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Spinal cord stimulation: Will Nevro help when Medtronic didn't?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 3 2:54pm | Replies (74)Comment receiving replies
My only suggestion as both a retired RN and a patient with multiple level fusions in both lumbar and cervical spine is to ask many questions. FYI, I am doing well with a Medtronics spinal cord stimulator. If I had not had it work for me, and was looking at different brands, I would want to know:
- WHY do you think your brand will work when X did not?
You don’t want them to say nebulous things like “our technology is better”.
-Specificities, please! Exactly why will it work better?
- Modalities?
-Your specific problem is best treated by what/because?
-Can they explain why they feel their product is best for your problems? Specs? Data? Trials. Make sure they explain this so YOU can understand - it’s their job!
- Presumably you DO get a trial?
- Is this the same surgeon involved with Medtronics device? What and why does he think this may be better (or does he?). Any Pain physicians involved?
- Check with current/former patients as to customer service of Nevro vs others.
I was also offered “option” of more surgery/additional fusion level and I opted to try something else. Surgery was my last resort if things got even worse. I was on pain meds by end of day 1-2 Vicodin. Aspirin and EST. Heat, ice. Used a cane occ. Limped. I have no idea if this stimulator will work/help for how long (been since late January). Hardest part for me were all the postop restrictions so things would “set in”, but I managed to make myself behave. (Amazing!) My original surgeries were in 2011. Began having sciatica pain a few years ago, my diagnosis is moderate/severe spinal stenosis, DDD, bulging disc here and there. Too bad they didn’t have dependable artificial discs offered then as I might have considered it. Right now I can do much more, off one antidepressant, maybe take aspirin once or twice daily, EST if needed. I still do use ice/heat for muscle spasms as needed. But I garden, walk, maybe 1/2 Vicodin if my neck is bad. (My SCS is only for my lumbar area.)
I hope you find some answers and relief!
Replies to "My only suggestion as both a retired RN and a patient with multiple level fusions in..."
Wisco50, I think you are right on. I had the Medtronic traditional implanted last year. They the doctor and rep told me that is has worked for patients like me, who has chronic foot pain from 2 failed surgeries. I got slight relief from the trial but had a little back pain. So, I decided to have them take it out on August 2nd. The trial was brutal because of the pain back pain associated with the amount of tape used to hold the leads into place. So, it was really hard to determine if it reduced the foot pain. The doctor wrote in his report that I got 50% relief to justify putting in the permanent one. I should have asked to speak to a couple of his prior foot patients who the doctor claims got significant relief. I'm working with another doctor who does DRG. He gave me the names of 3 prior patients who had success with his DRG. Two had foot problems and one had a leg problem. They all recommend him and the DRG that he put into them. I hope you get some relief. God bless.
My husband has been a chronic pain patient for multiple years. He has had multiple back surgeries, used a pain pump, and a Medtronic spinal cord stimulator many years ago. Currently taking dilaudid, lyrica, methadone with minimal pain relief. His doctor is now suggesting a Nevro stimulator. How are you doing currently with your stimulator? I am also an RN. He is a retired police officer.
The trial of whatever SCS you are thinking of using is the key. But, having said that, the level of pain mitigation that you achieve with the trial may not be the same level you get with the actual implant. I had excellent pain relief with the Medtronics unit, but only good relief with the actual implant. Surgeon said that it was difficult to suture the paddle exactly in the "sweet spot". Still, it helped to mitigate my pain level along with my pain meds.
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Thank you so much for your advice. On it, will be asking these probing questions. All the best to you and glad to hear your feeling better.