Spinal Cord Stimulator - has anyone got/had one?

Question

I am on the waiting list to have a spinal cord stimulator implanted for chronic pain. I am really nervous and not sure what it will feel like, and is the operation to implant it horrendous, and is recovery quick?

I have had the trial for a week, and the pain relief was great, but it was uncomfortable - i dont know whether it is because, in the trial, the wire is left hanging out or your back, but when the proper one goes in it is embedded in the spine.

Can anyone tell me what to expect and what it will feel like? Are there any problems with everyday life? Help please.

Answer 1

I've had a Spinal Cord Stimulator for about a year and a half now. My trial even though it provided pain relief I couldn't even lie down because the pain in my spine was so horrible, but when I had the implant (the original implant, I've had two revisions on it because of my scarring condition) done it was much more comfortable. What type of leads are you having placed for the implant- the percutaneous leads(here are pictures of each of them which may help you know which leads you are having implanted http://www.ans-medical.com/medicalprofessional/physician/anspercutaneousleads.cfm http://www.ans-medical.com/medicalprofessional/physician/lamitrodepaddleleads.cfm ) or the paddle leads? The operation to have the percutaneous leads implanted was not very bad at all, and the other two when I had the paddle leads implanted was more serious and had a harder recovery, but for me I was in so much pain without my stimulator that the surgical pain was fairly minor. After the percuntaineous lead implant operation I had trouble just staying down to let my leads scar in, and after the paddle lead implant surgery I was pretty sore for about two weeks after surgery, and then I started basic movments without a fair amonut of pain. The hardest part it the limited movment (no twisting, bending etc) for at least 8 weeks. My biggest problem that I have now is that in my last revision surgery they placed the leads directly in the center of my spinal cord and because my spinal cord is slightly twisted I need to have my leads placed more to my right so that I recive stimulation to my right leg where my pain is, but I still get a fair amount of pain relief. My only other real problem with my battery pack. They belive that there is a nerve that it may be placed on or that it is aggrivating so I do get some pain from it, and I've also lost about 40 pounds since my last surgery so that nice space between that was occupied by fat, which helps with charging and getting a connection with your programmer, is now gone so I can have problems charging and getting a connection with my programmer, I've found ways around it. Overall I'm very happy with my stimulator, it has gotten me back my life, and I now live a fairly normal, active life (which includes swimming, and figure skating), and compared to the pain that I used to live with the slight problems that I have with the stimulator I'll take the few stimulator problems instead of the pain. www.ans-medical.com is good website to refer to for information about SCS's and feel free to e-mail me if you would like. Good luck!

Answer 2

The dorsal column stimulator when implanted, gives relief usually equal to that experienced in the trial. If you are experiencing localised skin irritation from the wires and sutures that problem should be relieved after the implantation. However, any other type of problems should be discussed individually with your pain management doctor, Most patients do very welll after implantation, though many still need other analgesic medication for complete pain relief.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Hi. Im sorry to hear youre in pain. Im also in a lot of chronic severe pain 24/7 on my feet and knees & recently my back right hand and hips. I was told by one of my doctors about this option, but offcourse when you ask they are going to tell you, the risks are very small. I personally dont consider parallisis a very small risk. If I were you I would think about it very seriously before you proceed with this option. I know people say they get a lot of relief from their constant pain, but I rather keep taking pills, injections and whatever else than get something implanted in my butt that is going to feel akwards and that it might leave me paralized for life. Like I said I rather limp and keep sucking on pills like candy than take this "small risks" as they called it, also known as paralisis. Its up to you in the end, but take this in consideration....Doctors wont tell you their sorry if you get this done and later on with time you'll end in a wheelchair, if something goes wrong. I hope this helps you in thinking it over.

Answer 4

I am scheduled for my trial in 4 days a little nervous? What is the Trial like?

Answer 5

sounds painful what you have got mate, what i will say is the doctors are experts right so really if you are uncertain about something they are experts in this type of surgery so ring them up or visit them and talk to them and ask your questions, some people on here just quess what to say and its all bull rubbish mate yh. good luck.