Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain

I've had the Spinal Cord Stimulator for pain of Variant Angina
It has taken care of the pain however it does not cover the pain of a heart attack or a bad spasm. Took a little while to
Get used to it but now it's part of my life and totally worth it.

I continue to suffer with severe nerve pain from my buttocks to my toes. I can't tolerate sitting, standing or anything inbetween. The calf muscles continue to move all the time and they hurt. I was told that this stimulator should have never been suggested since I already had previous nerve damage. Apparently my body is hypersensitive and nothing can be done. The nerves need time to recover and that can take up to two years if they recover at all. I am sensitive to medications and there is not one that I can take to help. I was also told that the stimulator can help patients during the trial, because its like a party for your nerves feeling relief that they have not felt for so long but when the perm implant is put in you never get the same response. One thing to keep in mind is that the trial is always done with the lead wire but your doctor might suggest the paddle. I believe my outcome would have been successful had they used the paddle. My life has changed forever. I live alone. I cannot go back to work. I really don't know what will happen to me now. No way to support myself, no one to help. I am in pain 24 hours a day. I cannot do anything that I did before the stimulator. It was suggested that I go to the Mayo chronic pain center to help me learn ways to live with this pain but I do not have the money to stay in the hotel for three weeks, pay for the program as insurance does not cover all of it and other living expense for the three week long program. It would be nice if Mayo had an indigent care program in place to help patients that would benefit from the treatment center but cannot afford it. I still wonder how can devices like these be approved if there is no way to help the patient if the procedure fails. Shame on the FDC for approving this kind of treatment with so little testing. Shame on the companies that sit and watch their stock increase, NEVRO. Shame on the doctors that continue to play GOD, knowing the damage that they have caused patients should prevent them from doing the procedure on other patients. Nerve pain is so terrible that we will try anything to find relief. Maybe patients should be informed with all facts before jumping into anything a doctor suggests will provide relief. Search a little harder, look at more studies that have been done, listen to other complaints. I know I have to live minute to minute. What kind of life is worth living with this kind of pain? I do want to wish those of you starting out on your new journey the best of luck.

Hi @zjandre, and welcome to Connect. I'm tagging @ladyjane85 and @mntnlaural as both members were recently discussing neurostimulators. I would also encourage you to check out the thread Chronic pain - Let's Talk as I feel like you may find additional members to connect with in this group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-there-any-discussions-for-chronic-pain/)

Are you considering an implanted neurostimulator or did you recently have one implanted?

I have considered it for over a year. My dr. feels I would be a good candidate. My daughters do NOT want me to have this procedure

My one daughter has her bachelor's in nursing, and my other daughter is a medical researcher. The pain management dr, who has done many injections on me, has presented this as a last ditch effort. Three years ago a neurosurgeon performed a procedure, on my spine, and it didn't work. They are, at this point, very negative for any other procedure done on me.

I see. the SCS trial is not invasive. I've talked to 3 people who had the Abbott DRG SCS and they all got significant relief. One was a nurse and she said it really helped her. 90% relief from her foot pain. Two men said they got between 60 to 75% relief. They all had that done between 1 1/2 to 2 years ago. They all recommend I try it. Has any of your doctor's talked to you about a pain pump? That's probably the last treatment for chronic pain.

I recently had a spinal neurostimulator implant that went wrong. One of the lead wires flipped to the posterior side of the spinal cord. The plan was to leave it in and just not turn use that lead. However it was turned on. I now have involuntary muscle movement in my leg muscles 24-7 with an incredible amount of pain. I know the nerves were overstimulated causing muscle issues. I had the neurostimulator removed with hopes it would resolve the problem but it did not. I think I was the first patient the doctor used this new device on and he did not have a clue what to do. I have been exposed to a large amount of electricity since the lead was used for over a week. I don't know who to turn to for help. I am suffering, can't go to work, can't get help and will lose insurance soon if I can't go back to work. Can someone help me please?