Got the trial, thinking about the permanent SCS implant

Hi, I'm new to this site and appreciate being able to talk about this experience with people who have been through it. I got my Medtronic SCS trial implant yesterday, and I'm seeking feedback from others on how you made the decision to get the permanent implant.

I have chronic L3 nerve root injury, a herniated disc, and had two back surgeries in 2011 (screws, rods, and 3 spacers in lumbar area) which resulted in temporary paralysis of my right leg. I've had to limit my activities (housework, shopping, exercising) due to sciatic pain in my right leg.

I got my Medtronic SCS trial implant yesterday. It was a pretty painful procedure, and yesterday I was not sure if I had done the right thing by trying this out. It's a strange feeling to have wires in your back, and the "tingling" actually feels like electric current going up and down my legs. So I reduced the intensity and frequency of the pulses using the remote control. I turned it completely off in the evening so I could get some sleep. And.....

I'm starting to feel more positive about it today. I am an early riser, so I have had a busy morning. I turned the device back on when I got up because that is when the pain started. And, lo and behold, I found some pain relief! The device does not completely eliminate the pain, it just masks it (which is what I expected). I have had a good morning, did lots of embroidery and watched TV - and had NO PAIN when sitting, even though the device was off, YEA! Then got up to do the dishes, and turned the device on again. I fiddled with the settings, and got at least 50% pain relief. I'm going to a bazaar with my sister this morning, going to try to walk around and electrify the place! So, we'll see....

My trial is scheduled for just a few days - implant Friday and removal Monday, but I am thinking of asking for an extension so I can have a few more days to try it out. I called the Medtronic rep this morning and hope to talk with him about it later today.

With gratitude,
Marie

Hi Marie & welcome to the forum. Sorry to read that you have problems after having surgery. I think that is a smart idea asking if the trial can be extended for a couple of more days, sure does not sound unreasonable. I hope they will extend it for you.

We have had people here at the forum do a trial for the SCS unit. For some it has worked for some it did not. If you will use our search feature here at the forum & type in SCS unit you should be able to pull up lots of info about the units.

Just do your homework on these units and don't let a dr or anyone try to push you into making your decision. Usually I tell a person to go with their gut feeling. Take care...Susie

Thank you, very helpful. I am now getting 100% pain relief when I am walking around and doing things in the kitchen. I have to turn up the voltage pretty high, so it will take some getting used to. But when I don't have it turned on and am working in the kitchen, the pain level is between 8 and 10.

I'll be talking with the doctor later today. My feeling is that it is worth it to be a little uncomfortable (electric current in my legs) rather than in extreme pain. I think I can get used to the voltage feeling, and I believe that Medtronic, the device manufacturer, can work with me to find more comfortable settings that give me the relief I am looking for. The important thing to know is that it actually works for me. Pretty amazing. I am very grateful.