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Recovery Time after SCS Implant

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 11/26/2011 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone-

I have been recommended for a trial of a Medtronic SCS system. My main concern right now is how long the recovery time is after they implant the permanent device. I'm sure everyone's experience is different, but I would like to hear from those of you who have had one.

I am a 42-year old male. I have had two microdiscectomy surgeries at L5-S1, one in 2003 and the other in 2008. The pain has ramped back up again and is not sufficiently controlled with medications. The pain is in my lower back, and it travels down the back of my left leg, sometimes down to my foot. I've done physical therapy, epidurals, etc. etc. etc. The doctor says my problem is now the scar tissue that has grown around the nerves.

I am a high school band director. I spend my entire day standing up on a podium, using my upper body to conduct the band. I'm concerned when I see all the limitations on twisting, stretching, bending, and all that. I have no sick days left, so when I take off time for surgery, I have no income. I could wait until summer, and do it when I'm not working, but the pain has gotten so bad I pretty much can't work properly anyway.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had one of these implants, specifically relating to your recovery time after the permanent device was implanted.

Thank you so much for your help!
Posted 11/27/2011 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jasper,

Talking to various people I've found the recommendation varies slightly from doctor to doctor, but typically it's two to three months.

Each time I've had mine done - initial lead implantation, second lead + two revisions - I've been advised three months restriction on movement. It's correct that you are not supposed to bend, twist or stretch. You are also not supposed to lift more than 2kg/5lb in weight. The reason for this is that the basic lead type - called a 'percutaneous lead' (or 'perc') relies almost entirely upon your body forming scar tissue for it to be anchored in place. It depends a bit on how targeted your area of stimulation is - sometimes just a few millimeters of movement can be enough to change a stimulation pattern (and therefore your quality of pain relief) entirely.

This can be overcome to some extent by using a 'plate', which is a different type of lead, however placing plates usually requires a partial laminectomy (i.e. removal of bone). So even though you've less movement restriction because of the risk of dislodging leads, you've a more invasive surgery and longer recovery time anyway.

In terms of pain after surgery, it's varied quite a bit for me. My first one barely hurt. My last one was excruciating. The doctor had to remove a lead and place a new one, and had trouble getting the new lead into place. In trying to get it in, he caused a fair bit of nerve root bruising and tearing of scar tissue which for a couple of months actually left me with more pain. Also be aware that the surgery is done while you're awake, and if you've been on opiates long term this can actually increase the pain of surgery.

I won't be around after mid-week, but until then if you've any other questions, please do ask.

Laura
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