It's so good to hear about the SCS although I'm sorry that ya'll are having so much trouble and pain associated with it. My pain management doc keeps pushing me to get the SCS and I keep backing away. I had a REAL bad experience with my back surgery a few years ago and I don't want anyone cutting on me no matter how minimally invasive.

This thread just cemented the big NO that I gave my doc. There's nothing else that works on my pain but I'll live with that. Thanks to everyone for helping me out.

I am scheduled for the Medtronics implant the beginning of February and after reading everyone's post, I'm starting to get a little nervous. I'm glad to see that it worked for someone. I am also going to have the paddle inserted which means they are going to have to cut some bone out so I'm trying to find as much info as possible. I actually have pain throughout my entire body but the doctors said I can only chose my arms or legs. I chose my legs/lower back since that is where the pain originated from and is the worst. Can you tell me the recovery period you had? i.e. time off of work, when did you start walking, driving, etc. Any info as to what I can expect after the surgery is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!

I am very concerned!! I have 2 spinal cord implants..... so I can get relief in both the upper and lower extremities. Why wouldn't your doctor not suggest that for you?? The both work excellent for me!!

Also, I truly DO NOT understand why there would be any cutting of the bone!!!!! Both my implants (by St. Jude) sit nicely in the hip area of the small of my back. Just a cut, insert, and sew. I would seriously question why cutting of the bone is necessary. I've never heard of it!

Best of Luck Vanna

Hi Vanna,

The problem I have is that I have a very narrow opening around my spinal cord which means that there isn't a lot of room to place the leads let alone insert a paddle. So in order for me to have the paddle inserted, they will need to cut some bone out to make room for the paddle. Regarding my arms/neck area. The opening is even more narrow and my surgeon will NOT cut any bone there which was another reason I ruled out having the upper part being done. You are probably asking.....why would she want to even get the paddle then???? It's a question I have asked myself many times. The number one reason is to be active in my son's life. I want to be able to go to the park with him....have a snowball fight....chase him around the house. I can't do that now. It's sad when my son has to ask, "Mommy, how do you feel today? Can you play with me?" The worst is when I tell him that I can't. Or when I am restricted to my bed because the pain is so bad I literally can't get out of it, my son will come in and either lay with me or ask if he can get me anything. He shouldn't have to take care of me at age 6. WOW! Sorry about the sob story!!! Anyway, that's why they are taking a little piece of bone out. It is well worth it if I can be more active with my son. Plus, I'd like to be more active period. I'd like to try and start golfing again. I really miss that!!!

Thank you so much for concerns. I really do appreciate them. How was your recovery after the implant? I'm wondering what realistically to expect. I know what I've read and I know what my nurses/doctors say but I'd like to hear from people who have actually gone thru it.

Kz, check your pm, I left you a message

I had a medtronics stim placed in April09. I had to have the generator moved in Oct.09 and it is still giving me pain around that area and is protruding out. If I can not find a more comfortable place for it I think I will have to have it removed.

I have the rechargable battery implanted. It is suppose to have up to 7 year battery life. I have had mine for almost a year. You will get a recharging pack. This contains a belt that has like a big flat oval piece that u place over the battery and a box kind of like the remote that is hooked to it to. You will plug up the box and when it shows it is charged u place the belt around u with the oval piece over the battery. I have to wear mine about an hour or two depending on how long u wait to charge it. I try to charge mine once a month or when the battery shows half. My battery poket is sore so the recharging is not very comfortable. If you let the battery discharge all they way I believe they said it could take up to 4-5 hours. I hope this has helped. If you have any more questions please pm me!

I'm very thrilled that a new forum has just been created specifically for SCS and Pain Pumps. !
It's at the very top of this forum in the "Stickies", or, on the Forum main menu it is listed under "Medications".

Please go there to share your updated experiences/advice/opinions/questions ! Alot of new members are coming to the board looking for this info.

Also, there is a poll. I really want to cast my vote but I don't have my SCS in YET !!

see you there!!

Hang in there I had mine now four four weeks and its getting better every day.I do have trouble sleeping , but not due to the implant. I have the Boston Scientific and had one of the best Dr to do the work. David

Hello Jonnyrocket,
I'm considering getting the SCS inplant. I have not tried the trial part yet of the SCS. I'm very concerned with my scare tissue as well. My first surgery left me with a lot of scare tissue. Its wrapped around my nerve. My doctor tells me that there is nothing they can do about it. If they were to clean the scare tissue it would come back twice as bad. I dont really want to go threw all that if my scare tissue is so bad. I have a lot of lower back pain as well as nerve pain. What do you think?