Neurostimulation / Spinal Cord Stimulation

[Smpleplngirl]

The stimulator is not for everyone. I have had mine for 2 months now. The surgery for the trial run was horrible. The dr didn't numb me properly and I felt everything! Every cut, the dr. Moving the leads around and the worst was feeling him staple the incision. Then I didn't get to even "try" it out first. I went in on the 6th for the surgery for the trial and then on the 8th the battery was implanted. Making it final. I didn't get a chance to see if even helped the pain. Now 2 months later, it doesn't help with the pain down my legs and the place where the battery is feels like its burning me inside. Doesn't matter if it's on or off. I'm only sharing this because I tried to find out from online what to expect and the opinions of other who have had this done. All I could find was how great it was. They say it's not for everybody but they don't explain why. The tingling down my legs drive me crazy. So now I have tingling and the pain. My dr. Seems to think that this device should make everything all better. For me...it doesnt. I'm happy for those that can find relief from their pain with this. If you are planning to get this, make sure you do your research and make sure that it's what you truly want. I let my dr convince me when everyone I care about told me NOT to do it. I wish I would have listened to them instead of my dr. Good luck everyone!

[DominicI.]

I had the implant done about 6 months ago and since then I have had severe knee pain...has anyone ever had this happen...is this a side effect? I had the implant done due a auto accident and botched up back surgery....I still have to take medication for the pain in my knees..I don't know if I should have the implant removed or not?
[email]mliannace@comcast.net[/email]

[johnj8]

I had the trial implant and it was like a holiday from pain in both legs, lower back and left hip. I understand it is not for everyone. That is why they do the trial. Frankly, I can not wait for the lifetime implant. Of course the TSA people at the airport will hassle me more with the medical implant!

[jerry1893]

I will have a permanent stimulator installed in November. My pain from spinal stenosis is centered primarily in my right buttock and hip area, I could only stand or walk for 10 or 15 minutes before extreme pain started, with the stimulator on I could stay on my feet for 2 hours or more with a pain rate of 5 or 6, a big improvement, so I figured with a low dose of hydrocodine I could function fairly normally again. This is the last stop for me, I have no more options left.

[fidgety]

It will be 2 years in september that all my back problems started. Severe lose back pain accompanied with left leg pain all the way to my toes. I was in such horrible pain. Sept 13th was the last day I attempted to work. I have been thru all of the shots the ct's blah blah blah. I was going to the pain management at UVA Hospitals and Clinics and finally got fed up with trying to get an apt made that didn't take 3 or more months. I got online and searched for MCV in Richmond Virginia. Close to where I live. I requested a apt with a neurologist. I got that apt and Of course he put me thru a few more tests and then told me surgery was not a option for me.
I had 3 options... stay on pain meds until I became immune..... have a pain pump installed...... or the medtronic spinal cord stimulator..
I chose the stimulator. The trial implant lasted for 2 weeks. Then I got the permanent implant. The surgeries were not in the least bit fun but after having this thing for about 3 months now I can now move around and not be in such horrific pain. I still do and will always have some sort of pain but this implant has changed my life and gave me back some of my life. I will never be able to do the things I used to do and yes I still have problems walking or standing. I cannot lift, setting is still uncomfortable but not nearly what it used to be. I am down to one pain pill a day now instead of like 10.
[color=#000080] This thing has changed my outlook. I was always on the move before all this pain and for almost 2 years I was at a dead standstill. I can now move some without extremModerator cut: need at least 10 other posts to make specific recommendations

[dgamble02]

The neurostimulator implant can work very effectively if done correctly. Those seeking an implant ask many questions. Find out who your contact person will be after the implant is done. Ask if your doctor also knows how to program your implant. Don't just assume because he/ she implants them they know how to help you if there is an issue, my surgeon who is highly regarded didn't know how and I was at the mercy of the sales rep from the company to assist me if/ when I had any ques tions or issues. That's also when.I found out my doctor wasn't trained to.assist patients who may need help with their stimulator. So ask ahead of time.
I have a drop foot, severe nerve damage that causes extreme pain down both legs and across my.lower back from hip.to hip. After it was implanted some pain relief was immediate. Don't expect it to be gone, just reduced. If you are living with constant pain, even a reduction in that pain is a success and yes, you do feel the difference. I have had problems though....my doctor could not help with programming and the representative who was suppose to assist me with my implant was not always available and I had to wait until it worked into their schedule because they were so busy Also ask for instructions on how to use your implant before surgery. The implant can be and is a very useful tool in pain management and if your doctor and staff are trained properly you'll be in good hands. I've had mine 7 years. Some issues but wouldn't wouldn't want to.live without it now that Know what its like to have even "some" pain relief from my neurostimulator.

[Katherine McKinney]

Originally Posted by michiganmoon

I am looking for some information on Neurostimulation / Spinal Cord Stimulation. My girlfriend's father’s doctor has said this may be the solution to his back pain. He can not walk 50 yards without having to take a break. But yet, they can not tell him what the pain is caused by. So I guess I am wondering how they would know if it would help? His pain is in his hips and down his legs (left leg first, then down the right). I read that Neurostimulation helps with lower back and leg pain but have not heard or read anything about hip pain.

I read on one sight that you could break a toe and not even know it. This obviously concerns me in that I am afraid he could be hurting himself worse and not even know it. Has anyone heard anything like that? Also, if you can not feel the pain, can you feel anything at all? If he gets a burn on his leg or something like that, will he feel it? I realize it may seem like a silly question, but I just want to be sure he has all the facts.

I also heard there may be brands which work better than others. Has anyone heard anything like that? Any suggestions.

Thanks for your help.

The spc is just to help deal with the pain. You still feel things normal just like you do now! The stimulator works in your brain! Some how it does it's job well with the pain! The only difference is you feel BETTER! I have had mine 1 yr. and I love it! I have had 10 back surgeries, with the left leg pain just like you, just relax and let the Drs put your's in and enjoy it! It really works! I love mine! it gave me back my life!!!!!!!!!! My name is Kathy You can email me at kmcpalwick@sbcglobal.net I will try to answer questions. Just be glad they have offered this to you! I have the eon mini it is small but mighty!!!! My pain is still there but not near as bad, I still take pain meds. but not near as much as before. The surgery hurt but it heals quickly and you will feel better real soon!!!!!!!!!!! The main thing is feel good you have this chance to get the implant, look forward to it RELAX, RELAX, RELAX, & RELAX, Look forward to this, You were lucky enough to have this chance for some relief from your pain!

[dgamble02]

The Neurostimulator implant works by sending electrical stimulation down through your nerves to block the pain signals your body is creating from reaching your brain. By blocking the pain signals they aren't being registered in your brain giving you a sense of pain relief. You'll still have some pain. It does vary from one person to another depending on what your injury is and what programs you have on your implant. I've had mine 7+ years. Reprogramming also helps from time to time, It helps keep the nerve stimulation working better in my experience. You will also have to "charge" your battery. Its not 100% and does have some issues but overall does usually help. Good luck.
PS ..get a second opinion and meet with the representative that will be helping you with your implant BEFORE surgery so you have a good understanding of how your implant will work and how you can adjust it when necessary.

[jerry1893]

Update from August post. My surgery is the 30th of August. I decided not to wait until November for the procedure.I was told the stimulator will have to be tweeked 2 weeks after surgery for best affect. I'll report my progress and results after the 30th.

[shemar027]

Hi! i have read ur post about neurostimulator thing... im a nurse asst. and im taking care a patient w/ this gadget on her back. she still feeling the pain but its not that bothering her. she had a like 3 surgeries prior to this. she had a collapsing vertebrae n some thin hair-like fractures too. this gadget reaaly helps her. it can be adjusted how much tolerance she can get.yes she said its vibrating on her legs but if u get the right adjustment she dont feel the vibration. im not sure if the concern is the hip pain? may e consult a doctor. this needs to atleast 1/2 charged but not below. they said it can get low batt up to 2x but try not to because the third time, they will perform another surgery and to change it from inside. atleast 2x a week of fully charge is fine. hope this helped you a little bit of info. (",)