Spinal Cord Stimulator

Posted , 146 users are following.

Has anyone had a spinal cord stimulator,it has been one suggestion for my husband who is still suffering after 4 years after his first surgery, he has had a further op two years ago and is still suffering immense pain, has weakness in his leg and finds walking difficult and now needs a stick to walk with. I am hoping someone has had a spinal cord stimulator that has had similar condition as my husband because as I understand it it is only a minor op to implant.  I think the other option is fusion which I have heard horror stories about, especially as he doesn't seem to have success with major ops.  Thanks

19 likes, 888 replies

888 Replies

Prev Next
  • Posted

    Hi Khi,

    I am currently hoping my consultant will refer me for a trial with the spinal cord stimulator. 

    So like you I am seeking assistance from other severe chronic back pain so that I can get a better understanding of what these procedures involve and confirmed results of genuine suffers rather than the advertising on websites.

    please offer me some assistance!

  • Posted

    Hi,I just seen your comment here,I had a fusion 7 years ago.Ive had pain everyday.5 years ago l had a stimulator put in,3 months later,had to have it replaced battery flipped.It helps a lot but l still have chronic pain,my legs stay very weak,can't walk very good use my cane and a wheel chair when l go out.l go in tomorrow to have my battery replaced again,and battery will be put in a different place this time.Ever since l had my first surgery it has changed my whole life.l can't do anything l once enjoyed doing.I pray for anyone that has to go threw anything to do with there back .and living in pain.l will keep your family in my prayers.Lexington KY

    • Posted

      Out of curiosity where was the IPG/battery placed? Ive heard these flipping, and can't figure out how... I'm assuming it's because of location?

    • Posted

      The first one l had put in he put it in my lower hip when l would say or lay on my back l would hit it the pain was so bad 3 months later when it flipped he went back in he replaced everything he opened my back up from the middle low part of my back almost to between my shoulder blades he said l had a lot of scare tissue l laid in operating room 7 hrs l had over 60 clamps in my back he moved it to the upper part of my hip.tomorrow l have a different dr he said he was going to move the new one in a different place the skin now where it's at is so sore with pain and burns a lot.

    • Posted

      I have mine on the right side of my back, about the same height as my belly button and haven't had problems yet (3.5 months) with the placement. Good luck with your revision

    • Posted

      I'm so glad your doing good with yours,take care,I'll be posting how my surgery goes tomorrow.

    • Posted

      Hi Nana,

      I've been scheduled to have a multi-level lumbar fusion, however Shropshire have now put all fusions on hold, hence I'm looking at a SCS though I have heard different results some have positive results others have problems with turning batteries! 

      Can I ask you the type of SCS you had fitted so I can check its name against other posts?

      I wish you all the best with your pain and hope hand on heart it gets sorted for you.

    • Posted

      When my husband first had his Nervo-Senza HF10 implanted it had to be relocated a month later due to pocket pain at site. They said he didnt have enough back fat where they first put it .
    • Posted

      Wow I guess that makes sense. I wonder if there is a difference in location for the male versus the female, since men tend to have more muscle mass then females?
    • Posted

      That's what the doctor said after he had to move it. He hasnt had anymore pocket pain. But, it has done him any help either. It is being removed next week.

    • Posted

      Oh no. I'm sorry to hear that. I'm so thankful the ADS has given me a much better life. I still have flares from my CRPS which then knocks me down for days. 😓 I pray you guys get something to help? Chronic pain is awful.

    • Posted

      From all the comments I've read here regarding SCS, and the Nevro-Senza HF10 in particular, no one is recommending this for sustainable, long term pain refief.  But what other option does one have at this point - I've been using opioids for 5 years and am sick of it.  If there are other successful altermatives that anyone has found, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

    • Posted

      Hi Mal, I have also been on opioids for years now and have been referred to a consultant who specialises in SCS implants but I'm unaware of what type he recommends if I do find out and you're still looking I will repost. All the best 🙂

    • Posted

      Thank you.  Would appreciate hearing from you again about the consultant's advice.  The experiences of SCS patients will help me to find a different alternative to opioids.

    • Posted

      My husband saw his spine/pain doctor today to discuss the extraction of the Nevro SCS and was told that 30-40% of his patients find no relief from these types of stimulators. In fact, my husbands pain is worse since it was implanted. He is scheduled next week for the removal. Personally, I think my husband should try a chiropractor. All these meds, injections and stimulators have done nothing for him. 
    • Posted

      Sorry to hear about your husband's situation.  I am in the same situation - years of opioids, injections & infusions.  The SCS seemed like the only option left for me, but I am having second thoughts after hearing from you and others here.  I have tried chiropractor and acupuncture. It does not help and was a waste of time and money. Has anybody found something that works?

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.