How to get an objective expert opinion on spine stimulators?

Could it have been replaced by the Boston Scientific apparatus that previously worked for you?

@samcphie, how frustrating and disappointing that the replacement stimulator is not working like the original did.

To help you with your research, here's a list of relevant discussions on Connect that you may wish to review:
- Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comparison-of-spinal-cord-stimulators-from-boston-sci-nevro/
– Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anybody-had-an-implantable-neurostimulator-for-chronic-pain/
– Has anyone one tried the HF10 Spinal Cord Stimulation Device?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hf-10-spinal-cord-stimulation-device-relieves-back-and-leg-pain/
– Spinal cord stimulation: Will Nevro help when Medtronic didn't? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nevro/
– Has anyone had the Stimwave spine stimulator installed? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-any-had-the-stim-wave-installed/
– T.E.N.S. for spinal stenosis pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/t-e-n-s-for-spinal-stenosis-pain/

Fellow members @jimhd @tiredpup1 @martyk @barbbie @patrick17 @scruffy1 may also be able to share their experience with spinal cord stimulators, specifically how to find objective expert in SCS to get guidance on choosing the best device for you.

Sam, what is your next step? Will you have the replacement removed and go back to the original manufacturer?

@samcphie I have the same question as ken. Is there a reason that you didn't get a replacement that was the same as the one that worked?

I had an Abbott spinal cord stimulator implant in June of 2017, which was great for a year. Year 2, it had to be adjusted every three months. Year 3, it gradually decreased in effectiveness, and since then, I don't think it's doing a whole lot. Last year I had a dorsal root ganglion stimulator trial, with no noticeable relief, and had it removed. I still have the Abbott in and turned on in the assumption that it's helping a little. I started IVig infusions in September, and after 4 months, it started to give me around 40% pain relief.

Jim

I know about 6 people who have had the Nevro HF10 implanted. For half of them the "permanent" one did not perform like the trial one did. Why? I can only guess that the leads were situated differently than the trial ones. Mine works so well that I forget to charge it...until my back starts to hurt. Then I have that "duh!" moment as I smack myself in the forehead with the heal of my hand.

I'm planning to have an SCS installed & I'm looking for suggestions of which devices are better/worse

My husband had the trial to determine if the device would give relief. He did hav relief and had the NEVRO spine stimulator implanted. Personnel from NEVRO called him the morning after placement checking on pain level. For two weeks they kept in touch, making adjustments as necessary. He was very pleased. Sadly, he passed from a heat stroke two years after having the device implanted.

I see from the brochure and holding the device in my hand, that it is not a tiny device. Does the size of it, once implanted bother you in any way? Is it uncomfortable when you sleep on your back? Were you required to see a back surgeon along the process of getting ok'd to get one implanted?

@laughlin1947 I had the HF10, which was larger than the HFX that I now have, and they both just became part of me. I didn't notice they were there whether lying on my back or otherwise. A friend of mine got the HF10 but went to a doctor/surgeon who wasn't very familiar with the device, and he did a laminectomy for the leads and put the device in the worst possible place near or over - can't remember which - the piriformis and it caused him all sorts of trouble. He finally had it removed. Find a doc that has done 100s of them! Best wishes!!!

I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet plus now I have painful sciatica that effects one leg. They thought it was piriformis syndrome, had piriformis release surgery and I still have the pain. Finding out if my back is causing sciatic pain. In any case, can the stimulator work for both? Any opinions?

I am suffering from a failed back surgery the surgeon said everything was good so go see a pain doctor for a pain stimulator. When I seen him he agreed with me somethings wrong. He also told me the stimulator would help the nerves in my legs but not the back pain I’m having. A friend also has one and he said the same thing. I had L4- S1 fusion last April