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.