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@domiha

I have read through all the posts in this thread with great interest. I am 73yo, male, and had a lumber laminectomy in Nov. 2022. My leg pain, before surgery, had gotten so bad that I could hardly walk. Surgery was successful for relieving the leg pain, and I am now able to walk again. But I was left with radiculopathy, probably stemming from some remaining compression at L4/L5/S1. I have numbness and tingling in my feet and lower legs that causes a lot of trouble with balance, to the point that I truly fear a fall. I have had steroid injections into my spine, and my pain doc has suggested I consider the SCS. But I don't have terrible pain like so many of you do. My main issue is the numbness that affects my balance. So my question is.... has anyone had the SCS help with the numbness and tingling issues? Has it helped improve your proprioception and your balance? My pain doc says it can help with that.... but I'd like to hear from people who have actually found that to be the case. If you had balance issues due to numbness, did that improve after getting the Spinal Cord Stimulator? Thank you... and best wishes to ALL! Mike

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Replies to "I have read through all the posts in this thread with great interest. I am 73yo,..."

I have the Abbott SCS implanted one year ago. The test is to work with your rep, and have them program it where the numbing disappears. strong wavelengths doesn't mean better results. I have nerve damage on the right leg, and when sitting for awhile that leg goes numb. I had the rep correct the program to accommodate it. It appears better, but not with a balance problem. I would ask your doctor for referrals from other patients and Zohar their stories. I do hope others speak up for your behalf.

You’ll be required to have a test run with the stimulator to see if it helps before the surgery. Do your research - my test was good, but the implant didn’t help so had it removed 3 years later. I’ve NEVER been told or read that it helps with balance! You need another opinion on that & maybe just use a walker! Praying you get the correct answers.

I have had multiple epidurals and pain free for only 1 1/2 days. I have 4 lumbar fusions and I was directed to a pain specialist who used Medtronic's electrodes & controller. My first surgery was a simple 5-6 day trail. I had 60-70% relief. It is all about location of the electrodes. Watching YouTube I found 5 videos that either the patient or Dr. was telling the story. Now, some Dr's wake you with a local and electrodes are in, at this point the Medtronic's Technician would turn on a generic signal with patient feedback. This allows for adjustment. I like this idea of diagnosing the root cause of your leg pain. But you must ask questions and educate yourself to explain to the Dr. best practices. Otherwise they are guessing the location based upon a medical chart and past experience. Do it right the first time and you will be happier. There are dozens of brands, just ask. It is outpatient surgery with 2 days of discomfort, but remember they can stop, remove the electrodes before they implant the stimulator. God Bless!