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@frances007

Hello
I just saw this comment about devices, and I have an interstim device located in my lower back; it is the second one I have had. It is a neurostimulator that helps me urinate. Because I have lost over 35 pounds, the device now protrudes from my back, and since I sleep on my back, the pain when I wake up is relentless. My urologist has offered to remove the device, but because it works so well, I will keep it intact. I use ice every morning, as well as prescribed pain medication. Because of my stomach/liver issues, I cannot take Ibuprofen or Tylenol. While I am attempting to use less of the opiates, it is difficult because the pain is always present.
You are correct that patients need to be aware of the issues associated with the implantable devices. The first one I had was in 2018, the second one in August 2022. The second one allowed me to have the MCRP the doctor wanted in order to further study my liver/pancreas. I am lucky that I have not had any broken leads or things of that nature, but I never anticipated the pain that would be associated with this weight loss. No back fat at all.

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Replies to "Hello I just saw this comment about devices, and I have an interstim device located in..."

Sorry to hear that. I had a SCS Boston Scientific implanted in the area 2 1/2 years ago. I had it removed 2 months later because I was getting a lot of parathesia in the toes of my right foot. It did help reduce he pain in the toes but I couldn't take the parathesia. Perhaps I should have given it more time. The battery/generator did not cause any pain where it was implanted. Maybe at first it did but not for long. I guess I have a little bit more of a cushion there. The Boston Scientific representative told me recently that the devices they use now do not cause any parathesia. Have you talked to your doctor about a pain pump?