Spinal Cord Stimulator

thank you

Hi Everyone,

 sorry I haven't replied to anyone. I had a total hip replacement on December 12, 2016. And to be honest with you all I feel wonderful. I suffered with such severe pain that nine even my stimulator could cover it. This went on for two years, I became a recluse because I just couldn't deal with talking to anyone  while having this pain. I  I have the Saint Jude model and back before this pain started it really was helpful with the pain from my back. It takes a while to program to the right areas but it's worth the time it takes to get there.  For the two years I had to severe pain I went through and CAT scans Myla Grams x-rays all in my back. I requested x-rays of my hip and knee because they were making a lot of noise. I was told no can't be your hip or  your knee it's your back. Finally my pain management doctor I believe got frustrated with me he wanted me to have the ablation but I refused because there were no guarantees. He sent me to a spinal specialist in Athens. And within minutes the specialist diagnosed the pain is coming from my hip. He sent me to a bone and joint specialist who finally took x-rays of my hip and my knee.  Apparently there was nothing left between the joint in my hip and they were also bone fragments. There are issues with my knee but the most important issue was to get my hip taken care of. The minute I woke up from anesthesia and realized that the severe pain was gone I couldn't believe it. To me it's a miracle in my life has changed for the better every single day.

I too have gone through two stimulator trials.  NEVRO and BURST.  Google them and do your own homework before approaching your Doctor.  The first did not work at all.  The second was successful for me with enough pain reduction to seriously consider permanent implantation.  Now with the BURST the electrodes that are permanently implanted are way different than the trial.  Bigger but way more points from which to stop the pain.  I am tentativly scheduled for surgery on 3/2.  Nervous as I only saw the surgeon on Fri.  But glad I won't have time to dwell on the process.It is an overnight stay.  I shall keep all informed as to how the procedure and follow up goes.  

I suggest you seriously talk to your physician and seek out some pain management help before you go to a stimulator.  I suffered for 4 years and multiple back and spine injections and much different meds which has lead to an ulcer.  I now can only take Tylenol for pain.  Good luck on this extension of your travels in the world of back/nerve pain.

Dee

I went throught the St Jude SCS trial and it did actually make my back feel a little better, BUT it did nothing for my feet neuropathy so on 3/15 we're going to try a DRG (dorsal root ganglion) SCS and see if that will help my feet and knee and then maybe go for the back pain in a few months. I've had severe nerve damage since the Marine Corps days and ready to try just about anything and get off the pills and stuff...Praying the SCS does wonders for all of you and praying this DRG will help me get some relief..Just too young (53) to feel like this and know a lot of y'all are in the same boat...And howdy from Texas ! 

Hi, I'm new to this whole thing. I had my trial on February 16, 2017. Then my final implant a week later on February 23, 2017. It has now been 14 days and my incisions still hurt like crazy. My chronic pain has gone from a 8, 10 to a 1,2 and sometimes even a 0.5. And I want to celebrate that but the site of where the battery is hurts so bad it takes from that joy. I was told recovery would be 10 days and of course my husband is holding me to that. But that is just not the reality. Can anyone share their surgical recovery time to give me some idea of what to expect. Also I am still easily worn out. And trying to not take too many of the pain meds.

Hi, I had a St. Jude's spinal cord stimulator placed in my lumbar spine one you're ago. I was having severe pain in the middle of my spine radiating to both hips. They told me the stimulator would help the pain going to my hips but not pain in the middle. It has done what they said, but the pain in the middle of my spine is still severe. They told me it was inoperable, so I am going to investigate the surgeons who are now performing laser spine surgery. My problem is osteophytes,arthritic growth,growing on the lumbar vertebrae, Causing narrowing around the nerves,and they can possibly remove them by laser surgery. So it It would seem if your husbands pain is just over to his hips or down his legs the stimulator should help a lot. But if his pain is stemming from his spine, it hasn't touched it. And my doctor will no longer prescribe opiates pain medicine I have to do something. Best of luck, Karen

I feel so dissapointed been in bed 7 years i am 46 with 3 children i am lucky enogh to get direct payment to help with the children and my care .

I hope ur sirted i realise its been a long time u wrote the post