Hi
This is my first time on the forum. I live in Dublin Ireland. And on the 5th August 2010 I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted. This is a result of my Failed Back Syndrome. Ive had a problem with my back since Feb 2005. Ive had a disectomy, 2 Spinal Fusions, and then the metal removed but still no relief. Ive now been left with neuropathetic pain down my left leg and some of my right leg. Also a 'heaviness' in my lower back, Unfortunately, the surgeries I endured were of no benefit whatsoever. In fact, in hindsight it was the worst mistake of my life.
So I was sent to a Pain Management Clinic and my Consultant assured me that I would benefit from an SCD. It took over 2 years to get to the point where the Stimulator was implanted. Because you have to go thru other pain reliefs and then to a psychologist to assess you before they will implant.
So I have mine implanted now just under 2 weeks, so far so good. At present Im still having pain from the wounds where the implant took place. But overall I find it very relaxing. It is helping me somewhat. Im unable to be very mobile for 6/8 weeks until it all settles down so I cant really say if it is working to its full potential. But I will say that it relaxes me. It is definitely helping with some of the pain which I have in my leg. but I need it to be tweaked to make the signals go to my lower back some more.
I would say make sure you are well informed. Check out all the literature that is available. I was given a dvd and a book explaining the whole procedure and what to expect. I also had to go thru a trial to see if the stimulator would be beneficial.
Not sure if that is of any help to you. BTW where are you from?

Jackie

It's so good to have you!

I see you found your way to the SCS forum, so I'll see you over there!
I've had one in for 5 months and love it!

Rae

Hi Jackie,
I live up north, Belfast, I would like to know about the spinal cord stimulator.


Trevor

So all those who HAVE had one implanted...how long is the recovery time? I mean really? How long before you can lift and stuff. I have two small children...2 years and 4 months. I can't just NOT care for them. However, the pain is getting worse and the blocks and junk aren't helping. The doctor really wants to try this, but I can't seem to get any clear answers in my hours of research.

Welcome to NT!
I just wanted to let you know that we have a very active forum here specific to SCS/Pain Pump discussion. Here is the link to get you there:

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

Hope to see you over there!

Rae

HI!...new here. Just had the trial sps put in yesterday. I am diagnosed with lupus, hashimotos, ra, degenerative disc disease and stenosis, had a laminectomy, disectomy, and lumbar fusion. I have been working with pain medicine for too long, and had really good results with pain medication. I was able to go about my normal routine until the pain medicine folks started acting like everyone with chronic pain problems were just drug addicts. No one likes to take the stuff but, after the morning dose, I was in pretty good shape. Thus the trial of the sps. So, I know from the MRI 3 months ago, that the area above and below the fusion is a mess, and a new cyst has grown around the nerve bundle. There is also cervical degenerative disease. My problem? I don't see a huge difference from the sps, and if pain meds were doing the trick, why go for more surgery. If it looks like I will need more back surgery, why permanently put the sps in, if it isn't doing all that much...after much reading, I have read that more of the folks dealing with auto immune issues have such trouble after sps surgery. ...honestly, I am so disappointed with everything. After serving 8 years in the Navy and 3 in the Guard, then being a hospice nurse, I'm just stuck, doing nothing..just because of pain. The temp sps comes out Friday morning, and I just don't know what direction to go. More than anything, I just wish I had a doc that would listen!! They all keep leaving because of the constraints on pain medicine now!

Hi Leesa,

Please tell me more about your surgery to remove your SCS. I have been told that I should have mine removed. Mine caused a whole new set of pain. I too am very thin. Were they able to remove the leads totally?
Thank you.
Suzanne8

Hi Suzanne ~ Yes, the leads were removed -- everything was removed. LOL

Taking the SCS out was a little more difficult than putting it in, because scar tissue had developed around the leads and the "generator." So it took a little longer, and I was a little more "sore" afterwards, but it was nothing serious. I didn't have any big problems afterwards, although I STILL have a sensitive spot in my upper back where the leads were --- if it's touched, I get a "zing." LOL It's undoubtedly from scar tissue.

So don't worry about the removal. It's really no big deal. You'll just want to rest up for a couple of days, and after that you'll be okay except you'll have the PAIN to deal with from the original injury -- but I'm sure you expected that, right? I sure wish they could come up with SOMETHING for this darned pain! Best of luck to you Suzanne! God bless. Hugs, Lee

hurting, have you tried the thing that is like nerve burning to stop the pain? I had it done on my shoulders a couple years ago and it worked at c2. the disease I have now has spread to whole body to where my neurologist has sent me to a doctor looking at putting in 2 of the spinal stimulators at one time! if you have not tried the nerve burning, i'd try that first! i'm looking here too about these spinal stimulators, I'm scared about one unit let alone 2 units. I about to the end of the meds i can use to stop my pain. I have masses that are inoperable, and I have been on chemo for 2 years. all from uncle sams anthrax vaccine.

Hi,

My father has a SCS, he has had it for over 8 years now. This past Saturday he was brought into ER because it was malfunctioning and go stuck in the on position. He was having difficulty swallowing and urinating and getting other shocks throughout his body. Long story short, he met with his neurosurgeon and they turned everything to off, but now is waiting surgery to have it removed in two weeks.

He loved it up to this point.

Good luck with your decision.
Cathie