Spinal cord stimulator support

Posted by robyng @robyng, Mar 27, 2024

I recently had a spinal cord stimulator implanted and would love to hear from others who have one and their experiences.

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Profile picture for ladyleo55 @ladyleo55

I am so lost because I can't get anybody to remove it I can't charge it it hasn't been working for 9 months the device is just in my body now my left side is going numb metric said there's nothing they can do because the device migrated to my spine can somebody give me some kind of motivation I'm in California

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My orthopedic doctor removed mine 2 months ago. It was outpatient with minimal fuss. He’s the doctor who implanted it originally.

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I had my SCS implanted 4/23/24. Took almost a year before I felt it did anything. About two weeks ago I leaned over to pick up a box and zing my back was hurting again. I just have not seen that much improvement in my pain level.

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Profile picture for bakerswhiskitall @bakerswhiskitall

A spinal cord stimulator has been suggested for me. I too am interested in hearing experiences from people who have the implant.

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I have thalamic pain syndrome, and my neurosurgeon recommended the spinal cord stimulator. I have read about it, and talk to different people. My pain doctor said he did not recommend it. My physical therapist said he has patients that have had it and it only worked for a short time and they have it removed.He said he would not get one himself and did not recommend it.

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Profile picture for jcb721 @jcb721

I have thalamic pain syndrome, and my neurosurgeon recommended the spinal cord stimulator. I have read about it, and talk to different people. My pain doctor said he did not recommend it. My physical therapist said he has patients that have had it and it only worked for a short time and they have it removed.He said he would not get one himself and did not recommend it.

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Like so many treatments, spinal cord stimulation is a crap shoot. It can work well for many, but not work at all for many, even after a positive trial. I had one for about three years, and it did a good job of giving me decent pain relief. Then, it just stopped working for no apparent reason. I guess what I am trying to say is that if you elect to get this procedure done. Don't get your hopes up too high.

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I had my stimulator leads replaced with paddles on April 7 they removed the staples and turned the stimulator back on and I can’t feel it around my spine. It felt like a staple was pushing on a nerve in the incision between my shoulder blade after the staple was removed it kept hurting. There’s a pocket of fluid (I believe Seroma)by the incision it comes and goes but when it’s there my shoulder blade and spine are numb so they couldn’t get the stimulator to relieve my pain. Anyone ever have this happen? I called the surgeon Friday and they called and asked a question but never called back , they’re not the one hurting so who cares if we do .

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Profile picture for Sophie46 @sophie46

I have a Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator. Unfortunately they were only able to insert one wire down my spine instead of two. This is due to my spinal cord injury. For a year I was able to walk really well and my pain was much less. After the year, I was suddenly not able to walk easily and my pain increased. I tried different programs, but nothing helped. The doctor now refuses to remove the battery. I would not recommend a S.C.S.

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I also have a SCS. You may need to contact Medtronic to have them recalibrate you. You can also turn the battery off. Im sorry for your frustration. I can certainly understand your pain as I do not get the relief from my stimulator as well.

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Profile picture for queenierlb @queenierlb

I also have a SCS. You may need to contact Medtronic to have them recalibrate you. You can also turn the battery off. Im sorry for your frustration. I can certainly understand your pain as I do not get the relief from my stimulator as well.

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I had terrible complications with mine. Its bedn removed 5 weeks ago, due all the nerve pain it caused me recovery is very hard.
Pls keep contacting someone to help. Any complications with your spine can be very serious.
You have to be VERY proactive and advocate strongly. I was up against male medical Drs telling me removal wasn't wise, but I fought for it and despite my hard recovery im glad its gone. The hardware was causing considerable pain and it was switched off. Pls fight for your health!!

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Hello.
I hope it is going well with you.
I am scheduled for my trial I. Two weeks. I am wondering how limiting it will be? What will I not be able to do?

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Profile picture for fiddleflyer @fiddleflyer

Hello.
I hope it is going well with you.
I am scheduled for my trial I. Two weeks. I am wondering how limiting it will be? What will I not be able to do?

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@fiddleflyer They want you to limit your movements. No heavy lifting. No more than about five pounds. No lifting your arms over your head. Don't bend over. Avoid showering until the temporary battery is removed. These are the main restrictions I had during my trial.

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Profile picture for heisenberg34 @heisenberg34

@fiddleflyer They want you to limit your movements. No heavy lifting. No more than about five pounds. No lifting your arms over your head. Don't bend over. Avoid showering until the temporary battery is removed. These are the main restrictions I had during my trial.

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@heisenberg34
Thank you!

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