I had a Medtronic SCS implanted back in 2018. Along with my meds it dropped my pain from a 7-8 down to about a 2. Then, for some unknown reason, everything seemed to stop working. All my old pain returned. I had all the hardware removed in May of 2024. New pain doc recommended the trial of Boston Scientific's Wave Writer. They were not able to get the trial lead into the "sweet spot" due to scar tissue. Insurance will not approve permanent implant without positive result from trial. Hope this helps.
I did extensive research online concerning just how effective these implants were and discovered a 30%-33% failure rate. In addition, the batteries only last for a few years (3yrs-5yrs) at which point they have to be replaced. That means more surgery, more scar tissue, and more problems. I told my surgeon that I was not going to allow him to perform this invasive surgery, but that's just me.
I did extensive research online concerning just how effective these implants were and discovered a 30%-33% failure rate. In addition, the batteries only last for a few years (3yrs-5yrs) at which point they have to be replaced. That means more surgery, more scar tissue, and more problems. I told my surgeon that I was not going to allow him to perform this invasive surgery, but that's just me.
I did a trial for the stimulator, I couldn't handle the constant tingling. I couldn't wait to get it out! It was very painful for me as they just numb you with novicane.
I have read that many members here on Mayo Clinic Connect report having several different spinal cord stimulators. I find that interesting. I had one implanted in 2018, but it stopped working in 2021. All the hardware was removed in 2024. When I tried to get the trial of a new one in 2024, they could not get the trial lead in to the sweet spot due to scar tissue. So, I am asking those who have had multiple SCSs, how did they manage that with scar tissue buildup? Thanks.
interesting to hear about the scar tissue, and the conflict with the SCS. I have had the Abbott Eterna for two years, and it was performing well, relieving the pain up to 2-3 months ago. I will see the neurosurgeon who implanted it next week and discuss about removing it. I have worked with the reps as well, and after 5-6 visits, they can't seem to find the sweet spot to chill the pain.
interesting to hear about the scar tissue, and the conflict with the SCS. I have had the Abbott Eterna for two years, and it was performing well, relieving the pain up to 2-3 months ago. I will see the neurosurgeon who implanted it next week and discuss about removing it. I have worked with the reps as well, and after 5-6 visits, they can't seem to find the sweet spot to chill the pain.
So, you are saying that the Abbott SCS worked for a while and then stopped? No reprogramming helped? Sounds like my Medtronic SCS. It also worked for a while and suddenly stopped. My neurosurgeon told me that if I wanted to have another SCS implanted, I should have had it done soon after having it removed. That way the scar tissue buildup would have been minimal. Wish someone had told me this at the time! It seems that it is the patient's responsibility to research and try to find all options, not the doctor's. What a crazy system of medicine we have.
The device implanted 2/23 was too large, creating sciatica, and was removed 7/23 for a smaller unit.
After the many settings programmed, of which you read about, something was amiss, and I knew contacting the neurosurgeon would be the best move. He appears to be a pleasant man, and listens to me well, has been an advocate referring me to other doctors for RLS and scoliosis exams. I look forward to our visit on 12/23/24, and to inquire what his thoughts are.
The device implanted 2/23 was too large, creating sciatica, and was removed 7/23 for a smaller unit.
After the many settings programmed, of which you read about, something was amiss, and I knew contacting the neurosurgeon would be the best move. He appears to be a pleasant man, and listens to me well, has been an advocate referring me to other doctors for RLS and scoliosis exams. I look forward to our visit on 12/23/24, and to inquire what his thoughts are.
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No, but I have read about it. Check this webinar out regarding NERVO HFX Spinal Cord stimulator.
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1 ReactionI had a Medtronic SCS implanted back in 2018. Along with my meds it dropped my pain from a 7-8 down to about a 2. Then, for some unknown reason, everything seemed to stop working. All my old pain returned. I had all the hardware removed in May of 2024. New pain doc recommended the trial of Boston Scientific's Wave Writer. They were not able to get the trial lead into the "sweet spot" due to scar tissue. Insurance will not approve permanent implant without positive result from trial. Hope this helps.
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1 ReactionI have had 3 trial versions. I am sorry to say, that none of them worked.
I did extensive research online concerning just how effective these implants were and discovered a 30%-33% failure rate. In addition, the batteries only last for a few years (3yrs-5yrs) at which point they have to be replaced. That means more surgery, more scar tissue, and more problems. I told my surgeon that I was not going to allow him to perform this invasive surgery, but that's just me.
I did a trial for the stimulator, I couldn't handle the constant tingling. I couldn't wait to get it out! It was very painful for me as they just numb you with novicane.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have read that many members here on Mayo Clinic Connect report having several different spinal cord stimulators. I find that interesting. I had one implanted in 2018, but it stopped working in 2021. All the hardware was removed in 2024. When I tried to get the trial of a new one in 2024, they could not get the trial lead in to the sweet spot due to scar tissue. So, I am asking those who have had multiple SCSs, how did they manage that with scar tissue buildup? Thanks.
interesting to hear about the scar tissue, and the conflict with the SCS. I have had the Abbott Eterna for two years, and it was performing well, relieving the pain up to 2-3 months ago. I will see the neurosurgeon who implanted it next week and discuss about removing it. I have worked with the reps as well, and after 5-6 visits, they can't seem to find the sweet spot to chill the pain.
So, you are saying that the Abbott SCS worked for a while and then stopped? No reprogramming helped? Sounds like my Medtronic SCS. It also worked for a while and suddenly stopped. My neurosurgeon told me that if I wanted to have another SCS implanted, I should have had it done soon after having it removed. That way the scar tissue buildup would have been minimal. Wish someone had told me this at the time! It seems that it is the patient's responsibility to research and try to find all options, not the doctor's. What a crazy system of medicine we have.
The device implanted 2/23 was too large, creating sciatica, and was removed 7/23 for a smaller unit.
After the many settings programmed, of which you read about, something was amiss, and I knew contacting the neurosurgeon would be the best move. He appears to be a pleasant man, and listens to me well, has been an advocate referring me to other doctors for RLS and scoliosis exams. I look forward to our visit on 12/23/24, and to inquire what his thoughts are.
What is RSL ? If you have scoliosis with a 45dig bend how will the device help ?