I fell down a flight of stairs in 1998 in the house I had closed on 2 weeks earlier causing me to have a anterior cervical discectomy in which they installed a titanium plate with 4 screws. I returned to work as a plumbing supervisor about 9 months later. I had about 80 men working for me in several different buildings and some of the men needed some fittings so I went to the truck to get them only to stand up in the back of the truck and hit the rung of a ladder on the back of my neck only to dislodge the plate and screws which caused the good vertebrae which they attached the plate to to tear out and cut off the spinal fluid to my brain which made it necessary to have emergency surgery. Until this point I was in very little pain or at least manageable. During the 2nd surgery they accidentally cut my esophogus while trying to put my neck back together. I now have 4 fused vertebrae and have been in pain ever since. I lost everything at that time (house,wife,truck etc.) I was declared disabled in 2004. The fall has left me with a vestibular condition which controls balance, as well as failing hearing and eyesight not to mention loss of memory prior to 1998. Prior to the fall I can't remember ever having a headache and now I have one at least 18 hours a day along with acute neck and shoulder pain. Only when I am able to sleep do I get any relief. I have tried TENS units to no avail, many pain meds and now I am looking at SCS as an alternative. I have viewed the dvd the Dr. sent home with me and I have read numerous threads in a few different forums. After reading some threads and viewing you tube videos I am skeptical about having the SCS. I am a 52 year old man who is very limited in the exercise I can do. I am 5'10" 190 lbs, I used to be 6'1" and 215 lbs. Walking and even standing causes discomfort. I would appreciate any information on exercises I could do and any information on someone who has had sucess with the SCS. Thanks mstrplmber

Hi ~ My gosh, you've sure had an awful time! Bless your heart -- I'm so sorry you're having so much pain.

I encourage you to at least TRY the SCS for the trial period. These have been able to reduce pain in MANY people!!! I had one for 6 months, but due to other problems, I had to have it taken out. My problems are in the lumbar spine.

During the trial period for the SCS you'll be able to see if the unit WILL reduce your pain, and how much it will reduce it. Of course during the trial you will have limitations on what you can do, but you must give it a good try in order to assess the pain reduction. You have nothing to lose to just try it.

I wish you the very best. The SCS HAS given many people their lives back, and I'm hoping you'll be one of them. God bless & let us know what happens. Hugs, Lee