Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal

@heisenberg34 Aww, I am SO sorry to hear this!! 🙁 My heart goes out to you. Don't give up - this isn't the end of the road. I see it as this wasn't right for you and there is something BETTER out there for you 🙂 Your body knows best and it rejected it on your behalf, which hopefully - in time - can elicit gratitude; as backwards and hard as that seems (it IS, but not impossible). I am rooting for you, friend. I pray that your Dr's can come up with a plan that really benefits you and achieves a higher quality of life for you. I am sending prayers your way. Keep your head up and know there's light with you IN the tunnel. Every day is a new day, which means a second chance at this hard thing called life. You're strong, and I'm greatly encouraged by you. Best of luck!

@gregda Hey there, friend! That's a really great question - since I am not a Dr, I don't want to promise you something that doesn't necessarily pan out on your behalf. From what I've heard (and from personal experience), it is very safe. The only time I ever had a problem with it was during the trial and that is simply because a lead slightly moved enough to cause really bad symptoms. However, I was on the phone with my BS rep at the time, and he was able to meet me in person immediately to get it fixed. Simple as that. The permanent one has never moved, not even an inkling. In a sorta half answer to your question, I do not believe it will harm you or cause any further damage in regards to your fusion. However, that being said, I would either call your Dr and/or Boston Scientific directly and ask them if there are any contraindications. They would be able to answer you for certain and guide you into next steps. In answer to your second question - I can definitely relate, and I am SO sorry - there are several things I could suggest (with your Dr's permission, obviously): 1) Medications = so far, the ones that have really worked for me are Gabapentin, Lamotrigine (regular; NOT extended release - but, it gave me a rash, therefore, I am ineligible to take it) and Levetiracetam 750mg ER (250mg turned me into a zombie and didn't work, personally). With Gaba, though, I am trying very hard to get off of it bc of the withdrawal / dependency factor (not addiction; I mean lifelong, in general) and bc I want to solely rely on my stimulator(s). The Gaba/Levet combo has been decent, along with Gaba/Lamot combo. 2) Taping techniques = Idk if you have a PT/OT or not, but mine used to tape me regularly (holds for about 7-10 days) and it was instant relief. Wonderful. But, I'm allergic to adhesives so it wasn't worth it long-term. 3) Heat = very calming for me (cold = the devil lol!); seems to take off the edge 4) Orthoses = specifically, I would recommend the SaeboGlove (I have one and love it); also, there is the option to have braces custom made (I also have a pair and works wonders! Not inhibiting in the least) Your PPC/neurologist would have to send in a referral, but it's definitely an option! 5) Tubigrip = I love this stuff! It is really helpful if you have any skin sensitivities. Takes the stress off of being in public or doing daily activities. 6) Scraping = I didn't particularly like this bc of hard-to-touch skin, but it works wonders for others. 7) Tuning fork = believe it or not, this was one of my favorites. Used it at OT all the time and it seemed to ease the pain/sensitivity enough to function. 8) Mind over matter = don't hate me for this one, please - just, hear me out. Sometimes, giving the placebo affect to yourself really works. Telling your mind to tell your body to "do" or "feel" can actually work. (I'd suggest watching "Lorenzo's Oil" if you haven't already) 9) For motor nerves, there are adaptable tools you can use; some you can make yourself at home (e.g. therapy ball with a pen stuck thru it for writing) 10) Use different muscle groups to accomplish tasks = e.g. I use my forearms vs my hands for a lot of things, which strengthens me + offsets the deficits I have. Get creative! 11) Massage = tough if you're sensitive, but really does wonders! 12) Last suggestion = chiropractic care. I was a skeptic until I wasn't anymore. I truly believe in this bc it can greatly decrease your symptoms, which helps your mind to heal enough to where it can believe that "all things are possible" per se. I hope some of this can be helpful to you. In the meantime, I'll keep thinking and shoot any other suggestions I have your way! Stay positive, my friend. Remember, this does not define you - rather, look at it as a gift! I believe you and many others who deal with such challenges have been gifted this "burden" bc we have been deemed strong enough to handle it, which in turn, helps others. This way, we are able to keep fresh perspectives and "give back" to our communities and relate to others who are struggling, offering true hope and empathy. Sending prayers your way - and, remember to look up; there are always rainbows in the sky! 🙂

@rivermaya34 : TKS.... I'll review some of your ideas on >. pain meds I've not tried, and > the Tuning fork (WHO administers this ??)..... I'm not keen on Chiros at least in St Pete, they mean well but in my past very unscientific: eg: neve did a Xray/MRI... and now w/ lumbar and 20-yr old cervical fusion, won't trust them to adjust back as risk to pinch more nerves toooo high. Still think, need to focus on combo of Motor and Sensor nerves... Stay 'well' !!

@gregda Yes, except that morphine didn't work for me in the trial. They tried hydromorphone, which is about 5X as strong as morphine. It dropped my pain from an 8 down to about a 2. That's what I currently have in my pump.

@heisenberg34 : that’s quite an amazing drop. Will be curious to find if overtime you need more frequent hits or how addictive is the hydromorphone?
Stay well!!

@gregda These medications are not supposed to become addictive because they do not enter the general body circulation, unlike oral meds. They tend to remain in the intrathecal space until they are removed. FYI, I have not gotten pain relief from my pain pump yet. Still having it adjusted upward. I had one day about two months ago in which all my pain from buttocks down to tip of my toes disappeared. 100% gone. But, as you said, my body may have become used to it to a degree since I have had it for over two and a half years.

Yes; it’s a life saver. I just earned by green belt in Taekwondo!

Guy Cranor
360-481-9352

Silence is Acceptance

@gcranor Glad it has worked well for you. Mine was great as well until I overdid things one day and all my old pain returned. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't over do things. It takes just one thing to make things go south in a hurry.

@gcranor and @heisenberg34 : TKS men... I'll keep these in back of mind.
and for sure,,, I NEED to learn how to monitor m Type A activities with a D (?) body....
I know, Doing NO-thing is not good !
Stay well, active !!
~. Greg, St Pete, FL

Yes

Guy Cranor
360-481-9352

Silence is Acceptance