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Should I have the Spinal Cord Stimulator? Looking for reviews on this

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Jun 5, 2023

I have had chronic lower back pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis for over 10-years. I have had multiple therapies and procedures done - including RFA, Epidural steroid injections, a MILD procedure, acupuncture, OT/PT and Chiropractics, as well as an Interspinous spacer and nothing has helped my pain. After all of that, the physician I saw in March's only recommendation was for me to have the Spinal cord stimulator, but I am actually afraid of this and have read that there have been numerous injuries as a result of this implant, and after reviewing the booklet and watching the video I initially felt that it was just to restrictive in terms of how you could move your body. If you have had this procedure please let me know your results. Many thanks.

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domiha | @domiha | Jul 15 9:19am
In reply to @deankay1 "I have had multiple epidurals and pain free for only 1 1/2 days. I have 4..." + (show)
@deankay1

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!

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Thank you for your reply, @deankay1 . FOUR lumbar fusions?? Did it take them four times to get it right, or was it four different vertebrae each time? So sorry you had to endure that!! And afterwards, still in pain!!! The surgeon who did my laminectomy said he could go back and fuse L4/L5/S1 and that "might" solve my radiculopathy issues. But "might" is not what I wanted to hear. I'm glad you are getting some relief with the SCS. I'm trying to do my homework, and I'm not yet convinced that it would help with my balance. Best wishes to you!! Mike

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1 reply
rosey2 | @rosey2 | Jul 17 8:37am

I am also being urged to get a spinal cord stimulator for chronic back pain after failed back surgery. I am hesitant.

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1 reply
rosey2 | @rosey2 | Jul 17 8:41am
In reply to @domiha "Thank you for your reply, @deankay1 . FOUR lumbar fusions?? Did it take them four times..." + (show)
@domiha

Thank you for your reply, @deankay1 . FOUR lumbar fusions?? Did it take them four times to get it right, or was it four different vertebrae each time? So sorry you had to endure that!! And afterwards, still in pain!!! The surgeon who did my laminectomy said he could go back and fuse L4/L5/S1 and that "might" solve my radiculopathy issues. But "might" is not what I wanted to hear. I'm glad you are getting some relief with the SCS. I'm trying to do my homework, and I'm not yet convinced that it would help with my balance. Best wishes to you!! Mike

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I need four disc fusion but doctors don't think it will work. I am so surprised your balance is off, too! I can't walk unassisted. Is this common?

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2 replies
domiha | @domiha | Jul 17 10:17am
In reply to @rosey2 "I need four disc fusion but doctors don't think it will work. I am so surprised..." + (show)
@rosey2

I need four disc fusion but doctors don't think it will work. I am so surprised your balance is off, too! I can't walk unassisted. Is this common?

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Hi, @rosey2 Do you have numbness in your feet? When we learn to walk as toddlers, we build a connection between the way our feet perceive the floor/ground beneath us and the brain. It's called proprioception. Since my feet are numbed due to the radiculopathy, I don't feel the ground or floor quite as well as before.... and this is what creates my imbalance. I can walk unassisted, but I do find myself holding onto things at times. It seems to be worse in enclosed spaces where I have to maneuver around furniture or doorways. If I'm out walking in a straight path, it is less bothersome, though it's still there. I've found NO ONE who can tell me for sure that the SCS has helped them with balance like I deal with. So I'm hesitant. Best wishes! Mike

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1 reply
tdstaley | @tdstaley | Jul 18 9:00am
In reply to @rosey2 "I am also being urged to get a spinal cord stimulator for chronic back pain after..." + (show)
@rosey2

I am also being urged to get a spinal cord stimulator for chronic back pain after failed back surgery. I am hesitant.

Jump to this post

I am currently using an external bone growth stimulator by Orthofix, via the recommendation from my surgeon. Given my genetically bad spine, coupled with 35 years of RA, I opted to try it. I have a much higher risk of fusion failure (4 level ACDF) and will try anything to keep failure from happening! My PEMF collar is worn 4 hrs/day for at least 6 mos post surgery. They do make a brace for the back, as well. I can’t comment on it’s effectiveness, but it comes with good success stats.

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rosey2 | @rosey2 | Jul 18 12:23pm
In reply to @domiha "Hi, @rosey2 Do you have numbness in your feet? When we learn to walk as toddlers,..." + (show)
@domiha

Hi, @rosey2 Do you have numbness in your feet? When we learn to walk as toddlers, we build a connection between the way our feet perceive the floor/ground beneath us and the brain. It's called proprioception. Since my feet are numbed due to the radiculopathy, I don't feel the ground or floor quite as well as before.... and this is what creates my imbalance. I can walk unassisted, but I do find myself holding onto things at times. It seems to be worse in enclosed spaces where I have to maneuver around furniture or doorways. If I'm out walking in a straight path, it is less bothersome, though it's still there. I've found NO ONE who can tell me for sure that the SCS has helped them with balance like I deal with. So I'm hesitant. Best wishes! Mike

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Thank you.

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1 reply
rosey2 | @rosey2 | Jul 18 12:25pm
In reply to @rosey2 "I need four disc fusion but doctors don't think it will work. I am so surprised..." + (show)
@rosey2

I need four disc fusion but doctors don't think it will work. I am so surprised your balance is off, too! I can't walk unassisted. Is this common?

Jump to this post

I am learning that it does happen. My best wishes to you.

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