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Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator
Hello. I am 73 years old and am having severe sciatica. I have scoliosis, with a 48 degree curvature. I have had the temporary SCS implanted and when it was removed, I realized it had given me about 50% pain relief. After removal, I am experiencing severe sciatica, which has affected my ability to walk, without the use of a cane. I am going to have the SCS permanently implanted and would like to hear from if any of you have had this implant and if so, was it successful. Thanks
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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/?search=meditronic%20scs.
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/?search=Spinal+Cord+Stimulators.
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.
I am so sorry you are still having pain and dealing with this! I have read so many responses where the temporary SCS worked but the permanent one did not. This has made me weary about the SCS. I am seriously considering surgery because if the pain I am having. Good luck to you!
Your rep should not be ghosting you. Call the main office and ask why this is happening. No excuse for this type of thing.
I agree with Heisenberg and maybe ask for a different rep. I have an Abbott Wavewriter SCS. A rep (there are two or three for my area) contacts me within hours of my text or call, sometimes that evening but never the next day. I have had it reprogrammed a few times and I never wait more than week to be seen for that. Go up the ladder, area rep, district rep, regional rep - whatever and contact someone at Abbott customer support because what you're experiencing is totally unacceptable. Does your doctor know how you're being ignored? They should be contacting the rep too. I am so sorry you're dealing with this and hope you get the help you deserve.
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.