Anyone had a spinal cord stimulator removal?

Posted by calofmichigan @calofmichigan, Feb 8 2:44pm

Has anyone had their spinal cord stimulator removed?
For what reason?
How long did you have it in?
What was recovery like after removal?

I had my SCS (Boston Scientific) placed December 15, 2025. At the two- week follow up, severe back spasms along the leads (not paddles) created a hard painful ridge of muscle. They adjusted the settings twice.

Finally I just turned the battery off with some relief but I am still left with serious muscle spasms along the leads. I cannot walk or stand for more than 5 minutes without debilitating pain.

I’m on all the normal medications: narcotics which merely take the edge off, two different muscle relaxants, and gabapentin. I only get complete relief from lying down.

Finally I asked the surgeon to remove the hardware which he is willing to do, probably occurring in the next month.

If you’ve had your hardware removed, when did you start feeling better?? What was recovery like?

Thank you.
Christine

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vikkitennis | @vikkitennis | 2 days ago

In reply to @lisa619 "Had anyone had their spinal stimulator removed and if so how long does the surgery take..." + (show)

find another neurosurgeon. I interviewed three doctors, and chose the one who implants the most, plus, I liked him.
I had the Abbott SCS inserted. two years later, I had it removed, and the neurosurgeon was very sympathetic. He removed the device and the "paddles". I wouldn't choose the wires; the paddles allow more efficiency to "move" the pain up to the brain to stop it.

jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | 1 day ago

In reply to @susiesmith "My pain management doctor wants to implant a stimulator but said if it doesn't improve my..." + (show)

@susiesmith
I would find a different Dr. for an opinion
Only reason I can see is if they are using paddles it is more invasive to take out.
I dunno but definitely research it

vikkitennis | @vikkitennis | 7 hours ago

In reply to @vikkitennis "find another neurosurgeon. I interviewed three doctors, and chose the one who implants the most, plus,..." + (show)

@vikkitennis
I read your remaining post:
After the removal, the pain continues to persist on the right lower side, near the S1 joint. Driving long distance is the worst, as I feel I am sitting on a rock.
I manage, and I am not sure if there is a cure. I dont' feel any difference when the SCS was inserted or removed. But, I did try it. I am looking at a S1 Fusion, mentioned by the pain doctor.
I continue to believe where the paddles were placed and removed, leave an "ache"when standing too long, as when I am cooking. I am extremely active, yet when playing sports, that pain doesn't bother me. Interesting, as standing for long periods of time does give me grief.

ginnyjm | @ginnyjm | 5 hours ago

I had the Boston Scientific SCS with leads (not paddles) surgery 9/2021. I had MANY program revisions & none helped. My pain Dr said to have it taken out by the surgeon. The surgeon removed everything in 2/2024 - outpatient. It was a few days recovery at home. My pain’s no better & no worse, but at least I don’t have to charge something every week that didn’t help! If your surgeon won’t remove it find a dr who will! Too many patients are in the same situation & it makes me question if the SCS ever works for anyone! Be your own health advocate!