I would like some feedback on stimulators verses pain pumps

Posted by gkissick @gkissick, Aug 23 9:53am

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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

morkat | @morkat | Aug 26 2:14pm

I am on my second pain pump and will need replacement in 2005. It has been great for me, without it I would be unable to get out of bed. The trial part is a bit hairy, but once you get through it there is great improvement I'm 77 and don't know why the other doctor in the sharing was hesitant about him being 70. For some people the stimulator. I based my decision on two people I knew and asked their opinion they both had stimulators and said it didn't help them, so I chose the pain pump and happy I did. I have spent 30 years battling my condition I've tried everything shots, ablation, acupuncture and surgery. I felt when the pump was offered, I knew there were no more options for me. I wish you luck and hope you find pain alleviation. Keep trying.