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Neurostimulator implant or Spinal Cord Stimulator
Neuropathy | Last Active: May 11 10:55pm | Replies (30)Comment receiving replies
@neurobob
Hi, I just read your comment about switching the stim off often. Would you explain a bit more what you mean? Do you mean it helps the battery last longer? Do you mean the pain relief is better by switching it off often? How frequently and for how long do you switch it off?
I had the Abbot Eterna placed in December and I’m still struggling to find a setting that’s helpful. I’ve been working through various programs and so far none is especially helpful. I do find that the higher the setting the more aggravating it seems to be to my nerves. Everything is so subtle though it’s hard to tell if it’s ever going to be a significant improvement.
Thanks for your help!
Replies to "@neurobob Hi, I just read your comment about switching the stim off often. Would you explain..."
@laurenthewise1 Hello, Wise Lauren. I've had the same kind of trouble finding the right settings and so forth with my Abbott. What I've discovered by trial and error is that I can turn it off for pain relief lasting anywhere from 7 to 20 hours. Works sometimes, doesn't work sometimes. Last night, 7 hours of relief. Night before last, none. It's called carryover effect. When the device is running, it apparently stores up relief in the nervous system. That stored-up relief continues with the device off until it runs dry. (Also saves battery juice.) You can google "carryover effect" on NeuroNewsInternational.com if you want to read about the theory of carryover effect. Good luck.
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@neurobob I had the Medtronic SCS. If I turned it off while driving for long stretches, the pain relief would last sufficiently to last for several hours. Good luck!