Spinal cord stimulator

Posted , 5 users are following.

I had a Boston Scientific spinal cord placed March 19,2018 should I still be feeling pain in my lower back and legs. Also every time I lift bend, twist i can feel the leads in my back like there going to rip out. Not feeling very happy about this. Also I went back to my Dr May 14 told him my symptoms and he said looks like I need a injection. NOT if the first 5 injectors I had didn’t work and got the SCS to help with pain. What makes them think the 6 th injection will work.

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    Can’t they get the settings right, you shouldn’t still be in so much pain.
  • Posted

    Your Rep should be working with you to find the programs that help with your pain. Your not even 3 months from the surgery so you really shouldn’t be doing much lifting,bending or twisting if any at all. That ripping feeling is more than likely just scar tissue forming as you are healing. I’ve had 2 spinal cord stims and it takes quite awhile   for you body to get back to normal. When I say normal, I mean that you won’t even know it’s in there unless you have it turned up to high. Your right about the injections. I wouldn’t get anymore and focus on getting your stimulator dialed in so you can get some relief.
    • Posted

      Thank you. How long does it take to completely heal? I don’t like the feeling in the middle of my back . 
  • Posted

    Welcome to the world of pain management where an epidural injection is the answer when they don't have an answer for you. I stopped the injections. After 19 of them I am having all kinds of reactions to the steroids. On to your Stimulator while I can't address the leads and their fit in your back, other than to say that's not how they should feel at this point after implant. What I have found out through my own experiences, is the stimulator is only as good as the person that programs it for you. I have a Medtronics SCS and the first two reps to adjust mine did not get it programed where I need the stimulation. It finally took their manager to get it programed properly. She spent 2 hours going through different settings to give me what I needed where I needed it. She was great at adjusting it. I then recently had another very experienced rep add another program that has been very helpful at times. I have programs A through H all addressing different parts of my lumbar and each leg at different pulse rates and frequencies.

    You have to be your own advocate and address the issues with your doctors when situations aren't right. Believe me. I have learned some great lessons about the health care industry in the last 11 years I have had my back problems. You can't wait for them to help. You have to ask for help persistently until you get what you need or go somewhere else. I have done that too.

    Tell your doctor you need your device programed properly for you. Good luck and I hope you get improvement.

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