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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calofmichigan | @calofmichigan | 14 hours ago

Just a follow up to my original question. After the Boston Scientific lead removal I’ve had a medial nerve block that was successful. I anticipation a second one in a few weeks. If that one is also successful, (it only lasts a few days) I am scheduled for a spinal nerve ablation in mid-August which will destroy the medial nerve and therefore the pain impulses leading up to my brain.
If successful, pain relief can last for up to a year until new nerves grow around the destroyed one. Fingers crossed. 🤞

lisa619 | @lisa619 | 13 hours ago

In reply to @calofmichigan "Just a follow up to my original question. After the Boston Scientific lead removal I’ve had..." + (show)

@calofmichigan that sounds amazing and sending prayers for positive results

calofmichigan | @calofmichigan | 3 hours ago

In reply to @lisa619 "@calofmichigan that sounds amazing and sending prayers for positive results" + (show)

@lisa619
Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate your prayers. I feel like this will be the end of the road for me. Whatever I’m left with, that the top and I’m just going to have to deal with it. Best wishes to you as well.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 26 minutes ago

It appears that quite a few commenters have had their SCS removed due to it's not working after a while. What I want to know... has anyone had one removed and then tried to have another one implanted. I tried to get a trial of a different one after my Medtronics unit stopped working. The doc was not able to get the leads in the "sweet spot" in my spinal cord due to scar tissue from the previous surgery. Any relative feed back will be greatly appreciated!