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Spinal cord stimulator (paddles) removal surgery
Has anyone had their spinal cord stimulator with paddles removed? My partner is scheduled for this surgery and I'm concerned with it being out patient. Everything we have read online says that its typical to stay overnight for observation. I know risks come with this type of surgery. When the stimulator was placed (different hospital) it was not the best experience and zero support from the Dr. I would like to hear from others who have had the paddles removed and what the experience was like. What should I prepare for ahead of time?
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I recall the neurosurgeon in 2023 told me the paddles would not be removed. I am curious about the forum’s reply, as I in time, and if the stimulator will be removed, about removing the paddles out as well.
I have a general “ache” when standing on my feet either in sports or cooking. I am giving the SCS three years, then if it is what it is today, which is moderate relief, I will go forward to have it along with the idles removed.
I had my old Medtronic SCS hardware removed back in May. It was performed as an outpatient procedure. Everyone at the surgery center was helpful and professional. I stayed afterwards for an hour or so and then my wife drove us home. No complications I'm glad to report. Just make sure to check the neurosurgeon"s record. There will be the usual negative comments, but that's typical. There should be an overall positive response. I wish you well.
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1 ReactionIn the past (at other hospitals) we were also told that the paddles would not be removed or that it isn't possible. Here at Mayo the only neurosurgeon we have seen thus far said that it is possible. It is more in depth surgery du to the location of the paddles and about a 2.5-3 hour surgery vs the one hour with leads. This is just the little bit of info we were given. I do have concerns naturally, but all the reviews on the surgeon are pretty good except a very few regarding bedside manners. I suppose they don't need to be super personal and friendly if they are good at what they do. 🤷🏻♀️ I will update after surgery with how things go.
Did you have paddles or leads? I appreciate your feedback. All reviews except a flvery few were great. The only negative was bedside manner could use improving but I suppose as long as they are good at their job, friendly can take a backseat to an extent.
Paddle. They tend to be a little more challenging to remove, but my neurosurgeon had no difficulty,
I will be having a trial of a new SCS in three weeks
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1 ReactionI may have missed it, but why did you have the Medtronic removed if you're going to trial another SCS? I currently have Boston Wave writer. The battery and the connections at the base of the leads stick out so much I'm afraid they well come through my thin skin.
I will follow and wish you the best
Alex - short for Alexis
Good question. I had the Medtronic SCS implanted back in August of 2018. Along with some meds, it dropped my daily pain from a 7-8 to about a 2 most day. Then, in 2021, it just stopped working. The thinking was that the paddle may have shorted out or moved. I was not thinking about trialing a new one until my new pain doc mentioned it. He said the Boston WaveWriter was a new, more advanced SCS than the old Medtronic. I had the old SCS hardware removed back in May. I am hoping that my trial goes well enough to go ahead with the permanent implant. How does your pain level (1-10) compare today with the Boston WaveWriter to your pain level prior to having it? I am surprised that the battery sicks out so much. It looks pretty thin from what I have seen.
After the 2nd reprogram I had great results, 75% relief. I had it reprogrammed again about 6 weeks ago because the pain had increased. I don’t use about 3 of the new resets because too much tingling in my legs. I guess I didn’t notice it during the reprogram. I’ll get it reprogrammed again to fix that but for now I’m good. Sitting is my issue, I walk 3+ miles every day.
I’m 72 and petite so not much space or adipose tissue for the battery pocket. I think a lower rib isn’t helping either.
I charge it about every 3 days so it only takes about 1 hour.
I hope this helps & the Boston works great for you.
Thanks for your response. Glad it has helped you so much. I don't think I will have any problem with inadequate adipose tissue. lol! I am looking forward to getting my pain pump removed. It has never given me any pain relief. The thing is implanted on my right abdomen. It sticks out like a huge, dried out bagel. And, since I lost about 20 lbs. since implant, it jiggles around like the proverbial "bowl full of jelly". Very annoying. I wish you a blessed Christmas season!