I just finished a NALU PNS trial in Calif with a Dr Ramana Naidu. It was an excellent experience in most ways but unfortunately PNS did not work for me . I chose Nalu because the literature that I could see and word of mouth seemed to suggest NALU being the best. However there are no independent studies out yet on these expensive devices …the studies out, are all ones done by the company themselves as part of their R+D. I had heard by word of mouth that Stimwave had a few problems . Couldn’t find any anecdotal evidence for NALU but through a few webinars and things ,it seemed to me to be the one to try. It’s design is the best in my opinion too …including that you can trial it for a week just like you can an SCS device. Expense wise this is good because I am a self pay living in Canada , so I have no coverage . I already had to pay for 2 DRG experiences …one trial with implant , then when that stopped working , another trial . A huge amount of my retirement savings went on this ( I’m 62..it happened when I was 51.)
The Nalu trial procedure was simple , I had excellent follow up and frequent adjustments by the company rep during the trial …it just didn’t help.
I went to Dr Naidu as when I looked into the world of PNS his name kept coming up and he is very approachable . He was convinced NALU was the right thing for me to try and when I looked into it , I agreed. He is friendly , knowledgeable, seems to listen to understand your situation and is technically excellent.
I just got home 3 days ago after a 10 day trial. It’s very slick technology . Unfortunately, from a peripheral therapy point of view , I’m sort of at the end of the line and don’t know what I’ll do next . Give up or keep looking ?
. Local anesthetic works like magic …you would think there would be something out there that could block a nerve's signal in the same way a local anesthetic does , but without the need for injections of a chemical that scars the tissues eventually .
If anyone has any connection with ideas along these lines , let me know . I am looking for a peripheral physical intervention that mimics local anesthetic. ( for the purposes of this discussion.)
I am very aware and have been involved with the huge world of chronic pain theories around neuroplasticity and centralization …that is not for this discussion . I have one very accessible nerve in my thigh causing the problem.
I’m looking for something that doesn’t involve surgery ,RF, temperature high or low , saline , sugar , ketamine , etc etc . I need something that mimics how local anesthetics work thats doesn’t damage tissue .
I would appreciate if anyone has any ideas along these lines. I’m also happy to answer questions about my experience. I’ll try to be better at replying to this forum .