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Spinal cord stimulator (paddles) removal surgery
Has anyone had their spinal cord stimulator with paddles removed? My partner is scheduled for this surgery and I'm concerned with it being out patient. Everything we have read online says that its typical to stay overnight for observation. I know risks come with this type of surgery. When the stimulator was placed (different hospital) it was not the best experience and zero support from the Dr. I would like to hear from others who have had the paddles removed and what the experience was like. What should I prepare for ahead of time?
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@christisking It was implanted in August 2018 and removed in May 2024. It stopped working in February 2021. Yes, it had paddle leads. Have a blessed day.
@heisenberg34 thank you for replying. Was this the original surgeon that put it in? I had mine put in at Vanderbilt in Nashville. The Neurosurgeon now is practicing at West Virginia University. My Dr who manages my pain pump told me yesterday that it needed to come out. It has caused inflammation and the dr at UAB that he was referring me to said he wouldn’t I needed to go back. Not only is my prior surgeon gone but my insurance is not in their network at Vanderbilt. I know that’s lot of info just trying to connect with someone that has had it done. Mine is also in my thoracic spine. I’m 50 year old woman and my back stays on fire and I can’t lie down long enough to barely get my pump filled. Just getting discouraged that no one will do it. Thank you for any information. God bless
@christisking Wow! That is truly unfortunate. So sorry that you are having to go through all this. My pump was installed in PA in 2018. After it went sideways, we had moved to Delaware. It became clear that it had become just a lump on my side. So, I had it removed by a neurosurgeon in Bear, DE. It went very smoothly.
I think you need to do your research to find a competent neurosurgeon in your area who will work with you. As you check out doctors, go on a site called Health Grades. There are reviews of just about every doctor.
I truly hope you can get things straightened out.
@heisenberg34 I’m in DE; what was the name of your neurosurgeon in Bear?
@sue4 Yalamanchili. I think he’s either in Bear or Newark. Everyone seems to rave about him. He did good by me. I’m in Dover.
@heisenberg34 thank you; I have heard of him as well; apparently a talented neurosurgeon.
@sue4 Yes. Very straight forward. He won't soft peddle anything. He'll tell you like it is.