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Removal of Spinal Cord Stimulator

Posted , 23 users are following.

DJ1976
DJ1976

In March of this year, after 3 back surgeries, countless physical therapy sessions and many back injections, I opted to try a stimulator.  The trial was with leads from Abbott formally St Jude.  After 1 week and a total reprogramming, I had a major reduction in my pain.  I was so excited.  So we went for permancy.

 My nightmare began,  implanted was the infamous paddle not the leads as in the trial.  Did not know could have insisted on the leads.  Many surgeon’s and pain management prefer the paddle, as they say it has many more variables for programming, maximizing coversgeya d pain mgmt.  NOT SO IN MY CASE.

I had. Programmer not really wanting to spend the time to get it right, few and far sessions that I finally complained to surgeon and the Company.  Got a new programmer.  He tried hard to find the right program and setting, but to no avail.  So for 8 mos. to the day, I made the decision to have it removed.

It was not an easy decision.  It never worked from the getgo.  So on 11/2 of this year I had it totally remivedy.  My surgeon said I did everything asked if me by her and the tech but nothing worked,  As she was preparing to meet me in the OR, she was in total agreement with my decision.  She knew of my problems with the original tech, his lack of compassion, concern and a rush to program me and leave.

It is out and now dealing with surgical pain again.  I have no regrets with my decision.  I will pursue, with a new PM doctor different injections that were not tried before.  So if anyone is thinking like me, I say go for it.

For those whom it works, I say to you Thank God and I couldn’t be happier for you.

My journey with the Stimulator is complete and a new journey to find pain management begins.  I am done with surgeries.  No more.  I think 5 is more than sufficient.

Good luck to all who are still on their Stimulator journey.

Dee

5 likes, 95 replies

95 Replies

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  • steve45447
    steve45447 DJ1976

    Posted

    My story is similar, trial worked good enough so decided to do the permanent without the paddles but ended going with them. From the get go it felt like I was ran into from the backside with a truck. Amplification always varied based on position and I noticed a serious drain in energy. I blamed all that on all the other problems but now 3 1/2 years later I still feel the implant into the spine, still sore at times. When pain gets bad and hypersensitivity kicks in it gets real bad and my energy level is still in the tank. Searching for a doctor now to remove this thing. The ones that install have a gimic set up to see you than when you are done with the pain meds and the problems occur you are out of contract. You are just dollar signs to them, need a doctor who cares and they are rare to find these days.

  • kftrumbaturi
    kftrumbaturi DJ1976

    Posted

    My husband has the same problem....he wants it removed but the pain management that put it in with the Orthopedic surgeon just ignores him, what should I do. He is in constant pain!

  • kftrumbaturi
    kftrumbaturi DJ1976

    Posted

    My husband has the same problem....he wants it removed but the pain management that put it in with the Orthopedic surgeon just ignores him, what should I do. He is in constant pain!

    • toni10694
      toni10694 kftrumbaturi

      Posted

      Hi, I had mine for 18 mnths and it was hell! never wprked and caused additional problems. My Neuro surgeon removed it and said whats the point leaving it in if its not working!! Its that simple! Its your choice to keep it in. Insist that it be removed. Its tour choice alone! Its your body. I am so glad I chose to remove mine and move on. you know your body the best listen to it! And if they do not listen find another surgeon who will!

  • kftrumbaturi
    kftrumbaturi DJ1976

    Posted

    Thanks for info, but also we on social security, will it be covered for removal?

  • ramon59704
    ramon59704 DJ1976

    Posted

    Hi Dj,

    I'm glad I found this forum so someone can answer my question. I had back surgery and all forms of other treatment that is available but unfortunately nothing worked. Last December I had the Nevro trial for 1 week and it helped about 30 to 40 % improvement. March 17 this year I got my implant. It's been more than a month now but the rep from Nevro assigned to me has not been able to find a correct setting that would alleviate my pain. I was even better off before the implant. Even if I turn off the device it's not the same as when I didn't have the device. I'm starting to get worried that this device will not work for me. I'm thinking of waiting for a few more months and if still if it does not work, I might have it removed.

    Is the doctor who implanted yours also the one who removed it? My doctor is s pain specialist .

    I have Medicare and supplemental insurance who paid for the procedure. Do you know if they will also pay for the removal?

    Thanks and hoping to hear from you or someone soon.

    Ramon

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