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Anyone with a Medtronic Stimulator that they're not happy with?
My trial was great, it brought my pain from a 8-9 down to a 5-6. I'm currently having to recharge my battery daily, where I have to sit for a full hour and a half at a time. Sitting with Arachnoiditis is absolute hell, so charging causes my pain to skyrocket and lasts throughout the rest of the day/night.
During the stimulator trial I was able to sit for quite some time and not deal with the pain near this bad. Doctor is extremely concerned and said it is not normal, but doesn't have any answers yet of why I'm not getting the relief, so I'm being juggled back and forth with Medtronic and Pain Management and nobody seems to have any answers.
Anyone else have a similar experience with either a Medtronic's device or another brand?
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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 🤞
I had the Medtronic Inceptiv SCS implanted in February 2025. Just like you, my trial went great, decreasing my pain significantly.
Now, with the permanent implant with lead up at C2 and C3 , I don't seem to have any pain relief. And like you, I would have to sit in one place for at least an hour to charge every other day. My biggest problem is that the leads had to go past my stenosis at C5-6 and I now have myelopathy for sure. Prior to placement, it was questionable based on MRIs. Also, the pain from the battery in my lower back has never gone away and is getting worse. My pain management doctor left the practice during my 2 week post op period without notice, and I now have to see another doctor in the practice that I'm not comfortable with at this time. I feel you. I'm at a loss.
It's interesting that they placed the lead(a paddle lead?) at C2-C3. Everyone here seems to have had the lead placed at T6-T7. Were they going primarily for neck pain? Pray you eventually find the settings to get you some relief.
Thank you for responding to my question. I accidentally found this blog and I am so grateful I did. As we all know, we get desperate to find relief from pain. That's why I wanted to try this avenue. It doesn't work for me. So I am back a square one. I am ecstatic to hear it does not hurt to remove it. Thank you again!
I have CRPS too. I haven't found any relief. What was the medicine you tried that worked for you?
I used nortriptyline. Minimum dose 2x a day . I could walk without crutches . In pain yes always but I could put up with that .
Smithki...I feel exactly the same as you. Didnt want device, talked into it...trial pretty much a breeze. Permanent Stimulator was horrendous, I just had it removed, with serious complications...HOW can Drs in good conscience recommend these damaging devices...they are dangerous.... Seems too many of us " trust" our Drs. too much....Im now often deemed non compliant cuz I trust my gut first.
Can you tell what complications you are having and how long have did you have it implanted?
I believe I am having nerve issues with mine to the point I shut it off. I don’t even want to talk to the pain doctors who installed it because I don’t want a song and a dance that something else caused it. I have no medical proof but as you, my gut tells me it was the cause of this unit. Thanks for responding back to me.
I had it inplanted Sept 2024. Within 6 wks I started having severe spinal instability, back spasms which affected my abdomen badly to point I cdnt eat for couple days ( I have abdominal pain so probably wdnt affect another as much as me). Also had strange jolting in my hips, lower back. Informed Drs. Got no support so switched it off before Xmas. Then my body felt like it was rejecting hardware and I had severe nerve pain in my legs/ (numbness ) and areas where hardware located. Pain so bad I became bedridden. Legs become weaker, especially right leg...Was on liquid diet for 3 months. Pain Dr disappeared , so took several months to find new team. Just before removal a bled and scar tissue found in spinal column. Needed Laminectomy....which may have been partly causitory due previous issue.
2 weeks post surgery my recovery is brutal but I had to get hardware out. I'm like you, until removal surgery worked off gut instinct but never been so sick in my entire life. I honestly think we should all band tog. and inform FDA. The one lady nearly died. These devices are imho very unsafe and Drs don't warn us. Trust your gut my friend....I regret going against mine for inplanting. Gd luck!!