Spinal Stimulator (Internal)
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twodog max
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If you are asking about spinal cord stimulator, the answer is yes. I had one put in December 20th of last year. Mine has greatly reduced the pain I have from a damaged sciatic nerve. Pain relief varies sometimes as much as 80 percent sometimes a little less. Some pain symptoms has totally disappeared. I have had problems with pocket pain where the device and battery are installed. I think I tried to do to much to soon. That is getting better.
It will not solve all back pain problems but it sure helped me.
A long process from start to finish. As in 4-5 months.
Best advice I can give you is select your pain doctor wisely and read all you can online about the procedure then ask lots of questions.
I have a lot more suggestions but my typing finger is getting tired.
It will not solve all back pain problems but it sure helped me.
A long process from start to finish. As in 4-5 months.
Best advice I can give you is select your pain doctor wisely and read all you can online about the procedure then ask lots of questions.
I have a lot more suggestions but my typing finger is getting tired.
This is exactly what I'm trying to avoid.
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SIL was a manager for Micky Dees 15 years ago. Hurt her back at work. Told her file workers comp. as I used to work “ in the field” but she said, “ I can’t I’m in management.Well her back went from bad to worse, sorry Md she saw gave her pain meds so much she got a DUI going to work. Well you can guess, she lost her job and has had nothing but bad back pain since. 4 years ago she had a spinal pain management device implanted. Nothing but more pain. 1 1/2 years ago she Finally had back surgery by a competent Md , removed the implant and actually fixed her back.
Guess its a toss up if its going to work. Choose the Md VERY CAREFULLY…
Guess its a toss up if its going to work. Choose the Md VERY CAREFULLY…
cherrypointmarine
Member
I've had one for 5 years , smartest thing I ever did . I've had 2 failed back surgeries and they wanted to do a 3rd . I said as long as I'm not in a wheelchair , ain't going to happen . My pain Dr. said to hang on , they keep getting smaller and soon they'll be MRI compatible , so I hung on .
So until then I was on pain meds . The bad one was nuerontin . It messes with your brain function , memory , awareness , all that . I was taking 1400mg a day . Let me tell you , that was something I wouldn't wish on anyone .
Fast forward to 5 years ago . I did the test , they like to see a 50% improvement in pain level . They then did the implant , and boy did it hurt , at least on me . They had to chisel a path in my bones to fit the leads , so I slept in a recliner for a week . But I got better , and it kept getting sweeter , and I started to get my life back . I walk 3-4 miles a day with my dogs and work in the yard .
So in short , yes , I would do it again in a heart beat . Sort of a long answer , but I wanted to give you some background . I medically retired from Cape Canaveral in 1999 , but my accident was in 1992 . So yes , I know pain , and the SCS was my saving grace .
So until then I was on pain meds . The bad one was nuerontin . It messes with your brain function , memory , awareness , all that . I was taking 1400mg a day . Let me tell you , that was something I wouldn't wish on anyone .
Fast forward to 5 years ago . I did the test , they like to see a 50% improvement in pain level . They then did the implant , and boy did it hurt , at least on me . They had to chisel a path in my bones to fit the leads , so I slept in a recliner for a week . But I got better , and it kept getting sweeter , and I started to get my life back . I walk 3-4 miles a day with my dogs and work in the yard .
So in short , yes , I would do it again in a heart beat . Sort of a long answer , but I wanted to give you some background . I medically retired from Cape Canaveral in 1999 , but my accident was in 1992 . So yes , I know pain , and the SCS was my saving grace .
What is the Problem they are trying to fix?
If something is pinching the Verve that the stimulator is just a band-aid right?
twodog max
Member
Previous back surgery scarring makes the SCS implant harder and less likely to work I was told. I had not had previous surgery so I think that is why my experience is better. I too wanted off the pain meds. I have never felt so strange as when taking those things and they have other side effects beside that. No meds at all now.
Yes the meds are a whole other problem of their own. After my surgery I took one pain killer per night for about a week to help me sleep. That was it for me. Extra strength Tylenol and all the ibuprofen in the world doesn’t help. So I dealt with the pain.
Mostly spinal stenosis. A couple of compressed discs and a condition called "flat back syndrome".....which is basically no natural curvature of the spine which acts as a shock absorber of sorts. So any weight I carry is directed at my lower back..... and a complete absence of cartilage.
Suggested surgery involved an 18 inch incision to insert an 18 inch rod and all the fastenings that go with that. In order to "mold" my spine back to where it should be the corners of 12 vertebrae would have to be shaved. Procedure would involve 2 surgeons, 2 anesthesiologists, and about 8 to 10 hours face side down on the table. I wouldn't be able to lift any more than a coffee cup for three months.
The list of downsides and "could happens" took two full pages and was enough for me to give him a hard pass.
The "no MRI's" thing bothers me because I have other issues going on....cancer survivor going on 7 years.
Thanks for all replies.
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