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How to get an objective expert opinion on spine stimulators?

Posted by samcphie @samcphie, Feb 18, 2022

I had a Boston Scientific stimulator for fifteen years. I gave me about 70% reduction in back pain (sacral). Terrific! Unfortunately, it broke and had to be replaced. My pain doctor (anethesiologist) put a new Medtronic stimulator in. He put the leads in the same place as the Boston Scientific. The tingling felt very different and the there was no reduction in pain. The Medtronic rep adjusted the unit but it still had no effect. My pain med doctor just removed the stimulator. Q: Has anyone had a similar experience, namely; good success with one, followed by no success with a replacement? I thought all stimulators were the same and that the Medtronic would be the same as the Boston Scientific (or Abbott or any other for that matter). Q2: Is there anyone I can talk to who is an objective expert in SCS? I am finding that everyone I ask is either defending or selling a brand. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

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julkun | @julkun | Apr 16, 2024
In reply to @doglady84 "I have neuropathy in my legs and feet as well. I find Lyrica works well for..." + (show)
Profile picture for doglady84 @doglady84

I have neuropathy in my legs and feet as well. I find Lyrica works well for it. I have degenerative scoliosis and get radio frequency ablation. The sciatica and right leg pain turned out to be the Si joint, not piriformis! I am 85.

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Can I speak to you about the radio frequency ablation. Have no idea how it works. Please PM me. Stay well!!!

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larry68 | @larry68 | Apr 17, 2024
In reply to @julkun "Can I speak to you about the radio frequency ablation. Have no idea how it works...." + (show)
Profile picture for julkun @julkun

Can I speak to you about the radio frequency ablation. Have no idea how it works. Please PM me. Stay well!!!

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I have been doing it for 3 years now.Temporary outpatient relief for nerve pain.My sciata nerve was killing me and now for about 8 months i will not be hurting.Back surgeon says there is nothing surgical he can do to fix it at this point.But RFA is well worth the time.No pain to it,simple procedure.

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julkun | @julkun | Apr 17, 2024
In reply to @larry68 "I have been doing it for 3 years now.Temporary outpatient relief for nerve pain.My sciata nerve..." + (show)
Profile picture for larry68 @larry68

I have been doing it for 3 years now.Temporary outpatient relief for nerve pain.My sciata nerve was killing me and now for about 8 months i will not be hurting.Back surgeon says there is nothing surgical he can do to fix it at this point.But RFA is well worth the time.No pain to it,simple procedure.

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Can I call you? Please PM me your phone number or email address. Thanks Jules!!!
Continued good health Larry.

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julkun | @julkun | Apr 25, 2024
In reply to @doglady84 "I have neuropathy in my legs and feet as well. I find Lyrica works well for..." + (show)
Profile picture for doglady84 @doglady84

I have neuropathy in my legs and feet as well. I find Lyrica works well for it. I have degenerative scoliosis and get radio frequency ablation. The sciatica and right leg pain turned out to be the Si joint, not piriformis! I am 85.

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What did they do to stop the pain from your sacroiliac joint? And how did they diagnose it?

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dcarlisle72 | @dcarlisle72 | Apr 16 10:14am

I am in the process of being approved for the Medtronic Spine Stimulator. I would love some feedback on this device. Like Dislike? Does it help? Regrets or No Regrets?
Thank you,
Dee

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ricaup | @ricaup | Jun 13 1:59pm
In reply to @barbbielor "I have had 2bBoston Scientific SCS implanted, one in 2012 and the other in 2018. Both..." + (show)
Profile picture for barbbielor @barbbielor

I have had 2bBoston Scientific SCS implanted, one in 2012 and the other in 2018. Both were done by the same neurosurgeon. The first was great. The second he did not do as good a job. My position with the second determines effectiveness of stim. I can set it at one number and it feels good until I change position. I recently had another neurosurgeon look at my case. He wants to remove the 2
implanted and then put in my third one. I have to get cardiac clearance first. No date has been set. I believe in the product but correct placement is vital.

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I have over 5 years with a Boston Sci stim. Failed fusion, foot and low back pain.

Have they done any adjustments to your programming? It made a huge difference with mine. I would rate each program and decide to discard about half and try new ones. The tech would adjust based on what I felt. Made a huge difference on my feet and stopped the rib cage spasms for the most part. Also improved the low back issues. the feet were the target, programming and positioning rule.

Frequency was the biggest and most important change.

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ricaup | @ricaup | Jun 13 2:02pm
In reply to @jsyjackmayo "I'm planning to have an SCS installed & I'm looking for suggestions of which devices are..." + (show)
Profile picture for jsyjackmayo @jsyjackmayo

I'm planning to have an SCS installed & I'm looking for suggestions of which devices are better/worse

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which did you pick?

I have over 5 years with a Boston Sci stim. Failed fusion, foot and low back pain.

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barbbielor | @barbbielor | Jun 13 3:29pm
In reply to @ricaup "I have over 5 years with a Boston Sci stim. Failed fusion, foot and low back..." + (show)
Profile picture for ricaup @ricaup

I have over 5 years with a Boston Sci stim. Failed fusion, foot and low back pain.

Have they done any adjustments to your programming? It made a huge difference with mine. I would rate each program and decide to discard about half and try new ones. The tech would adjust based on what I felt. Made a huge difference on my feet and stopped the rib cage spasms for the most part. Also improved the low back issues. the feet were the target, programming and positioning rule.

Frequency was the biggest and most important change.

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The neurosurgeon refused to operate as I am allergic to.preantibiotics they would use and MAC anesthesias. I do need to recheck with person about redoing some programs as my pain situation has increased in area. Perhaps next week. Thanks for reminder!

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