Has anyone tried the HF10 Spinal Cord Stimulation Device?

My pain management specialist is recommending a BurstDR stimulation implant for pain control following six unsuccessful spinal injection procedures that provided no relief from postherpetic neuralgia in the perineal area (rectal/scrotum) with nerve damage from severe case of shingles over a year ago. I am taking gabapentin and tramadol that provide slight pain relief but the area of nerve damage is still quite painful, especially when sitting. Has anyone else gone through this lifestyle-changing condition?

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That's a good question. We've gone through all the vitamin, pain meds, acupuncture, laser massages, caudal nerve blocks, pudendal nerve blocks, MRIs, X-Rays, etc. treatments to find relief or source of the problem but so far come up with nothing. From other research that I've done I'm leaning towards nerve entrapment as being the possible cause of my wife's pain. There are a lot of articles referencing PNE or Pudendal Nerve Entrapment as a cause of this pain. It is quite common and there are clinics around the country who treat such conditions. In these cases the cure is to remove the entrapment source which usually is a muscle tightening up and causing pressure on the pudendal nerve. The symptoms of PNE are exactly like what my wife has. However, most doctors are not supportive of this.

I was told by a Physical Therapist that pain due to a torn rotator cuff and then scar tissue entrapping a nerve is common. So I'm still leaning in the direction of PNE. We are also looking into inversion tables which can stretch the spinal column such that if there is an entrapped nerve this possibly will help the condition. As we age the body and muscles starts to shrink which can put undue pressure on nerves, spinal areas, etc..

Another pain doctor says that the source of PNE is at the spinal column (root of the nerve) and wants to do a spinal injection of a steroid to see if this gives some relief. However, this is not a permanent solution and would have to be repeated continuously over time. While we may try this I will still try to find a solution rather than using meds which only gives temporary relief.

I myself have had in the past excruciating lower back pain. It was like someone stuck an ice pick in my spinal column. Doctors prescribed pain meds and muscle relaxers but neither gave one bit of relief. I read about simple muscle stretching exercises in this area, tried it during an episode, and it worked like a miracle. Apparently what happens is if these muscles tighten from exercise, working, or whatever they will put pressure on the nerves and cause pain so bad you can't move. Whether this is due to entrapment or compression of the spinal column I don't know but stretching works for me. I told friends that I would rather pass two kidney stones then have this lower back pain.:):) I also totally relieved pain in my hip and knee areas using simple stretching routines. So for my condition stretching certain muscle groups has been the solution. But it won't work for all nerve pain conditions such as arthritic conditions where you have bone on bone conditions.

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Hi. I am going through severe pain in my legs and up my back. I have tried several medications, with no relief. This pain tend to consume my life. I developed tinnitus along with it. There is no comfortable position for me. I have to sleep on my stomach, and I don't sleep well. I have been to so many doctors and specialists. All they do is give me another pill and no answers. I am presently doing accupuncture. I was interested in the spinal cord stimulator until I read so many negative reviews.

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Hi. I am going through severe pain in my legs and up my back. I have tried several medications, with no relief. This pain tend to consume my life. I developed tinnitus along with it. There is no comfortable position for me. I have to sleep on my stomach, and I don't sleep well. I have been to so many doctors and specialists. All they do is give me another pill and no answers. I am presently doing accupuncture. I was interested in the spinal cord stimulator until I read so many negative reviews.

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I certainly can empathize with your situation. I would not throw out the idea of a stimulator . There are many people who they have worked really well for .. they just don’t post on blogs and forums . Medical blogs are well known for attracting the people with poor outcomes. Use the information with a grain of salt and look at the science to make your decision . Ask your specialist ( not the
Company) if you can talk to patient or 2 that had a good outcome .. then you’ll be able to make a better informed decision . You don’t want to miss out on anything that might help .
A

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Have you talked to a pain management doctor? I Have been diagnosed with CRPS. My pain has mostly been in the toes where I had two previous surgeries. I had a traditional spinal cord stimulator made by Boston Scientific implanted last year. It only gave me minimal relief. I had it removed on August 2nd. I'm dealing with a new doctor who uses the Abbott DRG SCS which targets the nerves in the spine corresponding to the area of pain. I've talked to three of his prior patients who have recommended him and the DRG. I'm just today scheduled a 7 day trial for April 12th. I will keep you informed.

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I certainly can empathize with your situation. I would not throw out the idea of a stimulator . There are many people who they have worked really well for .. they just don’t post on blogs and forums . Medical blogs are well known for attracting the people with poor outcomes. Use the information with a grain of salt and look at the science to make your decision . Ask your specialist ( not the
Company) if you can talk to patient or 2 that had a good outcome .. then you’ll be able to make a better informed decision . You don’t want to miss out on anything that might help .
A

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