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Spinal Cord Stimulator

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 1/13/2008 12:27 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, I am looking for individual experiences with the SCS 

All stories are welcome, I have read pleaty of horror stories but not many success stories.  Are the any sucesses other than the 3 people in the Medatronic brochure?

Looking like this may be may last resort for relief.

Crushing injury to the right foot.  Severe nerve damage.  Cant walk much.

Thanks for help !!

Su

Posted 1/17/2008 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Su,
I don't want this to sound discouraging because my pain is in a completely different location......but over the summer I went through three surgeries to get mine to stay in the proper place. the first one was done by my pain specialist. came out of the surgery with a pounding headache. turns out the probe had found it's way into the spinal fluid and caused a leak. lol my doc went on vacation the next day. so when he got back two weeks later ( me laying flat down in bed to reduce the headache) we tried it again. plugged the tear in the spinal fluid with a blood patch and this time the thing worked to cover the area for about a day or so then I felt nothing. the silly thing had slipped most of the way out. I was sent to a neurosurgeon to have a different type if probe this one was paddle shaped.
this one stayed in place and I can cover the pain area, but the pain doesn't seem to be nerve related. looks like it might actually be my Crohn's.
to respond to your question as to weather the SCS can cover the pain in the foot I will say in my case I can turn it up to the point I have trouble walking. To me it feels like electrically vibrating pants. it can cover from my toes to my finger tips.
Don't just trust any-ol-MD, get one who has done many many SCS implantations successfully. or one who is highly recommended, unlike the way I did.
I hope all the best to you. I'll help if I can to answer your questions.
Posted 1/17/2008 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Su, I have two different types of pain, both chronic and neuropathic. My pain is disease related.   Part of it comes from muscle spasms (just like Charlie horses people get in their legs) the rest is neuropathic (damaged brain).   No matter what the origin, pain is pain.   I was taking a variety of strong pain medications without complete relief.   My PM physician suggested a trial of the SCS.   I had a horrible time with the leads shifting around during the trial.   In fact, I ended my trial early because I could not tolerate the erratic sensation from to drifting leads.   I felt I experienced at least a 50% reduction in my pain.   I had the SCS implanted with the standard subcutaneous leads.   I have had it for over 2 years.   The SCS is not the end all be all.   It does not take care of 100% of the pain.   I consider it one more tool in the variety of pain control options.   It helps mask the pain.   When you are experiencing horrific chronic pain, anything that helps control pain without drugging you to the point of being nonfunctional is a welcome treatment option.   Some find the sensation pleasing, while it bothers others.  If you are a candidate and are truly interested, it is worth doing a trial to see if it works for you and the sensation is something you find tolerable..
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