Has anyone had the Stimwave spine stimulator installed?

I had Stimwave test for pens— the test was extremely painful and I am now concerned if the permanent implant will be as painful ( I felt like I had a concrete block attached to my back) my issues are sciatic and 5th vertebrae — I have had major back fusion several RFA-s and injections into sacral joint with little results- I was so excited about the implant until I had the test - now I feel apprehensive

Oops I meant PNS

No to Stimwave, but I can tell you about Nevro SCS. I had wires and device implanted in October and it was the best decision I ever made! I finally feel fantastic. I did the trial and it was outstanding. I have 2 small scars on my back, one where the 2 leads were placed in (around?) my spine. The second is on my left flank where the device is implanted. I use a charger (looks like a drink coaster with a wire tail) placed over the unit, and when I'm not using it, it stays plugged into the wall I've had Harrington Rods, fusions, 6 screws, you name it. Today? I haven't felt this good since I was 15. I'm 63 F.

Congratulations! I’ve had a Medtronics one for 11 months now. It’s made a huge difference. I am beginning to have a bit of discomfort in my R upper posterior thigh when walking which is making me need to increase my level of stimulation. I am going to talk to the rep about programming it. I think my back is likely getting worse in there but I’m able to walk 2+ miles most days whereas before, I was occ using a cane and not walking much at all. I was able to work in my garden all summer too! Miracles! I’m 70.

Thank you for your your response - I also have rods and screws etc — the Stimwave test took away 90% of the pain but as I said it was painful mainly at the incision sites— so tell me if you feel any pain from the implant. I’m sure I will still go through with the implant and I’m so looking forward to feeling myself again — I live on a golf course and haven’t touched my clubs in 5 years! I just want to be able to walk without fear that my back will go out and leave me unable to move- fingers crossed that it works as well as yours. Merry Christmas and thanks so much

Hi Wisco—are you in Wisconsin? Just wondering cause my back went out when I was in Wisconsin and went to orthopedics in Pewaukee where they found on the mri just how horrible my back was and suggested starting the procedure requirement for PNS however I had to come back to Florida to find another doctor — I always wished I could have it done in Wisconsin— there are Medtronic and nevro that seem to have positive results but my dr. Only does Stimwave —I
like my dr. And the rep from stimwave and I can only pray it works as well on me

Just as an FYI - check out whatever info you can find about what brand(s) are recommended. Some of what I’m reading is confusing! My Medtronics had two implant options - one with a permanent battery that would need replacing in X number of years (likely depending on how much you “need”) or one that you charge externally - that’s the kind I have. I have what looks like a flat doughnut with wires, that I place over my implant (high in my buttock, below my waist) - it plugs into what I call my remote aka transmitter. This will charge my implanted battery. It is also the device I carry or keep near me at all times. It allows me to adjust the settings/intensity of my stimulation to block my pain sensation from my spine. It’s about the size of a cell phone but a little thicker.
I see pros and cons of this vs a permanent battery. This is easy to use and I usually recharge it when watching tv or even sleeping at night (I wear leggings at night so it doesn’t shift around, works great!). The down side is I like to travel and would love another trip to Africa, safari style. Going to have to look into that very carefully for ability to get to a power source (to recharge the battery in my remote which then in turn can recharge my implant). Hope this makes sense.

Just as an FYI, I’ve had a multi level lumbar fusion, now have “moderate to severe” stenosis at other levels. It was strongly suggested I have more fusion levels added to my current one. I just didn’t want that to be my only option and the idea of another major back surgery now, age 70, wasn’t feeling good to me. :<(. I hope this stimulator works long time or long enough that less invasive surgical methods or some drug come along to give me relief. It’s like a waiting game, I guess?! 🤔

Hi, yes, I am in Wisconsin. I live within a half hour of Madison and am a retired RN who worked at one of the Madison hospitals.
I was not happy with the Pain Management doctor I was seeing - once Neurosurgery suggested surgery it was like she just gave up on suggesting any other options. I had asked about ablation but because it was my sciatic nerve, was told it wasn’t possible. So I sought a second opinion at a place called Advanced Pain Management. They tried a few other things but when that didn’t work they suggested a spinal cord stimulator. The MD I saw worked mostly with Medtronics but there were several brands they had reps for and that they would work with.
I think you should do more asking around to see what you can find out about what’s available to you. If your insurance allows you that freedom great, if you have Medicare, even better!
Don’t give up, call around, look up stuff online, ask by word of mouth!

Wow! I feel great now that I have found a place with information from real users of the Stimwave product. After 12 years of a progressively worsening pain problem in my right scapula that travels up my neck and into my head, I have exhausted the limits of my pain management team and my neurologist. So the new attempt is a suggestion to do a Stimwave test at $4,500. If the test works, the permanent is $30,000, all out of pocket. Money aside, my concern is whether this thing will work for what my Dr. has diagnosed as “Central Sensitization”. In short, I have an open nerve in my right scalp that sends a pain signal ALL of the time. I live on a low “10” pain score with meds, and usually a high “10”+ daily. All of the comments I have read center around more common, though very painful and serious, problems for which there seems to be some measure of treatment. There is nothing for this problem I have developed. There was no injury that caused it. It just started hurting one day and after the slightest strain like carrying a half gallon of milk 10’, the pain rockets off the scale instantly. So if anyone has any knowledge of how the Stimwave works for central sensitization at all, I would really appreciate it. I should mention that every measure of ablation and pain block did nothing! I really don’t want to throw away money as a test-patient. I read someone comment that they felt the company should pay for testing and I must agree. I’m also concerned about some of the comments about the battery. Once COVID is resolved I have to go back to traveling a lot not to mention cruising around the world. Does anyone have anything to offer. I would truly appreciate help. There is one doctor I heard on an NPR TED TALK named Elliot Krane that had success with one young girl, but those therapies have all failed for me.

I live in Houston and I am having the same problem. What part of the country do you live? It is like they don’t believe me,