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Anyone with a Medtronic Stimulator that they're not happy with?
Spine Health | Last Active: Aug 21, 2025 | Replies (46)Comment receiving replies
I am in the middle of a "trial" spinal cord stimulator. I am trying this stimulator due to nerve pain in my left (dominant) hand caused by surgery. My first day I had nerve stimulation in BOTH my arms and very uncomfortable. I called to talk to my Dr who put it in and was told to call the MEDTRONICS tech. So I did. He said it was a good sign that I felt it in both arms, meaning the leads were placed correctly but the "prime" was too high. He talked me through how to lower the intensity. I honestly don't think this stimulator is for me. I STILL FEEL nerve pain in my left hand. Ugghh! I am glad I got to do the trial first. My question is, is it painful to get the Trial Leads removed from my spine? I am getting it removed Friday Aug 22nd in the office by my Dr's PA. That just doesn't sound right to me.
Replies to "I am in the middle of a "trial" spinal cord stimulator. I am trying this stimulator..."
Good day dear people
I have crps and have tried a lot of things . One medication worked for few months than I stopped it for a week and was put a new medication which I only took for one week only to return to my old medication which does not work anymore.
If there’s anyone on here with my condition ( I have the cold version after I sprained my ankle ( pretty bad) type 1 . I’m following Facebook groups but had no joy so far . Hoping to hear from someone who has experience please . Thank you ☺️
Good luck 🤞
PS. Removal is more difficult if one has paddles as opposed to just ' electrodes ' ( not sure exact name, ). I believe i had paddles cuz my bled was at lead paddle, which is unusual. I had MRI's that reveal none of this. This was ONLY revealed when I did MRI in surgeon's office, just prior to removal so pls also know one's MRI results only as good as Radiologist..and many are obviously lacking. I was constantly told all was well...it was not !
Got my trial spinal cord stimulator removed yesterday (8/22/25) It didn't work for my nerve pain. They tried to get me to keep it in over the weekend and try and different setting. I declined. I was so ready to have it removed. I am so happy it was just a trial. It did not hurt to remove it. The only thing I felt was the tape that was holding the implant on my back. Now that hurt a lot! I don't know what's next to relieve my nerve pain.
I was given gabapentin when I was first diagnosed. That drug caused me to fall and lose focus. I went to another neurologist and he suggested pregabalin and baclofin.ye I have been ok with it. I take 75 mg of pregabalin {Lyrica} every 6 hours 3 times each day starting at 8 a.m. then 2 pm then again at 8 pm It all depends when I start the first dose. then it is always 6 hours then another 6 hours. with each dose of pregabalin I take baclofin. 2 then 1 then 2 with last dose of the day. I have alot of pain in my feet, and legs I apply Aspercreme with lidocaine -found it at Walmart, several times a day if I am able. I also have had 3 fusions 1 cervical, one laminectomy/discectomy and bilateral sacral fusion. I had a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord stimulator implanted 3 years ago. I chose this one because you are able to have an MRI with it. It doesn't stop all pain but if I turn it off I know I need it. I am going to research Protandim NRF-2. A tip from a Facebook neuropathy group. She sent me a video and info how her husband has alot of relief with it. I will try anything to keep off the typical meds for this horrible condition. My pain with PN has been disabling at times, I must use a cane. I am really searching for a holistic way to stop these meds. Hope this helps some.
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No it’s not painful at all but the permanent one is pretty intense.
I have an Abbott stimulator for my back and leg pain and now I wish I would have passed on the permanent implant. I ended up turning mine off because I was getting nerve burning . I’m not so sure the leads were placed right. I had decent results from the trial but not the permanent one. Not telling you yes or no but it is good you are on these blogs, I wish I had been on them before I had mine. Just do your homework and ask a lot of questions.