Severe spinal stenosis

Can you give me more information about the spinal cord stimulator?

Hello @loyal Other than restless leg ... and the fact that I'm 73.... our stories are pretty much alike. I recently saw a new NP in a neurosurgeon's office. I will be having more MRIs and X-Rays.... but he did prescribe Robaxin, a muscle relaxer I had never heard of, to be taken three times a day. After just a few days, I've been surprised at the difference. Not a miracle.... but less muscle and nerve pain than before. I really didn't want to take a muscle relaxant, as I have used Flexaril and it makes me groggy all day. But they told me this one would cause less grogginess... and so far that seems to be true. Just sharing for what it's worth. Different people react differently to different things... and I can't say this would have the same effect for you. But perhaps something to ask your doctor about. I, too, take Eliquis for AFib. Lyrica helped me gain 35 pounds before I stopped it. Gabapentin made me loopy. So I no longer take those. You've found a great spot for information here at Connect. I hope you find something that helps! Best wishes! Mike

Thank you so much. I took only 25mg of Lyrica at bedtime last night and did ok. Hopefully, I can get off Lyrica soon and then I will consider Robaxin. I did gain weight while on Lyrica. I started it in March. I did get so much help from this Mayo Clinic Connect support group during the 13 months I was on prednisone for PMR. The experiences and advice that people gave me about tapering off prednisone was so helpful.

If you are totally unfamiliar with it(like I was), it is a device that consists of two parts: a lead or paddle, is placed in the space next to your spinal cord(intrathecal space). The other part is the battery(also called the pulse generator). It is implanted in the upper buttock region. The two are connected by wires. The battery sends out electrical impulses to the leads/paddle, that are designed to block pain signals. There is also a remote control that is used to change programs. Different programs are designed to hit different regions of your body with varying amounts of electrical energy. Before you get the full implant, you get a trial version. Temporary leads are placed and connected to a temporary battery that is outside your body usually carried on a belt. You wear the tempopary device for 5-7 days(depending on which SCS you get). The goal is to get at least 50% pain reduction in order to get the permanent implant.

There are a number of companies that make spinal cord stimulators: Medtronics, Boston Scientific, Nevro, and a few others. Do some research to see which one you think might be the best fit for you. Most insurances will cover the cost after you pay whatever deductible you have. Medicare will also cover it. I went wiith Boston Scientific's Alpha Wavewriter. My research gave it the highest rating among all SCSs. There are a multitude of YouTube videos that have been very helpful to me. I wish you much success on you pain journey!

Has your doctor ever mentioned a spinal cord stimulator os a morphine pain pump? Both are sort of "last gasp options".

Pain stimulator has been mentioned. I refuse. I don’t want any type of cutting on my body. I am on morphine but not the pump. If it involves cutting I am not doing it. Thank you for asking. Have a wonderful day.

I have had numbness in both legs, Spinal stenosis, getting worse. Use to take sleeping pills to go into sleep mode. Did not like those pills. Someone recommended meditation. Now I am listening 1 hour at bedtime and 1 hour before getting at morning time. Many times I wake up in middle of the night and discover my cell is still connected to Meditation site. Here is the meditation site: Inside Timer. Enjoy!

My Mom has had stenosis for at least 20 years. She has some discomfort upon waking in the morning and uses walking aids throughout day. She has experienced “flares” about twice a year, with it she has extreme pain for approximately 7-10 days. The last flare was torture-very little relief with twice daily hydrocodone. The most recent CT scan revealed severe multi-level lumbar degenerative disc disease/malalignment and mild lumbar dextroscoliosis, most pronounced at L4-L5 indicating severe central spine stenosis. L3-L4 right central disc extrusion and progression of L2-L3 degenerative disc disease. Severe chronic bilateral sacroilititis.

I understand completely. I would be very reluctant to have anyone cutting into my back as well. However, I have had just about every type of treatment known to man. My pain has been ramping up to the point where I can't do much of anything any more. The SCS trial is minimally invasive...no cutting. Just a small lead inserted into the space next to your spinal cord. That is connected to an external "battery" that your wear for 4-7 days. If your get decent pain relief, you can opt for the permanent implant. I don't really have any options left. I hope you find something that will give you some relief.

I am amazed when I read these comments about back pain. I have scoliosis and a ruptured disc. A back specialist told me that an operation would put me into a wheel chair. I do believe that we are all just experimental specimens. So I depend on Hydrocodon or Advil, depending on the degree of pain. You learn to live with it.