NeuroTalk Support Groups - Spinal Cord Stimulator/Pain Pump Information

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Spinal Disorders & Back Pain (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/)

- - Spinal Cord Stimulator/Pain Pump Information (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/114113-spinal-cord-stimulator-pain-pump-information.html)

Feel free to contact me on this topic

I have both peripheal and scs implant. Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rrae (Post 619254)

Hello
I am wondering if there are many here who have interest in these implantable units for chronic pain?
It seems there are more and more folks coming to the board looking for info on these units. For some reason, especially lately, it seems doctors are practically forcing people to get these units.
I am scheduled to get the SCS later this month.
I usually post on the RSD forum, as there are quite a few folks there with the stimulators and/or pain pumps.

We have put in a request to open a new forum or subforum specifically for discussion on this topic.

Are there many here on the Spinal and Back Pain forum who would be interested in having this forum? If so, would you be willing to share your stories and experiences for the benefit of those seeking out this information.

Reason for asking, there are SCS posts scattered throughout a few other forums and it would be very convenient to have a forum that people could go to without having to do a 'search' on all the other forums.

People are very hungry for info on this!
Thank you all

Rae

A tortured trail of successful SCS outcome...

I may be the only(?) that has had both the Medtronic and Boston Scientific SCS systems implanted.
I have been suffering a pinched L5 nerve for several years. The Doctor's and I have a good idea of where it is most likely pinched, there is no conclusive evidence via an MRI. Over the years before I had SCS implanted I tried just about all the different procedures from injections to nerve ablation with no result.
In February 2009 I had the Medtronics Ultra Restore implanted after a very successful trial. The therapy delivered probably saved my life - we all know the battles with chronic pain....
Everything was going quite well until March of 2010. One of the leads got bunched up and required revision surgery. Starting in November of 2010 I started having a deep pain that -to me - felt like it was coming from my spine. As the month progressed it became a bit worse and knew it was time to see a new Surgeon (I had lost faith in the first one) . About a week before my appointment I had several attachs of a deep indescribably pain that just froze me in place and speechless for les than a minute. Ended up at the ER. The x-ray showed one of the two leads had dropped three inches and the excess wire was pushing up against my spine and probably pushing on the Central Rami that runs down the back of the spine. At the ER they were able to move the wire just pushing gently on my back so the lead was no longer on top of that area.
Several days later I had the entire system explanted. Then I had to wait 30 days for the surgery to heal completely. My new Surgeon implanted the Boston Scientific system via a small laminoctomy on February 3, 2011.
My initial feeling is they both provide - for me - very good relief. I find a large part of the success is the how the "buzzing" acts as a distraction from the pain has much as decreasing the pains overall intensity.
It's only three weeks with the new but already know the pluses and minuses of each companies system. I will be posting more about my experience with the Boston Scientific and explain what I see as the differences in the products.
If anyone has questions I will do my best to answer - but please be patient..

I have had my scs since febuary 2009 and the first year was great. This second year I have more pain and have had to turn it up higher and higher. I went to the doctor who said all he could do would be to implant a second stimulator. I'm still tring to work but fined it getting harder each day. I was told I do not qualify for disability. Do you have any suggestions ?

Constantly in pain

Donnap9:(:(

I saw your post and it caught my eye, as I am dealing with some VERY similar issues to what you describe!

I see you've been a member since 2009, so you probably already know this, but just in case, I wanted to make sure you knew there is a forum here for SS Disability.....here's the link..
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=28

There are some very knowledged folks there who can really help you in this area.....
Also, there's a forum here specific to SCS's.....in the main menu, it's listed as a subforum in the "Medications & Treatments" section....
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

Feel free to come on over there and you will probably get some good feedback regarding the SCS....

Caring!
Rae
:hug:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rrae (Post 619254)

I think a Spinal and back pain forum is a great idea I would love to talk about my fusion and share my knowledge, but most of all learn from others. It would allow this site to be less scattered.

I am new to the site and forum. I have suffered w/chronic back and leg pain for years. I am scheduled for some injections next week and the Dr is also suggesting a SCS. I know nothing about either. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I also spent countless hours trying to find a site with a forum on thisw topic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rrae (Post 629740)

Click on the link in the post Chemar provided right above your post and it'll direct you straight to the new SCS forum.
Lots of folks willing to share!
I have sent you a visitor message

Hope to see you on the SCS forum!

How do you get to the SCS Forum?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rrae (Post 619254)

Yes I would like to see more on SCS as my Dr. is suggesting this may be an option for me to consider

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

Here is our SCS forum which discusses SCS and other implantable devices for back pain:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum118.html

Have SCS since 2003

I've had my scs since 2003. I've had 8 back surgery's and 2 two scs surgerys. If it wasn't for the scs, I wouldn't be able to walk, work or exercise. Unfortunately I now have the Thoracic problems with disc, which this unit does not help. Mine controls both legs, and lower back. The arachnoiditis I suffer from is almost painless, unless I totally over due it, due to the scs. If I don't have it on, withing 1 hour I"m in a level 10 pain. So yes, this unit is wonderful.