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Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator/ Right Leg

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Posted 3/30/2013 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
A week ago I had a Boston Scientific (Precision) spinal cord stimulator "TRIAL" put in my back to control pain in my whole left leg. It was very painful the first 2 days of the trial and it was hard to gauge my pain level in my leg to correctly asses my pain in my leg. I had the trail in a total of 5 days. I experienced the voltage increasing when I would sit or lay down on my back. All in all I decided on the 5th day that I only received about a 35% reduction in my pain I was experiencing in the leg. After removing the leads (there were 2 cylindrical leads, each having 8 contacts per lead - this would "mimic" the actual implanted unit which would have 1 lead total but shaped like a "boat paddle" and having 16 contacts on this single flat lead.) I decided the next day following having them removed, a significant increase in my pain (without) the stimulation, than (with) the stimulation in the leg. Now I have to decide whether or not I want the actual Boston Scientific (Precision) implanted. I feel like I was wrong about my saying 35% reduction. Now after not having the unit I feel like it was doing more than I thought it was. More like 45% - 50% like I hear about others that have this similar unit. I am going to have a second opinion with a neurologist that does brain and spine surgeries. He is also the surgeon that would be doing the actual implanted unit. I still wanted to hear other peoples experiences and hopefully I will get a response from others on here before I go on with the next steps.

Post Edited (Anderew1980) : 3/30/2013 3:23:09 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/31/2013 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW Anderew, this is such a wonderful place with a great group of people. If you use the websites search feature you will find lots of information, both good and bad experiences, just type in spinal cord stimulators or SCS.

I have the exact same unit you are describing, and I understand what you mean. It is very hard to gauge how much pain relief you get from the trial. So many variables, and when you are put on the spot its hard to explain how you really benefited. The permanant unit has much more flexibility than that of the trial so most people get much better coverage with the permanant. The feeling you are describing with the intensity increasing while laying down or changing positions doesnt really go away, just something that happens as the spinal cord moves, that was one thing I didnt expect, but I am pretty accustomed to it now. The only time it is bothersome is when I am running.

The paddle lead placement requires a bit more extensive surgery to have them implanted. You would have a laminectomy first and then the leads passed thru that area and anchored in the spinal column. From about 2 months out it became easier to charge and the battery area didnt hurt so much. This may be a little bit to much info but its something I wish my rep would have told me. I need to turn my unit off prior to being intimate with hubby, if not the pressure increases the intensity and things just dont end up working correctly to say the least.

There are several others with SCS's but I am not sure if there is anyone currently active on here with a Boston Scientific unit. There are several brands out there and I have found the experiences to be very similiar. Feel free to ask anything, or directly contact me via email (link under my screen name).

Wishing you luck,
~Shell
Posted 3/31/2013 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Andrew and welcome. I don't have the BS unit, mine is made by St Jude/ANS, but I have had a spinal cord stim coming up seven years now.

Your experience of the change in stimulation intensity when you sit/lie down - or maybe with any positional change? - is absolutely normal as Shell said. If you chose to go ahead with a permanent implant, your company rep will eventually set you up with a number of different programs that cover your painful areas in different positions and situations. There is also an 'adaptive stim' though I think it's another brand (Shell? is it Medtronic that does adaptive or does Boston do it?). This has a nifty bit of technology in it that automatically adjusts the intensity according to your body position.

As far as reduction in pain goes, I know when I did my trial my doctor told me that 60-70% relief was the MINIMUM at which he would implant. Some doctors say 50-60%. If you're really unsure, I'd suggest it's even worth asking if you can undergo a second trial. It's not a huge procedure, but neither is it one to be undertaken lightly. One thing that they really don't make you aware of is the potential need for 'ongoing maintainence'...leads can migrate, batteries run out and so on - I had my 6th surgery relating to it just a few days ago.

Welcome to email me also - or ask here. There are at least one or two others and I'm sure between us we can answer any questions you might have.

Best of,

Laura
Posted 3/31/2013 10:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,Andrew and welcome to the forum. I don't have any experience with the stimulator but we have members who do and I'm sure they will be able to give you plenty of advice and direction.

It is a Holiday weekend so they may be slow getting your replies but hang in there and they will stop in to say Hi and welcome.

Glad you found us and look forward to hearing more.

Vickie
Posted 3/31/2013 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your swift replies! I appreciate all the details of your personal stories with B.S. and other company's SCS. After reading these replies with my wife we both are thinking to not go through with this final surgery. I feel like it would be doing more harm than good. On the other hand, it still leaves me with a decision. I'm getting an extensive MRI done soon with contrast. I almost certainly think it will show something really bad at this point and the Dr. will want to do another fusion. I currently have a L5 -S1 spinal fusion. I definitely do not want to have another fusion done. I feel like it also would be doing more harm than good. I have the pain somewhat controlled by medication, but the medication is only a mask for the pain. I'm 33 and I don't want to make this decision in haste as it will effect the rest of my life ahead. So I look forward to more replies from you guys and others. Thank you Vickie, Shell, and Laura for your GREAT advice and stories!!


Sincerely, Andy

Post Edited (Anderew1980) : 3/31/2013 11:33:22 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/1/2013 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have the St Jude's stim ( which works quite similar to the B S one). The Medtronic is a different type of technology.

Did I understand correctly that you had someone other than the neurosurgeon do the trial? I realize this is an option, as I was offered the choice, but flatly denied the option. To me, the unt is only as good as the surgeon doing the placement.

On occasion, I see up to 90 percent pain reduction in specific areas. This is not to say I don't hurt or that it fixes everything, but I can walk now....without a cane or walker and without dragging my leg.

Please consider all options before making your final decision. I'm not suggesting it is right for you personally, but my SCS gave me my life back.

All my best!
Posted 4/3/2013 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I had my trial done by the pain management doctor. They were also the same people that in the past had done 3 epidural "anti-inflammatory steroid injections." That was a good question brought up. I didn't know that they would hand this surgery over to another person in the first place. I thought everything they were doing would be all done in there hands "pain-management office". Then when I went in to have the trial taken out, they then gave me a list of different neurosurgeons to pick from. Before that, I was under the impression they would be taking care of everything. Not too smart on my part as I thought I asked enough questions but apparently I needed to ask a bit more. I still have an appointment soon to see a neurosurgeon that is going to give me a second opinion and he would also be the doctor doing the final implant. I had so much pain just from this trial that I'm somewhat afraid of what the pain would be like from the implanted version. I also had minimal relief from the trial and it makes it very hard to make a decision. I need to do something here soon because my pain gets worse every day.
Posted 8/25/2013 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
scool
I had the precision SCS placed 6 weeks ago after a successful trial. I will say, my trial gave me more relief than the perm. placement. I have CRPS/RSD in right legfoot/ankle post injury and 2 knee surgeries within the last year. My trial was placed in the L4 area and permanent in the T9 area. I get around 35-40% relief. In order to not feel the pain I can turn the stimulator up but it makes my leg(s)not functional. (I won't be able to move them). I can do a bit more movement but not for times more than an hour or so. (even sitting) I have to lay. But my pain IS better overall. I am on less pills. I absolutely do recommend this. The battery site is a bit tender and will remain that way for awhile. I recommend you put a pillow behind you when you sit. Is this the miracle we all want to have...NO but it does help you manage with options and possibly less Meds.
Posted 3/7/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
I am planning to have Boston Scientific Back Stimulator (test) procedure. Apparently, the doctor has sent information to the stimulator company and she is waiting for the stimulator. I am wondering if they (Boston Scientific Stimulator) have to OK this procedure before the doctor even asked for approval from my health insurance? How does this work and how long should it take? I have been waiting a month and the doctor's office said they are waiting on stimulator company. I am confused. Any info would be helpful.
JWM
Posted 3/7/2015 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi JWM,

Welcome to the CP HW forum. I personally don't have any information about the procedures in getting the SCS approved or about the actual experience.

I just wanted to wish you well with your upcoming procedure with the SCS and hope that you get your pain better controlled with the unit.

Best of luck and hope you have many painless days ahead!

Hugs from Texas,

Pam
Posted 3/8/2015 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello JWM & welcome to the forum. You have posted on an older thread & the OP is no longer active here at Healing Well.

I find it strange that the company would have to approve anything. I am guessing that you did the psych eval, then the trial & you are waiting on the final implant?

We do ask all new members to make a separate intro post so that all members will see it & be able to say hello & welcome aboard. Not many members will see your post here.

I will lock this thread so that others will no post on it as we like to keep the older threads off of the main page. Thanks.
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