Does anyone have or have advice on a neurostimulator?

Question

I have fibromylagia along with chronic low back/leg pain. I just finished round three of epidural injections to no avail, in fact if anything I feel worse. He just took me off morphine and put me on methadone and percocet. I dont want to be on all these drugs but the pain is excruciating. Today my dr. told me about this neurostimulator spinal cord implant http://www.spine-health.com/topics/surg/spinestim/spinestim01.html

I've done a little research on it but wondered if anybody has had any experience with it? What does it feel like? Is it worth it? Does it work?

If I was a horse they woulda shot me already.

Thank you cowboy. One more question. I went to a website to look up parasthesia, the sensation it delivers. It's described as pins and needls like when you're foot goes to sleep. What is the sensation you experience?

Answer 1

I have a spinal cord stimulator implant, that I've had for about a year and a half. I had 100% pain relief for a while, but I have had problems with my keloid scarring (it's a heavy scarring condition) blocking my stimulation.

If you have ever used a TENS unit the stimulation feels similar to that, a slight tingly sensation that is much more comfortable than my pain. I think for the majoirty of people that the stimulator can work, but because of my scarring issues I have not had such good luck. www.ans-medical.com is a good website to get more information from about spinal cord stimulation. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

Go to "spinal cord stimulator's ANS" Mine is a Medtronic, it's attached to nine of the spinal nerves, the receiver is placed in my butt cheek with the wires running internally inside me, to the spine. I have a sender on the outside that I control the unit with. It has more then several controls to take care of the level of pain you have and the amount.

You have to have complete psychological survey from a psyc, usually two sessions plus a test. The neurologist will then examine you along with all your med records and your prognosis.
It's not simple to get but, it takes the pain away from up to 70% and more.

See your doctor or call Medtronics of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

These are being use for epileptics, seizures, blindness and many other problems other then pain. they are wonderful.

The last few months have been the start of a new life for me without pain.

The site the doctor gave you is the one of them, go for it.

Answer 3

I don't know about the implant but I use the EMPI (brand) EPIX VT(model) and it really helps when the pain is unbearable. I don't like to use drugs and turned down morphine when they offered it. I use just enough hydrocodone or oxycodone to allow me to sleep. But during the day I go with bio-feedback.

I am having surgery in Jan. on 5 lumbar vert. and 4 disks.