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Spinal cord stimulator support

Posted by robyng @robyng, Mar 27, 2024

I recently had a spinal cord stimulator implanted and would love to hear from others who have one and their experiences.

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closer0043 | @closer0043 | May 6 2:08pm
In reply to @dougs72 "@closer0043 I think you can play baseball with the implant. I'm not positive though. Any update..." + (show)
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@closer0043 I think you can play baseball with the implant. I'm not positive though. Any update on your pain or diagnosis?

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@dougs72 I just completed 11 more sessions of PT with an excellent therapist who is sending me back to my physical medicine doctor with a recommendation of a numbing shot in my jeft side L5-S1 area to diagnose if that’s where the pain originates. I’m actually hoping to get my spine doctor to perform the same surgery on my left side that he did for my right side. My right side sciatica is completely gone since his microendoscopic decompression of stenosis surgery. It went so well that I went back to the gym after only 2 weeks of recovery and messed up the left side. I wasn’t even supposed to start any PT until 4 Weeks out. 8 months later, and no improvement. I wish I would have waited. I would probably be playing baseball right now with all my friends in their 50s and 60s. All we can do is learn from our mistakes I guess.

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renich | @renich | May 6 2:16pm

People’s experiences with a Spinal Cord Stimulator vary quite a bit some report significant pain relief (often around 50% or more) and improved daily function, others find it helps but still requires ongoing adjustments and doesn’t eliminate pain completely, and a smaller group feel little benefit or even discomfort so while it can be very effective especially for nerve-related pain, it usually takes time, careful programming, and realistic expectations to see results, making it an additional tool for managing chronic pain rather than a guaranteed fix.

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cman55 | @cman55 | May 6 9:22pm
In reply to @drabroker "I have had bone & Joint issues since my 20's. 18 surgeries later 3 disc cervical..." + (show)
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I have had bone & Joint issues since my 20's. 18 surgeries later 3 disc cervical fusion , a 3 disc lumbar fusion a year later a 360 surgery fusion did not work and a jaw joint replaced. I was seen by Orthopedic surgeon for my Cervical fusion that did not work. He advised me he would not recommend surgery and referred to pain care trial was wonderful but permanent stimulator has been a nightmare. I had been shocked, pain at battery site, sciatica on the side of the battery extremely bad. Heard a loud pop in my neck and stimulator would not cut on. I knew I would have to have surgery to have it removed plus my Mother passed away.All of this happened within the first 2 months and I went back in 1/15/2026 I was told it was not broken got it working and a few days later stopped working again. I called pain care office they said per the previous note the stimulator had at 20 leads not working and they asked me if the rep for the stimulator had advised me of that I told her no she said it was not broken. They lied I am having it taken out and have an attorney. There is no hope now!

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@drabroker Did you have to get a Attorney in order to get it removed? Sorry for what you are going through. My loved one is not getting much relief. Which company makes the Stimulator that you have? My Loved one has rarely got relief from her Abbott SCS with cylindrical leads.
A Neurosurgeon we just saw said he thought if she changed to paddles it could give her more relief. We aren't sure about that.

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abosier65 | @abosier65 | May 10 10:45am
In reply to @dougs72 "@abosier65 what does "start doing the right thing" even mean?" + (show)
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@abosier65 what does "start doing the right thing" even mean?

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@dougs72 the right thing to me means looking at all options and NOT getting hooked on pain meds. I hope you know what I meant now. I pray no one is ever put thru what my late husband went thru bc the meds killed him. Best wishes for healing🙏

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jniz | @jniz | May 10 5:08pm
In reply to @heisenberg34 "Thanks @julkun. If insurance approves the procedure, I will be getting the permanent implant. So, the..." + (show)
Profile picture for heisenberg34 @heisenberg34

Thanks @julkun. If insurance approves the procedure, I will be getting the permanent implant. So, the odds are against me in that regard. Even if approved, there are no guarantees that the neurosurgeon will be able to remove enough scar tissue to get the lead in the sweet spot. Then, there's the question of whether the device will give me any real relief. At this point I can't sweat it. God is in control. I am completely in His hands.
Thanks for your kind words. I hope and pray that your trial is a smashing success.

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@heisenberg34
I have had good results with my BS Scs although only several months it clearly has made a difference! People with good results are far less likely to post. I’m looking for advice on what settings work for them.

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