Question about pain stimulators
Posted , 11 users are following.
Last time at the pain clinic, the dr suggested I have an electric pain stimulator inserted in my back with leads that make the pain signals in my lower back turn off somehow. That's ok, if what I have is arthritis in my back, right? But does it work for polymyalgia, if I still have that, too? This is what happens to me repeatedly: I reduce my prednisone from 30 to 25 for three or four days and suddenly I'm in the worst pain, in spots above my hips and in my arms and shoulders. The pain pills have no help for that pain, though they help with other pains, only the pred. helps, if I take the greater amount. It is maddening. I have no answer and feel desperate.
0 likes, 24 replies
Michdonn DebbieHurts
Posted
DebbieHurts, my wife used a TENS for her back a few years back and it did help. I think it would be a good starting point. Good luck! 🙂
DebbieHurts
Posted
I have been taking the 6 month Prolia shot for my bones. Is the stimulator just like a TENS machine? Seems a simpler answer than surgery to put in a thing under the skin. I'll ask about that.
patti52108 DebbieHurts
Posted
Is Prolia better than alendronate? I am worried about having to go back on pred. I am a young active 60. Anyone with osteoporosis on pred.?
DebbieHurts patti52108
Posted
Hi Patti, I also have osteoporosis. That may be why they changed me to Prolia, since I had those breakages on the alendronate. I don't know which is better, though. I have not had the bad side effects listed for Prolia, so far.
DebbieHurts
Posted
Before taking prolia shots I had been on the alandronate. After having a knee replacement, I twisted my back twice and had to have two surgeries on broken bits in my lower back. After that came the prolia shots and in three years I haven't had a broken bit in my back, though it hurts like the devil.
patti52108 DebbieHurts
Posted
I have been on alendronate for a year. I am having pain in very bottom of spine into buttocks and thighs. Not severe but tightness and soreness. I also have the same feeling in shoulders and upper arms. I havent been on pred. in a few mths and labs are normal. Don't know whats going on. Just had mri of lumbar area. Haven't gotten results yet. Ifelt great a few mths ago. Worried.
EileenH patti52108
Posted
Could be PMR wriggling out of the woodwork - or possibly myofascial pain syndrome being more localised but spreading. Second manifestations of PMR can be totally different from first experiences in every way.
irene_88946 DebbieHurts
Posted
Hi Debbie, I had a spinal stimulator placed a year ago Dec. The brand name is Nevro. They place a temporary stimulator in for about 2 weeks to determine if it's helping with your pain. The permanent stimulator is done on an outpatient setting. You'll be put to sleep during the procedure. I didn't have any pain after the surgery (because of the surgery). It has to be adjusted according to your pain. You'll get calls from Nevro to check on your settings. If it works then a permanent stimulator is placed in your spine. Again, many adjustments may need to made until you find the right settings. It doesn't help with the PMR. It's meant to help with back & sciatica pain. It has helped with my sciatica pain. I also have ileotibial syndrome. The pain I experience is hard to determine if it's coming from back, PMR or the ileotibial syndrome.
Wishing you luck.