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HFX/NEVRO
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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@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
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3 ReactionsHello @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!
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2 ReactionsThank you, I heard about Nervo HFX via an ad somewhere. My PCP indicated his mother with PN had it done and “it made all the difference in the world”. I had my 1st eval appt yesterday, Xrays. Assuming all goes well, next step is a 1 week trial. If that goes well, then permanent implant with controller implant in upper buttock. Nervo rep indicated 100,000’s of successful patients/users. My Dr, Spine spine specialist indicated 1000’s of successful patients, over the years!
…..VERY upset that my Neurologist never recommended this for last 2.5 years. ….only Gabapentin (didn’t work + negative side effects_. Neurogenix E-stim - electrodes on feet, Lidocain injections in upper front calfs, and outside nerve bundle below and outside of both ankles - sessions 2X per week ($20 copay per visit) - very little temporary relief, Cymbalta - horrible side effects)
I am looking forward to a successful implementation and will keep all apprised of progress.
https://www.nevrohfx.com/chronic-pain-relief/?media_region=us&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkoe9BhDYARIsAH85cDM05yWb0vc7yT-v2fAmMLw9sq9YjLN9ogcfFiM7jBmNVxmtYo082VUaAswOEALw_wcB
I am now in my 7th month with little to no pain relief. I have worked with the Nevro consultant with changes to the programs available but nothing seems to work -- especially for the neuropathy. My feet hurt (numbness with burning, stabbing and tingling -- feels like I'm walking on hot coals) constantly. My foot pain does not keep me awake right now but I can't be sure that is going to last. I did try the Nooro foot stimulater but it would not work because of the device in my back.
I am now to the point of telling my doctor to remove the Nevro device.
Good Luck with your Nevro stimulator. As stated in my other comment, it did not work for me but I have seen other information that many people get a lot of relief.
I'm considering having a Nevro stimulator. I had a double back fusion in 2022 and still have lower back pain. I've seen two neurosurgeons but neither has helped me. The first one tried the Sprint stimulator at my request but he doesn't do the Nevro. I saw a second neurosurgeon and he has me doing PT. My pain is 24/7. I've only done the PT for 2 weeks so there hasn't been any improvement yet. I'm considering seeing a new pain specialist that does the Nevro. One doctor said my nerve was atrophied. The other said it was muscular. I'm so confused and frustrated about having lumbar pain for 4 years. The first pain specialist said any treatment wouldn't work because of the hardware from the fusion. Does anyone think Nevro should be a consideration for me? I know this is a long post, and I'm sorry. I just want my life back. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TIA
I had a Nevro stimulator placed in my back for back pain (I had a lumbar laminectomy in 1999) in July 2024. Prior to getting the stimulator, I had gotten steroid injections that really helped for about 4-5 months. I also have neuropothy in my feet which is my most critical issue.
I have worked with the Nevro consultants since the implant with hardly any success. The pain in my feet is NOT being addressed by the stimulator although the neurosurgeon said it "should help".
I am now to the point that I am considering having the implant removed. I isn't addressing the back pain either.
I would strongly suggest that you do the test with the external device and be VERY AWARE of any pain relief you get. THEN decide if you want the implant.
Good Luck@@