Spinal Cord stimulator battery pain

Yes, it bothers me sometimes. I've got a bladder interstim by Medtronics. I usually take gabepentin and pain medicine to calm it down. I don't think that there's any way around what we're dealing with because I thought it was only happening to me because there's not much fat where they placed it (on right upper buttocks). This makes me think further, my right leg and right big toe also hurt sometimes and that because of the interstim. I've got sciatica and severe nerve damage, too, so I'm sure that's a contributing factor. I hope I've helped.

In 2020, (age 78) I had a double paddle Boston Scientific nerve stimulator surgically implanted ….. one for my lower back and the second for sciatica in the right leg. One battery for bothe paddles was implanted in my left ( good leg) buttock. Unfortunately my 100 lb, 5’ body evidently did not have enough body fat to comfortably adapt to the battery pack buttocks placement as after six weeks following surgery, the sciatica ( back to toes) returned to the right leg and there was also much discomfort in my buttock. After much discussion and weighing the positive and negative, the battery was then surgically rewired into my lower left abdomen, between my hip and chest bone and about an inch 1/2 away from the belly button. My back does benefit from the stimulation as does somewhat the leg, although I can out taser my leg when it really burns. The 600 mg of Gabapentin 3xday (1800mg) also helps, as well as rest. The battery remains in my abdomen particularly helping the back, although I’m now experiencing severe back pain and severe colon cramping,…… which produce high blood pressure and strange frequent bowel issues. I have seen the Emergency room several times with this acute pain. …..gastro drs have given me a clean bill of health (via CT scan) and the spine Drs X-rays say everything is intact, no loose wires etc,….but this problem persists. Scar tissue impeding my colon is one thought, but no real answers to date. This condition makes everyday life a bit of a challenge, because I never know when it will feel like my colon will explode etc….no pattern, but the left abdomen pain usually begins in the early afternoon, along with bad back pain, rising blood pressure (from pain) and frequent trips to the nearest bathroom. Some days are good, but it seems like the bad days are coming too frequently. It’s been brought to both back and gastro drs, as Emergency Rooms visits are not the answer. Maybe it’s even a gluten or lactose issue….time will tell. A work in progress. Really do feel that the stimulator has given me much relief over these four years and that it’s definitely more comfortable in my abdomen . I also take 5mg of oxycodone every morning which masks pain, not sciatica. Hope this might help someone. Blessings to all that are suffering…not a bowl of cherries!

I have a stimulator implanted in my lower right side. I have had it for nearly a year. As time progressed the pain from the unit decreased only a little. I can't lay on my back or right side due to increasing pain. When settling it feels like needles poking in my buttock. I've had 2 epidural, which first one didn't help at all and next one yesterday. I discussed having the unit move a little, but my doctor does not recommend it because it could cause worse pain. I'm at the point of telling the doctor to remove it. I have more pain than I did prior to the implant.

@luamiller I had an Abbott spinal cord stimulator implant in my left lower back above the belt line in 2017. I don't have a lot of cushion, so the battery is quite visible. Sometimes it does hurt when I lie directly on it. I have sleep apnea and when I lie on my back I feel like I can't get enough breath, so I mostly sleep on my side. If I do want to be on my back I have put a small pillow under the battery. I also have an egg crate cushion on my side of the bed.

Jim

I would assume that you've had a colonoscopy. CTs and X-RAYs don't always show everything. Have you discussed diet - perhaps allergies? I know how complicated it can be finding a diagnosis.

Jim

I’ve had mine since 2017, and the battery placement was altered last year during another surgery. The battery site has always been troublesome, but now more so. I am going to try the egg crate and see if it helps! Worth the try!
Thank you!