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Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro
I've lived with severe chronic pain in my legs and lumbar spine for the past ten years. Was on opiates for 8 years until I attended & graduated from Mayo's 3-week Pain Rehab Program in 2018. That program helped immensely and I got off 5 meds I used to take, including morphine and hydrocodone. Unfortunately, in the last year my spine health has worsened. I now have a toxic mix of scar tissue (from a dural tear during a microdiscectomy), stenosis at multiple levels, bulging discs and scoliosis. I am now scheduled to do a trial of Boston Scientific's "Wave Writer" SCS on August 10, 2020. Unfortunately my doctor did not guide me in the selection of this manufacturer/model. I did my own research. I considered doing trials of Nevro's HF-10 and Boston Scientific's Wave Writer. Finally decided on the Wave Writer.
I'm posting here to ask for people's knowledge of and/or experience with these two SCS's. Please reply if you can share any information. Thanks!
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@lasirvent Hi, I also have the DRG stimulator in me and I turned it off months ago. Now it sits inside me, doing nothing. My Pain Doc does not want to have any surgical risk, so he said to just leave it there. The darn thing never worked at all, after a fairly successful trial. I was unfortunate as it even seemed to spread my pain in the last few weeks it was on. Just be careful with your DRG, and perhaps they still can find a better setting for you that helps more? Good luck, Lori
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1 ReactionI. too, have had a stimulator since January (Medtronic). I had such high hopes for pain relief in my low back caused by L4-L5 disc degeneration. My trial was shortened because I didn't want to be off my anticoagulant for a long time; I did have some relief in radicular leg pain during the trial. I haven't had much pain relief at all in my low back. I am on 600 mg gabapentin three times a day and acetaminophen as needed. Pain level is okay when sitting or lying down but horrible if I stand or try to walk. The Medtronic rep. has adjusted settings but nothing works. I'm trying physical therapy to strengthen muscles, etc. MY QUESTION: Have nerve stimulators been oversold? Following my implant I have been hearing stories that stimulators aren't very effective in elderly patients......wish this 83 y/o female had heard this before! True or False? I'd welcome any comments.
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3 ReactionsHi
My sentiments. A few ex colleagues left work to seek help with a diff doc in Mexico I believe.
Blessings.
Ps
Would provide more info but honestly do not ok
Keep searching for help. I am with my neuropathy and the network here has helped me beyond my low expectations.
Yes, they have. During the trial I think we are hoping for relief that we believe that it helps; once the device is implanted we simplify don’t get the relief. We all hope for pain relief after suffering so long that mentally we believe there is a miracle for us to get back to a normal life.
I think it depends very much upon the procedure used to implant the device, to make it work like it did during the trial!
When my device was implanted, they woke me up from my anesthesia, to check on the proper electrode positioning. They moved the electrodes until i could confirm that I was free of pain. Once this was established, anesthesia was reapplied and the final surgical procedure was finished.
A week later, I started to work with the technician to establish the optimal adjustment of the handheld control unit.
This device allowed me to become a normal member of society again instead of a person who could hardly move because of all the pain.
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1 ReactionI am curious. Did you get the Nevro implant?
I got the Medtronic device. I have it now for about 3 years, and am happy with it.
Yes, The Boston Scientific model. This was recommended by the neurosurgeon.
Yes. The neurosurgeon recommended the Bost Scientific model.
@lorirenee1 Hi haven't been to active but pain is so bad my nerves and thigh burning I'm considering a stimulator Medtronic I know you didn't get any relief .It's more my nerves that are damaged going into legs I thought a stimulator might help nor sure any advice on this for nerves?