I had the Medtronic SCS implanted back in 2018. The trial gave me about 80% pain relief. The permanent implant gave me about 50% relief. Along with my meds it made an almost normal life possible...back to cycling, skiing, working around the property, etc. Then, in 2021, it just stopped working. There was some thought that the paddle mayhave moved or some of the electrodes on the paddle had shorted out. If you are out of other options, I would say to go for it. Preferable to back surgery which is a coin toss. Mat the Lord be with you.

Thanks for your response. Did you get the rechargeable unit? Are you planning on having it replaced?
I was very active, i.e., worked out X4 a week, bowling, walking and have been unable to do anything since this sciatica flareup. I am hoping this implant will allow me to return to these activities. Thanks again for this information.

Hello @cynthi13, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @heisenberg34 and others. There are a few other discussions and member comments on Medtronic SCS devices that you might want to scan through. Here's the list - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/.

You might also want to scan through the discussions for other SCS devices for comparisons to learn what others have shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/.

Thank you!

I did the trial with the Abbott stimulator and I had about 80 percent relief so I went for the permanent one. Unfortunately I have had no results in pain relief even though they say you should get about 50 percent. Right now the stimulator is just sitting in my back. Do yourself a favor and ask questions about how the process works after implant. I was given very little instruction as what to expect afterwards. I haven't heard from my rep in over a month and I can't increase the power as they set limits and then you are locked out. It has been very disappointing. I have reached out to my pain doctor who did the implant to see if he can me help.

How does your Abbott Wavewriter SCS work for you? Does it eliminate your pain.?

When the Abbott rep doesn't respond to my texts after 24 hours, I contact the neurosurgeon who placed the SCS in. He is on it like a fly, and I hear from them within an hour.

I'm glad your doctor is getting on it. Abbott wants to keep doctors happy so they buy from them.

It's been awhile but I think I met with the rep for reprogramming within a month of the implant. I still had some anesthesia on board (in my system) when they programmed it in recovery so I was probably not the ideal historian for pain level, too sleepy.

I hope you get it programmed soon and it helps you.

I have an Abbott, not a Medtronix , but I was doubting my SCS for awhile, also. It didn't seem to be doing as much as the temporary test one had. I waited a few months, then called my Rep. I have three I can call, and they are very quick to respond, fortunately. I met with one the next day and they reset my SCS , and it now works much better. I feel that I am getting at least 50% or more relief now. I think it just takes awhile to get everything set to work maxiximally, but you also MUST advocate for yourself! Keep after your Rep until you are getting some re!ief.

Has the new one worked for you.I hope so