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Alternatives for pain management
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Nov 28, 2020 | Replies (258)Comment receiving replies
I would really like to hear more about the spinal cord stimulator. The pain I have is due to previously broken shoulder, multiple surgeries, and damage in my cervical and thoracic spine. I know the nerves are involved because my hands and part of my arms keep going to tingling/Pain/go to sleep. It gets better after an epidural and then after time comes back again. I have asked doctors about the stimulator, but I never really get a “sure we can do that” answer. I’m not sure if that’s because my issues come from more than one location, or if for some reason it wouldn’t be effective for me. Love to hear what anybody has to say about these. Thanks, Jennifer
Replies to "I would really like to hear more about the spinal cord stimulator. The pain I have..."
Hi Jim,
Regarding your spinal stimulator. Did you have success when you went through the trial? Do 'feel' the jolts?
About 4 years ago, I went through the process for the spinal stimulator. The trial was horrible and I was back at the doc everyday for an adjustment. Not only did it NOT help with the pain, I felt like I was being electrocuted no matter how the stimulator was adjusted. So now, not only was I dealing with my chronic pain, I was dealing with the stimulator discomfort.
Was this a normal feeling???
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
The trial was wonderful! I was in a lot of pain from peripheral neuropathy, in my feet. The stimulator reduced the burning pain in my feet by around 80%. The relief was so nice. I didn't feel any electrical sensations during the trial, and I don't feel anything with the permanent implant. I have the Burst DR stimulator, which is a new technology that treats the pain without vibrations like other simulators do. The only discomfort I experienced was the healing from surgery, which was no big deal. Because I'm thin, I feel the battery pack which is at the left side of my back, when I lie on my left side. Of course, I had the normal restrictions about lifting, bending or twisting after the surgery, which was an outpatient procedure. I know that the pain I feel today would be much worse without the implant.
Jim
So happy you are getting relieve from pain
Good Morning Jim,
That is so wonderful. I'm happy the stimulator is helping. Maybe it is time I look into it again. I am sure the technology has improved in the last few years. I am not at all concerned with the surgery or the restrictions. As my pain doc told me, "this is your new way of life." I know I need to adjust and I have my hubby who is reminding me all the time to be more aware of how I move.
Thanks for sharing the info with me!
Have a great day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
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@jenapower
I haven't figured out how to include a link to a discussion, but there's one in the chronic pain group about spinal cord stimulators. I think it would be pretty easy to find it by scrolling through the discussions.
I had a spinal cord stimulator implant in June of last year and it reduced my pain significantly. Unfortunately, neuropathy is progressive and the pain progresses with it.
Jim