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Nuero Stimulator Problems

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Posted 9/16/2010 9:11 AM (GMT 0)
I have been through the week of trials with the Stimulator and found that it gave quite a bit of relief. I went to the next stage and had the Stimulator implanted in the area of L5 - S1 and the other 2 leads further out from the spine so that I get some relief supposedly down my left leg. Six weeks later the Neuro Stimulator stopped working. It would not start up again{incorrect} it did start up again for about 40 minutes intermittently then that was it. The Medtronic staff have tried everything possible to try and get it working but to no avail. They sent all their results to America {apparently there is no one capable here in Australia} to see if they can find out what has gone wrong. Been back to the surgeon for the results but there was nothing they have not made up there mind and in the mean time 24\7 I am in pain 10 \ 10 day and night so as you may be yourself I am walking, sitting, laying to try to get some sleep but no luck. If you are looking at putting one of these in your body ask what the fail rate is and what will be done if it does fail. They are doing everything possible not to replace this machine. They told me there was no fail rates but I see a lot of forums out here talking about the problems we are having. Take care people and study about the stimulator before implanting.

Good luck
Posted 9/16/2010 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi 10/10 and welcome to Healing Well's chronic pain forum. I am glad that you have found the forum but I am so sorry that you hare suffering. it really does sound like you are having a very rough time and many of us here can relate to what you are going thru. At least by coming here you know and realize that you are not alone and that can be a little comforting.

That is terrible that the SCS quit working when it was giving you some relief. How long has Medtronics had your unit? Has Medtronic said there is nothing wrong with the unit or what? Did you have a someone with experience with the SCS units assisting you with your unit at your drs office? I am sorry I know I am asking lots of questions, just trying to get a feel here of what all has happened.

Unfortunately, with these units like any of piece of equipment they are not perfect and they can break down and stop working. That is just a risk we patients take when having any kind of device implanted in our body. I have a Medtronics pain pump implanted and mine is on a recall but since I am not having any problems with my pump I have elected to keep it in. I was told by Medtronic if we took my pump out it had to be sent to them for inspection and even if my pump was defective they would not bear any of the replacement cost except for $1,000.00 and thats it. I thought that was pretty rotten after all it is their equipment. I am just so sorry this happened to you. May I ask why you think the unit will not be implanted? Is this your drs decision or yours? What is your dr doing in an effort to help get your pain level down? Does he have any other options to offer you?

Again, I wanted to pop on and say hello and welcome aboard. Please keep posting and let us know how you are coming along. Take care.

Susie
Posted 9/17/2010 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi CP,

Welcome to HW. There are several of us regular members here with neurostimulators. We have all had different experiences -- mine has been nothing but good.

I have had a medtronics neurostimulator with leads attached to my infraorbital & supraorbital nerves in my face since July. Fortunately I had a smooth recovery from the surgery & have not had any problems with the actual device since it was implanted & I run my device 24/7. My reps have been great & really seem to know their stuff. I love my unit. That being said, unfortunately, there are bound to be bad units out there. Maybe you just happened to get one of them. Is it possible for them to replace the unit? I know that that means going through another surgery, but if it was helping significantly before it started malfunctioning, then it might be worth it.

Best of luck to you.

Skeye
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