come on over to the SCS forum! Here's the link to take you there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

You'll get a lot more feedback there!

It's great to meet you!
Rae
:grouphug:

Anyone heard about the St. Jude Stimulators
 

I had my consult with my surgeon the other day for an implant. He is going to implant the St. Jude model. I was wondering if anyone has had used them and if so how does it work for them? I would also like to know how your surgeries went for anyone that will tell my about it. I am very nervous to have this done.
I have been with back pain for 12 years. The doctor said he will make a cut in the upper part of my back and make a few holes in bones to weave the wires through so they don't move. Then another cut at the bottom of my back for the stimulator. He said it could take up to 3 hours by the time they test/x-ray and finish. Does this sound about right? I would be greatful to hear from someone.
Toni

In response to the forum
 

I have had the implant for 10 months and as of last week had it removed do to a bad experience..... I had to much upper back pain do to the paddle implanted there. I never fully recovered from having it implanted. It did work for my leg pain but but I couldn't deal with the pain from it. In my buttocks where they had put the battery pack was always pretty sore also. I am not a big person and I don't know if that is why it was so painful but I couldn't exercise much because it was extremely painful after. I would not go through this again, nor would I recommend it to any one without reading and reading the forums, to make a more valuable decision.
I am still in more pain but I will get to the bottom of this pain, but would love to chat with others......
Lu

Hello!
 

Welcome Lu!

I am so sorry to hear that your experience went this way.
Thank you so much for sharing it because people really need to hear both sides. You are so right in saying that much research must be done before deciding on the implant.

So, last week is when you had it removed.
I was wondering if you did a trial implant prior and if so, how did it go?
Come on over to the actual SCS forum and share this with us! Here's the shortcut link to take you there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

When you get to the forum, click on the 'New Thread' box near the upper left corner so you can start a thread of your own. That way more people will see it. Share your experience over there. I really think it's important that people read your experience.
Lots of great people at the SCS forum, so come check it out!

It's great to have you!
Rae
:grouphug:
btw, the SCS forum can be found via the main menu here at NT. It is listed as a 'sub-forum' under 'Medications & Treatments'

Hi Toni!
 

Yes, that's the process. From what you are describing, your surgeon will do the laminectomy procedure and probably insert paddle leads. By doing it this way, you will have a much less chance of your leads migrating. A lot of Dr's simply insert percutaneous leads, and end up having to go the route your Dr is going. Percutaneous leads are simply attached to the dura within the spine as opposed to being more secured thru the bone.
He knows what he's doing.

Please come check out the SCS forum where the active posting is.
Lots of good support and many testimonies!

Here's the link that takes you there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

Rae
:grouphug:

I agree i was scheduled to have one but my insurance got canceled on me so yes it would be helpful

Hi Walter,

This is a very old thread/post. There has been a separate sub-forum for SCS & Pain Pumps in the Medications & Treatments forum for a while now. ;)

Doc

crps
 

Hello sweetscnts17,i am really sorry you are going through so much pain,i had my back fusion 4 yrs ago,still suffering.My nerostimulator was a failure,they were going for at least 50%pain relief i only recieved 5%.But from what i read it has been a relief for some,i think it has to do with the Dr doing it.It is up to you to go through it you are the one in pain,and if it works out great no more pain meds that slowly kill you.GOOD LUCK :hug:

Questions
 

I had the disc between L4 and L5 removed a year ago. This helped until I took a fall last August. Currently I spend up to $400 a month on pain meds. I'm thinking of getting an implant later this year.
I'm hoping that anybody out there will let me know about their neuro stimulator implant experience. My medical team as given me the choice of three stimulator options, (St. Jude medical, Medtronic and Boston Scientific). Do have any thoughts about the three options?
Thank you

Hi Jawalla!
 

Welcome!

Come over to the new SCS/Pain Pump forum which was formed since this thread was started!

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

You can find it in the "Medications & Treatment" forum, listed as a sub-forum.

Will be anxious on what you end up deciding. There is plenty of great support and information regarding SCS's over at the forum.

Rae
:grouphug:

Looking for pain relief, over pills, blocks and fusions
 

Hi guys in 1978 I was injured while I was serving in the army. This involved damage to upper and lower spine, along with my right collar bone joint being dislocated at the neck end. As the years have gone by my symptoms have worsened. I now have a spinal fusion in my neck C6/7. I also have had the collar bone shoulder end surgically removed and have torn my right bicep tendon completely shredded so the bicep sits in a ball above my elbow. The surgeon advised that there is nothing more he can do.
I am seriously considering getting a spinal stimulator. My pain specialist advises that first there is a trial where electrodes are implanted in the upper and lower neck. After implantation the wires stick out of the back and are connected to a battery that sends out high frequency signals. The levels are changed each day in effort to find the greatest pain relief level. If we can get more than 50% pain relief then back into hospital to run the leads under the skin and down to the newly implanted battery.
My question is as follows, Is the pain of going through implantation justified by longer term relief. I would appreciate as much input as possible so I can make an informed decision. Your assistance appreciated.