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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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A neurosurgeon recommended the Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator. My research is beginning to show, it is a good choice.
No for Metronic’s stimulator, for me it did not help.
I'm happy to hear that you got some relief. Some devices work for some people. It also depends what part of the body the chronic pain is and the skill of the physician who implants it.
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1 ReactionI've had two facet injections, and an ablation (both with limited success. PT and subsequent exercise causes a significant increase in pain generated from a compressed L3 nerve. I have a iRelieve tens unit which has had very limited results; how similar are the results of a SCS, which I have already been cleared for as the nest step.
A problem for me is that my Pain management doctor wants to move forward, but my spinal surgeon wants to insert a rod, and screws, and advises against the SCC. (UGH disagreements). My PCP sides with the pain management doctor. (The spine surgeon has operated n my back in the past), A conundrum.
I think the skill of the physician who is doing the implant is also important in deciding if the device would wok or not. As I wrote, they woke me up during the surgery to find the proper place for positioning the electrodes, and I feel it was an important step of the procedure.
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1 ReactionSame happened to me! Temp worked great and permanent nothing
A surgeon will always be available. I also have back pain, & haven’t gotten much relief from the kind of surgery you mention. It does work for some people, but I was warned—even by the surgeon—it doesn’t always help. I have found it took a few months to recuperate, & there was some relief but not for very long. We hope surgery will fix us, but I’ve come to the conclusion there are some back pain causes that no one seems to be able to guarantee total relief. Have you thought about getting a second opinion from another doctor re the surgery. Or maybe even a third? That might help you decide what to do.
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1 ReactionI got the Medtronic devicve
I have the Medtronic stimulator as well. It helped about 50% at first. Unfortunately my back has gotten worse so that my whole back is involved now. And it doesn't help nearly as much. I'm in the process of getting approved for the pain pump. I hope to have the trial within the next 2 weeks. I will place an update after.
Thank you very much for responding Slav i really appreciate it! I hope that you will keep me posted on your condition as we both progress toward the Nevro unit starting to work like we know that it can. As for me, I had an appointment with my Dr. and the company Representative on 3/24/22. The Rep. reset my Home controller with a new series of adjustments to make every four days. That was two weeks ago, i'm on program# 2 level 5 at this moment and nothing has worked yet unfortunately . I'm hoping that you will keep me informed of your progress and hope that your Hf10 will start working for you! Thanks Again! Glen