Hi MZ33 and welcome to NeuroTalk!

You've posted your question on a "sticky" thread ('Sticky' threads are created by moderators or administrators, and remain 'stuck' to the top of the listing, even if they haven't had any posts recently. Their purpose is to keep important information visible and accessible at all times) and these threads often don't get the traffic that other forum threads get so I copied your post into it's own thread on the Spinal Disorders forum. Here is a link......http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread143383.html

Hi Rae,
I'm new to this forum but found it in my quandry to try SCS. The Ins. Co. actually requests a Psyc eval in order to proceed? So after a few sessions, I came to a roadblock but not from my Psy eval. Can I get an MRI with this stimulator in place?
I Don't think so! I've worked in radiology for 30+ years. I've had everything from radio-ablation to a laminotomy in 2004. I've found norco to be my friend in keeping my legs and lo back pain at bay and under control.
I do think that some of these Pain Doc secialists get a tad negative of not gettin their patients off the pain meds, But my Neury Doc thought that I was on a manageable amount...about 60 - 75 mg a day, prior to my surgery in 04 I was on 100 norco and 100 methadone a day But I could function and have a quality of life.

Oh by the way... Great idea to have a specific forum for SCS. Good luck, I'll be back
MK

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

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

Has anyone recommended changing to a different brand of SCS? That suggestion was just made to me. If you don't mind me asking, are you suffering from CRPS or another condition?

Welcome to NT!
We now have a forum specific to SCS/Pain Pump discussion! Here is the link to get you there
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118
It's a very active forum and lots of info!

We were actually just discussing the issue of changing manufacturers.
I hope to see you there!

Rae

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.