1. < Neuropathy

Peripheral nerve stimulators

Posted by sparshall @sparshall, Jan 14, 2020

This is a long shot, but I’m looking for people who have used implanted peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) to control nerve pain. They block the pain signal to the brain. Stimrouter and Stimwave are major brands. These are NOT the same thing as spinal cord stimulators, of which there are many brands. I’m about to have a Stimwave implanted to block intractable pelvic and leg nerve pain.

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sparshall | @sparshall | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @sparshall "UPDATE: The Nalu device I had caused many problems, including shocks and pain around the IPG,..." + (show)
@sparshall

UPDATE: The Nalu device I had caused many problems, including shocks and pain around the IPG, and it never worked properly. I had it removed, and on June 10 I had a Stimwave implanted by a different doctor. The Stimwave works perfectly and is giving me 100% pain relief in the targeted area. Medicare refused to pay for the original Nalu implant surgery or the device itself, but did cover an attempted revision and the removal. (I don't owe anything. Medicare protects patients from unapproved charges.) I was astonished to discover that Nalu put a whopping price of $59,444 on their simple device! Stimwave costs a fraction of that -- and actually works.

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My Stimwave was turned on in the OR and I went home pain-free.

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1 reply
billielynne | @billielynne | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @darlingtondoll "I had a stimulator implanted about eight years ago and it was effective right away. It..." + (show)
@darlingtondoll

I had a stimulator implanted about eight years ago and it was effective right away. It too about 70% of my pain away. Over the years, I have had to have it adjusted many times and I now wonder how well it works today. I am in pain 24/7 and most days, the pain is disabling. I guess that my neuropathic pain is just getting worse as time goes on.

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Had mine installed in March 2019, I never had good results, the pad on my back would not stay in place. I'm going to try to have it taken out this summer and a spinal fusion done. That way, I can get away from morphine and stool softeners. Never can seem to get it regulated right. I want to have bowel movement in morning, which I usually do but sometimes it doesn't work until evening. If it does work in morning, then I have gas starting about noon, feeling like I have to go all the time. I hate it!

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billielynne | @billielynne | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @sparshall "UPDATE: The Nalu device I had caused many problems, including shocks and pain around the IPG,..." + (show)
@sparshall

UPDATE: The Nalu device I had caused many problems, including shocks and pain around the IPG, and it never worked properly. I had it removed, and on June 10 I had a Stimwave implanted by a different doctor. The Stimwave works perfectly and is giving me 100% pain relief in the targeted area. Medicare refused to pay for the original Nalu implant surgery or the device itself, but did cover an attempted revision and the removal. (I don't owe anything. Medicare protects patients from unapproved charges.) I was astonished to discover that Nalu put a whopping price of $59,444 on their simple device! Stimwave costs a fraction of that -- and actually works.

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I ended up with a $6000 bill, despite having medicare, am paying $100 a mo. on it. I called medicare and they said it was because I didn't go to approved provider. They always had covered it there, but changed and didn't advise me. Made me very mad!

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lioness | @lioness | Jul 12, 2020

@billylin So sorry hard lesson to learn at our age we all need to check that our insrance will pay that the Dr is in network

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lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @jesfactsmon "Lori, I hope your drg procedure came off without any hitch yesterday. Hope you are recovering..." + (show)
@jesfactsmon

Lori, I hope your drg procedure came off without any hitch yesterday. Hope you are recovering nicely. Please let us know how it went and how you are doing. Hope all is well! Best, Hank

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@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is not easy. I am in lots of pain where the battery was implanted, where the wires were implanted, and my feet still hurt. Today is Sunday. Had the surgery just this past Thursday, so surgery is still pretty fresh. Not up to writing much now, but I will keep everyone informed as I feel better. God willing, the feet will start doing better soon. They did not start improving till the 7th day of my 10 day trial, so hopefully, I am a slow responder. Anyway, gonna go take a nap. Love to all, Lori

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5 replies
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @lorirenee1 "@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is..." + (show)
@lorirenee1

@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is not easy. I am in lots of pain where the battery was implanted, where the wires were implanted, and my feet still hurt. Today is Sunday. Had the surgery just this past Thursday, so surgery is still pretty fresh. Not up to writing much now, but I will keep everyone informed as I feel better. God willing, the feet will start doing better soon. They did not start improving till the 7th day of my 10 day trial, so hopefully, I am a slow responder. Anyway, gonna go take a nap. Love to all, Lori

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@lorirenee1 Rest easy Lori and keep that warrior mentality going. I'm rooting for you! XO 🤗
Rachel

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @lorirenee1 "@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is..." + (show)
@lorirenee1

@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is not easy. I am in lots of pain where the battery was implanted, where the wires were implanted, and my feet still hurt. Today is Sunday. Had the surgery just this past Thursday, so surgery is still pretty fresh. Not up to writing much now, but I will keep everyone informed as I feel better. God willing, the feet will start doing better soon. They did not start improving till the 7th day of my 10 day trial, so hopefully, I am a slow responder. Anyway, gonna go take a nap. Love to all, Lori

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I am here for you.

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lioness | @lioness | Jul 12, 2020
In reply to @lorirenee1 "@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is..." + (show)
@lorirenee1

@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is not easy. I am in lots of pain where the battery was implanted, where the wires were implanted, and my feet still hurt. Today is Sunday. Had the surgery just this past Thursday, so surgery is still pretty fresh. Not up to writing much now, but I will keep everyone informed as I feel better. God willing, the feet will start doing better soon. They did not start improving till the 7th day of my 10 day trial, so hopefully, I am a slow responder. Anyway, gonna go take a nap. Love to all, Lori

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@lorirenee1 I pray each day will get better for you .May God bless you

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Hank | @jesfactsmon | Jul 13, 2020
In reply to @lorirenee1 "@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is..." + (show)
@lorirenee1

@jesfactsmon and all my other Neuropathy Warriors!!! I am recovering from DRG implant, but it is not easy. I am in lots of pain where the battery was implanted, where the wires were implanted, and my feet still hurt. Today is Sunday. Had the surgery just this past Thursday, so surgery is still pretty fresh. Not up to writing much now, but I will keep everyone informed as I feel better. God willing, the feet will start doing better soon. They did not start improving till the 7th day of my 10 day trial, so hopefully, I am a slow responder. Anyway, gonna go take a nap. Love to all, Lori

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Rest, rest, rest! You are (and have been) in our prayers Lori.

REPLY
lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Jul 13, 2020
In reply to @rwinney "@lorirenee1 Rest easy Lori and keep that warrior mentality going. I'm rooting for you! XO 🤗..." + (show)
@rwinney

@lorirenee1 Rest easy Lori and keep that warrior mentality going. I'm rooting for you! XO 🤗
Rachel

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@jesfactsmon @rwinney @artscaping @lioness and all my Fellow Neuropathy Warriors; Thanks so much for your kind thoughts and support. You guys are just the best. Still weak and hurting here, but better than yesterday. However, I still need the damn Kratom for my feet. Please pray that this DRG works. How ludicrous, if it did not. Sometimes, the gift of time is needed. I hope everyone is coping ok with their pain today. What a battle we fight!!! Love to all, Lori Renee

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