HFX/NEVRO

Posted by trustin356 @trustin356, Sep 19 1:02pm

I have had neuropathy for several years as well as back pain (result of back surgery (lumbar laminectomy) and have in the past gotten cortisone shots for the pain. The last time I went to my pain doctor, he recommended that I see a neurosurgeon to discuss a fairly new device specified for neuropathy and back pain.
I visited the neurosurgeon and he told me about the device. It is a spinal simulator with which they have also seen positive results for back pain and also for neuropathy. I agreed to try the device and a test was scheduled to attach a test device externally. I did the test for a week and the results were positive. About 90% of my back pain was gone and my neuropathy, although still there, was better.
Following the test period (one week), the neurosurgeon and I agreed that the device would work on my pain and I was scheduled for surgery to implant the stimulater in my lower back with leads attached to my back (epidural area).
I have had the implanted device for almost 2 months and have been trying (with help from the HFX coordinating team) to find the right setting on the device. I have experienced dome pain relief in my back but little to no relief in my feet. I am still working with the coordinating team to find the best setting.
Sorry this is long but I would like to know if anyone else has had experience with the device.
Thanks for any input!

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domiha | @domiha | Sep 20 9:17am

@trustin356 Thank you for posting your question to the group. Unfortunately, I can't give you any helpful info, but I will follow this thread with interest. I'm 73yo and had a lumbar laminectomy (L2-S1 ) two years ago and have experienced radiculopathy/neuropathy ever since. I have done PT... and I occasionally get a steroid injection near my spine. MY symptoms are essentially numbness and tingling in my feet... sometimes a burning feeling. But I don't have real "pain" in my feet as many others do. But the numbness is affecting my proprioception ... and my balance. My pain doctor has suggested I consider the spinal cord stimulator... but I don't have a LOT of back pain.... occasionally an ache or pain here or there, but nothing constant. And I'm not convinced the spinal cord stimulator will do much for the numbness and balance issues, even though the pain doctor has said it may. It seems to be designed more to help with actual pain, which I experience minimally. I hope that you will get many responses from the wonderful participants here at Connect. I look forward to hearing what kind of help the SCS has provided for those who have it. Best wishes! Mike

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 20 11:24am

Hello @trustin356, I would like to add my welcome along with Mike @domiha and others. You have a lot of company with spinal stimulators. I think it has helped some but not everyone. You might want to scan through the other discussions on Nevro to read what others have shared. Here's a link to the many discussions and comments on Nevro - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=nevro

Hoping you find some relief soon!