Spinal Cord Stimulator Problems

My new rep fromy stjude/Abbott is very good. But I seem to experience disorientation even with my new programer. A Yonex ever heard of this?

Same here the Nervo Reps were excellent, it was the PM Dr that was terrible ( being clean here ).

I had to change drs, now I'm very close to getting the SCS out, as

it's not really giving me relief.

I shut the stimulator off for 5 days, the increase was so marginal

doesnt pay to go thru the recharging, watch what you lift.

Me too, Paul. I see a doc tomorrow 6-13-16. I want mine removed asap!

Google "Device Event".

 I was reading this site  and joined it  because I am considering doing the Burst.  But I do have auto immune disorders and so far the artificial knee and the screws and bolts and my back are causing much of an inflammatory condition. The more I read this on this site the more I think this battery could cause an even more  inflammatory condition .  Knee replacement and revision did not work much swelling and heat and pain . Fusions in my back feel hot also and still have all the sciatica pain.  I also hav The PM doc told me this would take all that pain away.  But now I don't know I have had so many things done and they haven't worked and I'm really afraid of this .  My rheumatologist wants me to do Humira again was on it two months and got sick. But I've already had cancer so that is very dangerous. But I really don't want to cause myself anymore pain I would love any insight anyone has on this.  I take approximately 30 to 40 mg of oxycodone a day and they act like this is so bad for you it doesn't take away all the pain but it makes it where I can function most days. I think it might be better than this and possibly cancer?  But  as someone has already said on this site they just keep on about opioids and frankly in my experience over 20 years of remedies they are the only thing that is helped noticeably .  And less dangerous I think but they're not much of a money maker anymore. 

 

If a physician has offered the DR Burst , you are the lucky one.Of course, patients are not all successful with the DR Burst nor the other stimulators. And it isn't a cure. I don't appreciate nor respect your physician promising that the unit will take away all your pain. It is a pain management option - in our case necessity. Opiates, controlled substances and even illicit drugs don't take away all my pain. The stimulator doesn't take away all my pain. Together I am able to be more productive, optimistic, living life accepting the deck of cards handed to me. I do have days (usually they are nights) where my SI joint is all encompassing, evil pain and I start down that path of regret, device removal, desperation, defeat and REGRESSION. Somehow I find from within, or support and communicating with my neurosurgeon like we are on the same level, and even substances legal or not, I make it through. Because I know, that if I can get through the tornado and hell, I will get to the pot of gold and enjoy the beautiful rainbow. Its the hardest thing I have ever done; but it has become the most rewarding, too. Overcoming and conquering Goliath feels empowering and preparation for the next battle. 

Stimulator patients must demand attention. Be unforgettable. Call. Write letters. Use social media and messenger to directly contact the top of the totem pole - your neurosurgeon. Use St Jude; and if you have a bad customer rep or anyone ever dismisses your concern bc of money or time, go above their head. If your assigned stimulator rep/tech is unavailable, unhelpful, unsympathetic YOU CAN REQUEST A NEW REP/TECH .. until you find your match.

Sparkle, GO FOR IT.

I am so sick of the way people who trusted these people only to get blowed off once they get payment for the implant. If you got any problems then you are a problem and are on your own. They don't know, never heard of that! OR it is not "related" to procedure! Still 1 year later no answers to what is wrong! Very frustrated.. So I know exactly what you are going thru. Pain isn't enough to deal with......I would not let them do a thing else to me that is minimal invasive zurgery

Perhaps what needs to be done is for all of us to take these problems to the media. I wonder how that would go over with the companies who over sell a product and then there are not encough Reps to service the ones that they have.

I don't think that I am one who should get a hold of the media because I do think that I have had the 50% reduction in pain. I generally take an Oxy when  I get out of bed and then I do try to not take anymore during the day. If I am going to do anything special then I will take another one 4 hours after the first one. This Saturday, I will be attending a day long watercolor workshop, I have to attend because I am President of our art league.

I do still have some very bad days, but not as many as I use to have. I am about 2 months out from having the St. Jude SCS with Burst put in. I have been approved by my Neurosurgeon to go back to water therapy and I am hoping that will continue my healing.

Please don't give up and have them take you stimulator out, push hard for the answers to the issues that are causing you the current pain.

I will continue to monitor this group and I am hoping and praying for pain relief for all of you.

Just shot off email to CBS. ETS see if they respond Diane?g? Only thing I haven't thought of! Will let you know. Maybe if all of us bombard them with messsages they will.

Hi Socks, I'm Paul

My reps at Nervo are pretty good, to bad the machine didnt

help me.

Most likely will  it taken out soon.

I shut the SCS off a week no real increase in my pain

Just had my 3rd set of shots no help

My 4th pain dr in 3 years, he's trying his best

Hope you get relief soon

Paul

Hello Paul. Good to hear no added pain or problem after trial I assume.? Did you have the dorsal one that had to be fished up thru your vertebrae? I had one done years ago 20 and it it stayed in place 5 minutes but also I was not injured or in Worse pain. It went just under skin. The trial I had last May 24th was heaven when I felt the vibration in my hand and arm but the surgery was horrible​. Felt like something sharp tearing into my muscles even​ though was numbed several times but still most horrific thing I have ever bee neat went through scrapping

Hi

They were suppose to knock me out, they didnt, when they touched my

most inflammated nerve I almost jumped the table.

The anesthesiologist told me they're suppose to knock you out

my pain dr told him I might want to talk to him was b/s.

I dumped him, good dr but money hungry and only cares

about money

I getting it removed in a month or so

I was awake for all 4 surgeries I've had in relation to my Stim so they could ensure I was getting stimulation.

For a total implant surgery that was inhuman! How awlful! What some of us has been thru!

Hi Dianne.  I updated on another post.  But  I agree about us getting vocal.  You know that expression, "Sunlight is the bes medicine."  Having ranted and raved up and down the chain of command, my surgeon's office got me the new rep.  It was like meeting night and day.

I still lodged complaints with the Company about the lack of follow up Care and lack of reps in our area.

my new rep agreed that the tech people know the implant inside and out, but they need a course in Geography.  When I called to find a new rep, they gave me one 5 hrs. away.  Well needless to say that was a no go.  I like the new guy and he was not rushed even though he had miles to go to his next appointment.  He never made me feel like a second class patient.  So time will tell.

For all who are doing well, I am so happy.  For those of us who are still looking for some sort of pain relief, we shall trod on.

That's what the dr said he needs to be awake so I can 

ask him things. 

Well he never asked me anything

Now I'm going for my 4th set of shots on the back end of the spine

I was at the dr today

I wish someone who come along with a cure

Great Idea! I will contact CBS as welll!

Who can removed this God awful scs besides the surgeon who put it in?How do we get out of this mess?

I am likely wearing it to my grave and the way I am feeling that might be soon. I am so angry. Feels like the whole world is passing me by while I am sideli.

Do you have to have to have surgery to switch to Burst? I am not sure what I have but it is st jude. Had it put in 9/27/16

Yep!

My new PM dr doesnt remove the scs but will send me to another doctor

who will as I have no contact with the money hungry jerk to implanted

it in me

Did you have the St Jude DR Burst implant? Are you troubles mostly with the physician's staff and tech or the actual company of the stimulator?  Trying to help and I think I have some advice or suggestions that helped me...