Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal

I have had a Medtronic SCS for over ten years - with one replacement. It was a great relief early on but have found over the past years I have not used it for both good (improvement) and not so good (increasing other pain). I am now in is situation that looks to be CSS. I am anticipating requiring future MRI's so removal would be necessary. Replacement was not difficult but am curious to know the extent of surgery/recovery from a removal. I have a feeling I may be underestimating the process. Thank you for any input.

My husband was in a car wreck back in '99 and fractured his spine in 3 places. Rods and pedicle screws were put in, but they kept coming loose and had to be replaced. At that time, they put in what they told us was a battery to stimulate the bone. At some point, the screws came loose again, and he developed severe back pain and huge basketball-sized squishy lumps on his back. He saw orthopedic surgeons who took samples of the fluid inside and they told him they had no idea what it was. He went on like this for almost 10 years. Finally, a doctor referred him to a Neurosurgeon who took one look and said he needed surgery immediately. The next day he was in surgery and after the surgeon said he couldn't figure out how my husband was still alive. All of the hardware was removed, and the battery was leaking. He had to have bone grafts and tissue grafts. He had MRSA, Sepsis, Septic Shock, and Osteomyelitis. He was hospitalized for 3 weeks as they weren't sure he would make it.
He still has pain and all they were giving him was tramadol. He finally had it out with them and they ordered oxycodone. But even that just takes the edge off.
I would never ever recommend those stimulators. As you said, it can cost you your life.

Thank you. Im sorry its happening to you too. I have tried to find a lawyer to aue but not one out of 29 lawyers i contacted will not take my case. Their excuse was "they wont make enough money". Its not about the money for me. I almost lost my life because a surgeon did not know what he was doing and now im in more agonizing pain with my back for the rest of my life. I want to be that person that stands up and pushes back. Doctors think they are God. They do not have the right to chose who lives who dies, who suffers who doesnt. I hope i can find people on here to stand up with me and fix this very illegal health care system.
Thank you for the advice on meditation. I will look into it. I know its hard but keep your chin up and im here if you need to talk.

I had my Medtronic SCS removed in May of 2024. I don't remember it being a big deal. The neurosurgeon who removed it came highly recommended. He really came through. The most difficult part was removing the paddle lead. Apparently he was experienced enough to remove it without incident. Medtronic SCS's are generally MRI compatible, so you should be able to have one without getting the unit removed. I wish you well.

I would like very much if you would contact me privately. I have suffered more horrifically than I can convey on this forum but your situation has been so much worse and bring me to tears, what you have
been thru is beyond understanding. Im so sorry.
I am very traumatized as i am sure you must be, i am starting therapy. Its as you say, the disgraceful way Drs treat our bodies. I find the support here very comforting. You absolutely need a lawyer. Its never about the money, its about warning people of the terrible side effects.
Pls reach out privately, you absolutely need compensation for your situation. You are not alone in your struggle to regain your health...Pls know this. Huge hugs , stay strong.

I had my battery removed after 12 years. I left the paddle in. I was having strange symptoms. They said my body was rejecting the battery. I'm sure it was leaking. I would have the worst night sweats. Changing my pajamas three times a night. The very first day after it was taken out they stopped. I'm sure that battery was putting poison in my body! I'm so glad it's gone.

Im new here so i dont know yet how to message privately. Can you plz message me? I understand the need to have private conversations. I am very tramatized after that. Plz message when you can. Sorry i dont know how yet. Thank you

If you don't feel comfortable to confirm we'll figure out another way.
Im tied up for the next few hours but will be in touch early evening. Im hopeful by supporting each other/ exchanging info. We might be able to make some progress.
I'm deeply affected by your story. My own has me devastated, and yours has me outraged on your behalf.
Talk later...stay strong...it will get better🙏
And yes the Trauma runs deep...I get it. Hugs.

So you didn’t have the battery replaced? Just removed? I guess after your experience, you probably didn’t want any more junk in your body.
How’s your pain level these days?

If you don't feel comfortable to confirm we'll figure out another way.
Im tied up for the next few hours but will be in touch early evening. Im hopeful by supporting each other/ exchanging info. We might be able to make some progress.
I'm deeply affected by your story. My own has me devastated, and yours has me outraged on your behalf.
Talk later...stay strong...it will get better🙏
And yes the Trauma runs deep...I get it. Hugs.