The trial is important. It will give you an idea as to how well you will do with the permanentimplant. My trial gave me about 80% relief. The permanent implant was only about 50%, but, along with the meds, I got decent pain relief. The next decision is which one to use. There are many different ones out there... Medtronics, NEVRO HFX, Boston Scientific, and others. I have seen people say to get the paddle electrode which is sutured in place. Less chance of moving away from the sweet spot.
Mine worked for about three and a half years. Then it just suddenly stopped. There was some thought that some of the electrodes on the paddle had burned out. Who knows? Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi all
I just joined this group as I am waiting for an appointment schedule for a second opinion at May Phoenix. I have herniated disc l5-l1, spinal stenosis, ddd and as a result have had serious lower back pain over the last 6 years, with excrutiating sciatic pain down both legs starting about a year ago.
I see a great pain doc in Chandler AZ and he tried everything, steroid injections, blocks, nerve ablation. Nothing helped. I saw a surgeon at Barrow, and he said that while he can do a laminectomy on three of the discs, he is worried about the impact on spine stability. Now waiting for a second opinion from Mayo.
I am a 53 active female and I feel my life has been taken away from me. I am on gabapentin and duloxetine, tylenol, aleve, THC, CBD ... do reformer pilates 5 times a week ... and I still cannot walk more than 100 ft without pain.
Anyone who has looked at a three disc laminectomy vs fusion in the L5-L1 section? I have not looked into stimulators at all.
Any advice is appreciated.

Did your pain mgmt Dr to a trial, test to see if I worked ? That's the normal prodical. Was it actually implanted ?? We did a 2 week test before actually putting mine in. It helps a lot. Good luck, I hope you get the right pain mgmt place to help you !!!

Could I get feedback on how long the permanent implants were successful ( 50% or better pain relief)?

I hope you find the relief you are praying for. At my last appointment a few months ago, I learned my surgeon had just returned from training in Miami Florida to surgically remove this nerve vs burning the nerves. He said he would not be doing this procedure for a year at best. They trained on cadavers. I share this because if you have success in eliminating or lessening your pain with the ablation, it is possible there may be a more permanent surgery in the future to actually remove this nerve. Tamra

I've had fusion, L4, 5, and S1. Four months post surgery it was like a pain free door opened but after about 7 months, I started having pain. After many trials and errors, it's turned out my body produced scar tissue from surgery that is pushing against my spinal cord. Scar tissue is difficult to see on an MRI. Just another possibility to eliminate. My best of luck to you.

Been there, done that. Since 2001, I've had a number of surgeries on my spine, 3 attempts with the TENS units, epidurals, myelograms, PT, Chiropractic visits, spinal decompression, vein abilation, antidepression medications, opiods, methadone, heat and ice, and I've even talked to a psychologist regarding the toll that it has/is taking on my overall well-being. I am happily married 26 years so far, have 3 wonderful adult children and 11 grandchildren that I can't give my once full potential to. I am now living with probably just a third of that potential. Camping, boating, interacting with grandchildren, shopping with my daughter, all of those enjoyable things I used to be able to do have been cut short by this agonizing issue. Sad for all. As far as those implants are concerned, I'd have them removed. I did. As with all 3 attempts in the past, they are more trouble than what they are worth. Lots of scar tissue wrapped around them. Very difficult to remove! These Golden Years are becoming more and more difficult!!!
Sending you hugs and best wishes telepathically from Maryland!

I have had an SCS in my Lumbar for about three years now. I am most fortunate in that I receive 100% relief. The amount of relief varies in each patient. Do your research. DO NOT necessarily accept that which thebdoctor proposes. You must obtain one that fits your needs. God bless you.

Hello! I have my second spinal cord stimulator, which was implanted in 2016. It was then that I was diagnosed with adhesive arachnoiditis. I had previously been told there was permanent nerve damage. I had had an L5/S1 fusion which helped a lot, but I had developed intense pain months later. I don't know if the arachnoiditis was caused by ESIs, myelograms, or the surgery.
Anyway, the high frequency stimulator I have now is much better than the previous one. However, make sure you get one that is MRI-compatible, as my old leads are not. I still take lots of pain prescriptions and I use a power wheelchair when out and about. The stimulator reduces pain maybe 20% and with that plus all my meds, I usually have about level 4-5 pain. For me, it wasn't the miracle cure I had hoped for. With Arachnoiditis, it takes a bunch of things working together. For anyone having severe back pain that radiates down your legs and feet, ask all your docs about arachnoiditis. They may be hesitant to diagnose it, since it is often caused by medical tests and procedures. Research thoroughly before consenting to anything invasive in your spine, including implanting a stimulator .
Best of luck to everyone!

I have had a Laminectomy and a L3-4-5 spinal fusion 4-months ago. Prior to these surgeries, I had met with previous Pain Management doctors and every one of them "pushed" the SCS on me. As a nurse, I read the literature and watched the video, and made the decision that there was no way I was going to have that SCS implanted in me. Now here I am a few years later, just had 2 back surgeries, and am now seeing yet a new Pain Management Physician for my SI joint pain ---- and even he is now pushing the SCS on me. This is total qwackery and a huge money maker! And I'm not going to fall into that trap.