Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro
I've lived with severe chronic pain in my legs and lumbar spine for the past ten years. Was on opiates for 8 years until I attended & graduated from Mayo's 3-week Pain Rehab Program in 2018. That program helped immensely and I got off 5 meds I used to take, including morphine and hydrocodone. Unfortunately, in the last year my spine health has worsened. I now have a toxic mix of scar tissue (from a dural tear during a microdiscectomy), stenosis at multiple levels, bulging discs and scoliosis. I am now scheduled to do a trial of Boston Scientific's "Wave Writer" SCS on August 10, 2020. Unfortunately my doctor did not guide me in the selection of this manufacturer/model. I did my own research. I considered doing trials of Nevro's HF-10 and Boston Scientific's Wave Writer. Finally decided on the Wave Writer.
I'm posting here to ask for people's knowledge of and/or experience with these two SCS's. Please reply if you can share any information. Thanks!
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Hey there Marty,
Thanks so much for the update. Sorry to hear about the failed trial and I’m hoping for good news from you that with the other doc performing the permanent surgeries that your trial actually hits that 70% mark. I’m rooting for you!
How was your visit last Monday? Was this provider able to start your trial same day or was it more consultation? In any case I trust you’ll keep me - and whomever else is reading along- updated.
Here’s to a very hopeful 70% or more! IDK if you’ve only tried Nevro but the Abbott Proclaim DBS and SCS that I have permanently definitely reached the 70% or more that my neurosurgeon wanted to see in the trial and while of course I need two more laminectomies and battery packs for SCS of rest of spine, I’ve had the Abbott Proclaim for just shy of a year now. It’s been helpful. I’m suspecting that as soon as I can get the trial and the next surgeries to finish my spine that things will be much better! I’ve I’ve learned anything in the fight against chronic pain illness multiple diagnoses etc is that all I have control over is my attitude, you know? So I try to stay positive. It’s tough though. But I try. And I’m sending positivity your way also! Take good care Ray. Best, Nicole Marie
Take good care, *Marty! So sorry- autocorrect fail. All the best and will be hearing from you with updates when you are ready to share- keeping you in mind and sending all the positivity your way in the meantime. Okay Marty, thanks so much for replying to my post and for making me feel less alone and more informed!
Thank you Nicole Marie, at this time I am not doing another SCS. I'm trying epidurals which are not that invasive. Had one last Monday. I still have to much pain in the lower back, left leg and feet. Talked to the doctor on Friday. He wants to try another epidural next Monday. He wants to target another part of the spine. He said sometimes it takes a couple of treatments to get favorable results. He prescribed gabbapentin 600 mg three times a day. Just started taking it on Saturday. Not sure yet if it is helping.
Hi Nicom, not trying another SCS at this time. I had an epidural last Monday in the lower back. Hasn't helped that much. He wants to do another one next Monday. Doctor said it sometimes takes two treatments to be successful. He wants to hit another spot on the spine. In the meantime he has prescribed gabbapentin 600 mg three times a day. Just started taking that on Saturday, not sure yet if it is helping. What do you mean be autocorrect?
May I ask who your surgeon was?
Which of the two has the least amount of negative incidents, the Wave Writer or Nevro ?
I am trying to decide between the Nevro HF10 and Boston Scientific. The pain mgmt Dr wants to schedule the trial but I don't know which one is more helpful. My pain is predominantly in my legs. My calf muscles twitch and I have bad cramps after walking. Thanks for any advice.
I have the Boston Scientific SCS, and can honestly say it does nothing for my pain. I’ve had many many program adjustments, but absolutely none of these programs seem to alleviate my lumbar pain.
I suppose after 16 years and 7 scoliosis surgeries, I’ve come to the conclusion that nothing will help my pain except Devine Intervention. Believe you me, prayer is powerful, but you just have to be willing to wait for His time. We don’t work on the same clocks, so it’s the waiting that’s so difficult.
Hello, just wondering if you are having any success with the nevro implant?
Hi! I have had the Boston Scientific for about 12 years now and I had to let the battery die because it was coming on "un-commanded" while I was driving on two separate occasions and it scared the crap out of me! My latest pain doctor put me in for a battery replacement (requires surgery) and he swears that those issues have been worked out in the "New & Improved" SCS. We'll see!