Has anyone had the Stimwave spine stimulator installed?

Posted by WS4K @ws4k, Dec 12, 2018

Hello to ALL! I have a severe back injury and even after three surgeries and several fusions, I am still experiencing severe and chronic pain. My pain management specialist is talking about a spine stimulator. After some research I located the Stim Wave. With this unit, only the leads are implanted. No wires come through. The antenna is worn like a pager on your belt.

Has anyone tried one of the Stim Wave stimulators yet? Any feed back on them?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

@quark

Hi, and was taking the Stim wave lead out a big deal? Did you have another put in? I have had chronic abdominal pain from my cystectomy and/or hernia repair for about 6 years and have tried about everything. My doc has been doing the Stim wave for several months now, and wants to try it on me. Almost feel like a Guinea pig, but am desperate too. The only things I can seem to find are reviews or research that were sponsored by the company itself. Any of your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanx

Jump to this post

Hi, I had a Boston scientific stimwave inserted in 2018. Unfortunately it was not successful. I understand your inability to find out any concrete information on the product itself from individuals having one. Everything seems to be advertising for their product. My whole lower back is fused which left me with bilateral drop feet and severe peripheral neuropathy. Doctor thought the stimulator would give me pain relief. I had many problems charging my unit. Would sit for 3-4 hours and just couldn’t get a charge. When I did manage to get a charge I felt no difference in my pain levels. The reps that were assigned to me for help left a lot to be desired. The fact that I live in a remote area didn’t help. Many unanswered phone calls and little help with my problems. I understand that this is a big problem within all the major SCS companies. I have resorted to just turning my unit off and awaiting its removal. My pain doctor is strongly suggesting the Nevro unit as he has had such success with it. I haven’t decided what road to follow as yet. I strongly suggest you look into the availability of good reps for whatever unit you decide upon. My heart aches for you as I truly understand where you’re coming from. Pain is not fun and the inability to not be productive is awful. If I can answer any questions for you I’ll be more than glad to share my experiences with you. Good luck with your decisions.

REPLY

I must apologize. I have the Boston Scientific “Wavewriter”. Is this the unit you were referring to?

REPLY
@cordy

I must apologize. I have the Boston Scientific “Wavewriter”. Is this the unit you were referring to?

Jump to this post

No, it's not a spinal cord stimulator , and it's Stim Wave technology. It's sort of similar, but they can put the very small leads close to where the pain in, but under the skin. It's then controlled with some sort of hand held piece, and it's relatively new technology.

REPLY
@wilcy

About to have one! Feet neuropathy bad!

Jump to this post

Canceled due to virus

REPLY

I would like to know if anyone has a Bost. sci wavewriter for lumbar area problems like I do. For some reason my left cluneal nerve is still very painful. My doc is looking into whether he can implant the stimwave as a second device. Any one like that? I don't want 3 level fusion surgery.

REPLY
@baq315a

I would like to know if anyone has a Bost. sci wavewriter for lumbar area problems like I do. For some reason my left cluneal nerve is still very painful. My doc is looking into whether he can implant the stimwave as a second device. Any one like that? I don't want 3 level fusion surgery.

Jump to this post

I had a Medtronics Intellis spinal cord stimulator placed late January after successful trial the month before. I had a multi level lumbar fusion with screws, etc. 2011. Was fine until about 2 years ago and I did something STUPID at the gym. Resulted in severe sciatic pain lower back and esp into R leg to foot. Was offered another fusion into L5-S1. No thanks. This helps a LOT!

REPLY

Any experience with using this for knee pain?

REPLY
@mistermark

Any experience with using this for knee pain?

Jump to this post

I have a damaged nerve in my neck. I have used Bioness Stimrouther and currently have sprtheraputics sprint pns. also check out nalu. the only thing implanted is the lead. the stimulators are external. keep in mind that sprint is only for 60 days but some patients received good relief for a many months after. its the least invasive of all pns systems. the lead is installed with local anesthetic only.

REPLY
@quark

No, it's not a spinal cord stimulator , and it's Stim Wave technology. It's sort of similar, but they can put the very small leads close to where the pain in, but under the skin. It's then controlled with some sort of hand held piece, and it's relatively new technology.

Jump to this post

i believe the stimulator has to be taped or go in a specially sown pocket on your clothes. just something to be aware of. personally i would go with bioness or nalu as the devices stick on the skin with adhesive pads similar to tens units

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.