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DiscussionCan degenerative disc disease be helped by fusion really?
Spine Health | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
@kitkatrn
@annie1
I didn't realize my post even went through because it dropped when I was still typing . I didn't have a chance to correct my TypeOoooos.
Since you've already gone through the nerve blocks and RFA's without any improvement the other two options are:
1) a spinal cord stimulator . They do a trial where they put the two wire leads "near" your spinal cord. The bare wire is whats under your skin. Then the coated part of the wire leads come through to the surface of your skin and those wires plug into a battery /controller
that you wear like fanny pack. The reason you need to do this trial is to make sure the leads are in the right place so when the unit is transmitting electrical pulses through the wires you will be able to tell if the leads are in rhe right place and if you are getting any pain relief. The controller can adjust the intensity of the electric pulses to make it higher or lower. Sometimes your neurosurgeon or "pain dr" ( usually an anesthesologist) will need to move the leads to a different area if you arent getting any relief. Beluve me you will know right away. My pain dr actually had to move the leads three times before he got it in the right area ( another reason why you'll want to have a neurosurgeon or even a neurologist do this). Then when they are Positive of the location then they take the wire leads and move them next to your spinal cord. They place a small controller inside your body usually towards tbe front someewhere between your groin and hip, so the wires from your spinal cord will attach to the small controller in the front. You will be able to adjust the intensity from an APP. Things have changed since I did this so hopefully its easier now. I know several patients that got good pain relief from a SCS for many years.
Unfortunately my body was too sensitive to any metal that is placed inside of me so the SCS didnt work for me. The one issue most people who have a SCS is that it only works for a certain period of time. That time frame varies depending on the severity of the nerve inpingment and the age of the patient.
Option 2)
There is a spinal procedure called the INTRACEPT. It was developed by Boston Scientific in Boston MA
Google them and watch their videos on what it is and why it works better than RFA's. Basically it is a MEGA and More Aggressive form of an RFA. The procedure is done between your vertebrae where the nerve meets your spinal cord. The Intracept procedure is more permanent because of where it is done and how it is done. Its a lot more aggressive but its still consudered Non Invasive because it's not considered a surgery. The results are amaizing. From what I have read 1/2 of these patiens get at least a 50% reduction in pain. Then the next group get 75% reduction in pain. The remaining group get between 75%- 95% reduction in pain. I am actually going to have this procedure done myself because nothing else has worked . Its worth doing because most spine surgerys only have a 50% success rate. Obviously the percentage varies a little depending on what type of spine surgery you have.Microdiscetonomy or a laminectomy etc...
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So I hope I answered your questions about your options. I am. Not trying to put sldown any Pain managrment specialist who are anesthesiologist because many of them are very good. At least any doctor who does the Intracept procedure is required to be certified by Boston Scientific snd go through their training program first. On their website they have a list of the doctors in your area who they trained and they certified. You can also call them if you have any questions.
Regarding NY area, I'm born and raised in CA. I know all the medical schools and major hospitals on the west coast. I also know the best orthopedic and neuro surgeons at those facilities. So if anyone needs a referal on the west coast contact me. I'm sorry I can't be more help on the east coast. Boston Scientific is a good place to start. I wish you well and a pain free future.
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@kitkatrn
I did a trial SCS with the Nevro HFX and didn't do anything for my pain from compressed nerves. You think the Boston scientific is better? Also I called another doctor in New York about trying The STS when they said they wouldn't do it they didn't explain why they didn't think it would work or be safe for me. Maybe because of the osteoporosis? I have to call them back. Also that intercept thing that sounds like it could be dangerous if the doctor doesn't have experience and hasn't done many. Although few things like you said are also dangerous potentially. Hardly anyone in New York I suggested the SDS for me. Actually no one. I had to search it out myself.