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I would like some feedback on stimulators verses pain pumps
I have had chronic lower back pain for about two decades. In July of 2023, I underwent decompression, fusion, and stabilization of L3-L4 and L4-L5. After the surgery, I started having pain in my right side just above the belt line. Over time, the pain increased to the right and left side below the waistline and into the buttock region, extending into the groin on the right side. My spinal surgeon said that he could not help me any further with my pain. This week, I spoke to another spinal surgeon. After looking at an MRI and x-rays, my spine above the surgery location is curved so much that the surgery would be complicated and risky, and I would have a difficult recovery. The doctor I visited recommended a spinal stimulator from Abbott Labs. The device that is recommended is Abbott's new Proclaim™ Plus spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system.
My doctor has advised me to consider a spinal stimulator over a pain pump. To make an informed decision, I have been diligently researching the two devices, their reviews, and their advantages and disadvantages. However, my search has been fruitless, leaving me needing expert advice. I would like some feedback on the two options and links to reviews
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@gkissick, While you wait for members to respond, you might find it helpful to scan through discussions and comments related to stimulators vs pain pumps - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=pain%20pumps%20or%20stimulators.
There is another discussion on the topic that has quite a few comments that may help you with your decision.
-- Should I have the Spinal Cord Stimulator? Looking for reviews on this:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/should-i-have-the-spinal-cord-stimulator-looking-for-reviews-on-this/
I had the Medtronic SCS implanted in 2018 after a successful trial. It worked fairly well for about three and a half years. Then it suddenly stopped. There was thought that some of the electrodes on the paddle may have shorted out. The rep said that the paddle was not quite in the "sweet spot". Anyhow, In 2023 I had a pain pump implanted after a successful trial/. It has not given me any pain relief whatsoever. I'm not saying that you should avoid it. Just be very careful. I had all the hardware removed earlier this year. Currently, I am looking into having a trial of Boston Scientifis's WaveRider SCS. I did a serch and it came out as the top-rated scs on the market. I wish you well on your search.
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1 ReactionI have similar issues with my low back. I had a SCS put in 8/2021 from Boston Scientfic. It’s held with sixty percent with pain. We’re still trying new programs on it. Technology increases every year so I’m hopeful that my pain relief will decrease. My sister in law got the pain pump. The drugs go right into the blood system including the brain. She didn’t like being stoned all the time.
I had several issues stemming from a botched surgery in 2007. Over the years I’ve tried everything. I had an Axilft with rod inserted into center of L4/L5. It made my pain much worse. Several surgeries later and scar tissue building up from surgeries my pain increased. SCS is definitely something I recommend. Good luck.
I just had my pump implanted on June 18th. All I can say is that I want it removed but my PM will not take it out or give me anything to help. My husband on the other hand loves his pump. So I believe it's individual.
I had a Medtronics stimulator placed in 1/2019. Had had previously had lumbar disectomy w fusion from L3-5 in 2011 with good relief but back pain/leg pain slowly returned over time. I am normally active walking my dogs, flower gardening, etc.
Eventually I reluctantly agreed to more surgery when my sciatica got so severe I couldn’t function.
My pain post second surgery in 3/23 did resolve my most recent symptoms.
I still have the stimulator implanted but turned off. Hoping I don’t need it again but just in case…
My doctor, a neurosurgeon, recommended a stimulator because of my age. He said using the pump is not advisable for people in their 70's.
As you likely see in all the responses, some people have had success with pain pump; others(like me) not so much. Same with the SCS. Many have benefitted (like me); others not so much. I am in my 70s as well. The docs did not seem hesitant to go ahead with the pain pump. I had much better success with the SCS. It helped reduce my pain by about 60%. With both devices you can have a trial. A sort of "try before you buy". With the pain pump I would recommend having a trial in which they attach a temporary pump to your back. Then you wear it for 5-7 days. I wish you well.
Thanks for your input. Pain management does not seem to be an exact science. I have tried everything else for pain relief. At least the trial is available to see if it helps
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1 ReactionI am sorry to hear that your sister-in-law had a bad expereince with the pain pump. The drug should not reach your bloodstream. It is dispensed through the catheter into the intrathecal space next to your spinal cord. as the drug breaks down, it is likely absorbed in the blood and rmoved by the kidneys/liver. I have had my pump fo a year and a half. It has never given me any pain relief. Have they checked your SILs pump to make sure it is functioning properly? Sometimes the catheter moves, and the drug leaks out into the tissues.
Yes, I’m sure that happens. Same with the spinal cord stimulator. I personally haven’t tried the pain pump. My sister law just told me her experience with hers. She has since passed away. Thank you.