Medtronics Spinal Cord Stimulators: Intellis

Posted by @EDiesel472 @ediesel472, Jun 3 4:03pm

I'm set to get the Medtronic Intellis Pro but I'm nervous because of people stating that it doesn't help, gets dislodged, they don't understand how to use it, etc. I have fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, and spinal radiculopathy. I also have MS. I get thrown between Pain Medicine Specialist, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurology, and Family Medicine. My back negatively impacts my legs to the point that it's unnerving and makes me want to pull my hair out. Pain meds don't last long in my system and I think I've become immune to them since I've been on them so long. It seems they just want to have me do this Spinal Cord Stimulator: Intellis Pro by Medtronics just to get me out of the way. I've already had major back surgery and I need another one but since the first one has caused me so many issues, I dare not! Can anyone tell me your take on this particular SCS? I'm interested in who has or has had the Medtronics ones.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

harrie123 | @harrie123 | Jun 27 3:24pm

I hurt for you because I had pain from shoulder surgery, 4 Back surgeries and knee replacement last year and fibromyalgia. Oh my gosh!! I just reread what I just wrote
Now, I am blessed to have two Spinal Cord Stimulators and am a true believer. My implants were done with Boston Scientific units. I highly recommend the use of SCS for pain reduction. I have one stimulator for shoulder pain and one for back pain-both are post surgical pain that did not resolve.
My recommendation is that you use the stimulator. I certainly trust that it would give you some relief and comfort

nikatnyte4 | @nikatnyte4 | Jun 29 6:02pm

My back pain doctor recommended the Biotronik spinal stimulator as a target solutions when others he suggested (nerve ablation, minor adjustments) failed to relieve my spinal stenosis and lower back pain. I did a trial test and it did seem to reduce my pain at least 50%. I was sold! Almost six weeks ago I had the actual stimulator implanted. It took longer than expected because there were some complications, so I was knocked out for almost two hours, but the doctor said it all attached well. Trouble is, despite a few days when it looked like things were going in the right direction, the pain is the same or at some times worse. I was warned that the effects might not materialize for up to six to eight weeks, and I am working with a tech person who adjusts the settings, but I'm getting very discouraged. I take Oxycodone for pain relief and have not been able to reduce my dosage.

frankiechi | @frankiechi | Jun 29 7:44pm

Thanks for posting this and sorry for your pain. I’m being directed to Abbott labs spinal cord stimulator. Like everyone on this site I’ve done extensive research and I’m disheartened at the number of these devices that ultimately get removed or have the wire migrate. Good luck to us both.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Jul 2 11:25am

I know that many folks, myself included, have had great success with a spinal cord stimulator. Let me offer some advice. If you get one and it works, don't be lulled into a false sense of normalcy. The pain and what's causing it are still there. The SCS just masks it. Be careful and don't overdo it. You run the risk of moving the leads thus reducing or eliminating the pain reduction. It happened to me.

Even if the trial gives you good relief, there is no guarantees that the permanent implant will give you the same results. You may not get any relief at all. I have seen several posters here on Mayo Connect who had such a negative experience. Just be ready for whatever outcome you get.

elle ce | @ellece | 3 days ago

I did the 7-day trial about six weeks ago, and it itched so bad around the implant area I thought I'd go out of my mind. I thought once they removed it, it would stop itching. No such luck. Turns out the Medtronic has silicone on its paddles and around the lead connection to the power unit. Right now, I'm waiting for my upcoming appointment with my allergist. (Hoping there is an allergy shot for silicone. In the meantime, I hated having the trial SCS removed. It reduced my pain by about 70%. Everyone I've spoken to has had really good luck with their Medtronics. I know what you're going through, not knowing what to expect. All I can say is try it. It may help you.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 3 days ago

Has anyone had a SCS removed and then later on tried a trial of a different one? I wanted a trial of the Boston Sci. Wavewriter, but they could not get the leads in due to scar tissue. What to do, what to do? Any suggestions. Thank you!