SCS Cable Infection

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi. Long time no see.

I had my Boston Scientific SCSfitted just under 2 years ago.

The Implant was fitted in my abdomen and the cable run in 2

stages, first from the front to the side and then from the side to

the back. They 'tunnel' under the skin using a sort of metal tube

and run the cable that way, obviously they can't go straight from

the front to the back.

Where the cable is close to the surface at the side it never healed

properly and I've been on courses of antibiotics etc.

In a couple of weeks they are going to move the IPG round to

my 'tushy' and put the cable deeper under the skin and so shorten

the cable run.

The problem is being caused because the cable is close to the

surface of the skin and causing irritation and Infection.

I'll try and let you know what happens but I haven't been able to

use my computer much, partly due to painful and numb fingers

because of c-spine nerve damage and partly because of

depression. This entry has taken me more than 30 minutes and

may still have some spelling mistakes. Can't sleep either 😢.

Has anyone else had similar problems?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Oh, by the way, I am getting good results from the SCS and have

    been able to reduce my medication a bit. I just hope, still, that

    they can do something about my neck next. I fear that I may have

    to give up driving because of it.

  • Posted

    I had the IPG moved from front to back a week ago last Wednesday, it

    went well and was done in day surgery. On the following Friday I was

    in A and E with an infection. They gave me a large IV dose of antibiotics

    and a course of tablets for a week, that seems to have sorted it out.

    I had the stitches out last Friday and enjoyed the first shower for over

    a week. I'm very sore and bruised but on the mend.

    I was expecting them to have moved it to my tushy, but they have put

    it in at the level of the l4/l5 vertibrae and about 2 to 3 inches, that's

    about 5 to 7 cm in new money.

  • Posted

    Hi Mooncrow - thanks for replying to my earlier message. Is your implant for your C-spine or lumbar?  If you're having problems in both areas, I heard they can put in 2 implants.  I agree about depression - it's easy to be depressed with all of the problems and pain.  Have you tried any sleep aids?

    • Posted

      Hi Carol,

      I live in the UK. Although they have been good with me,

      the Implant is fitted for lumbar spine but they are reluctant to

      "mess" with my c-spine and won't risk problems. So it looks like

      they'll have to treat it with medications for the time being.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.