Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro

I had the Medtronics SCS implanted in August of 2018. The trial went very well, probably a pain reduction of between 60 to 70%. The actual implanted device did not provide quite as much relief as the trial, perhaps 50%. But, along with my pain meds, I was able to resume most of my normal daily activities, including cycling and gentle skiing. Then a bunch of the electrodes of the paddle burned out and the relief stopped. Tried Nevro trial, but they couldn't get the trial electrode under the implanted paddle. So, I can only comment on the Medtronics unit. I would give it a B+.

Oh wow! So did you have another Medtronic paddle inserted? Gentle skiing sounds amazing. How are you now? I’m so sorry to hear about the paddle bursting. Did your healthcare team offer any solutions?

Hello nicom26,I did do the NEVRO trial on March 13th. I had it removed after 5 days on March 17th. It was actually 4 days. It was inserted at 1pm on the 13th and removed in the doctor's office at 1pm on the 17th. I had pain in my lower back, legs and right foot. I don't think I got 50% relief. I did get some relief but I don't think it was 50%. I was expecting a higher percentage. So I saw another pain management doctor on Monday and he does the permanent SCS but he wants to see a 70% improvement in pain before he implants a permanent one. So he thinks we should try an epidural injection on Monday. I will let you know how I make out. Good luck to you.
Marty

Hey there Marty,

Thanks so much for the update. Sorry to hear about the failed trial and I’m hoping for good news from you that with the other doc performing the permanent surgeries that your trial actually hits that 70% mark. I’m rooting for you!

How was your visit last Monday? Was this provider able to start your trial same day or was it more consultation? In any case I trust you’ll keep me - and whomever else is reading along- updated.

Here’s to a very hopeful 70% or more! IDK if you’ve only tried Nevro but the Abbott Proclaim DBS and SCS that I have permanently definitely reached the 70% or more that my neurosurgeon wanted to see in the trial and while of course I need two more laminectomies and battery packs for SCS of rest of spine, I’ve had the Abbott Proclaim for just shy of a year now. It’s been helpful. I’m suspecting that as soon as I can get the trial and the next surgeries to finish my spine that things will be much better! I’ve I’ve learned anything in the fight against chronic pain illness multiple diagnoses etc is that all I have control over is my attitude, you know? So I try to stay positive. It’s tough though. But I try. And I’m sending positivity your way also! Take good care Ray. Best, Nicole Marie

Hey there Marty,

Thanks so much for the update. Sorry to hear about the failed trial and I’m hoping for good news from you that with the other doc performing the permanent surgeries that your trial actually hits that 70% mark. I’m rooting for you!

How was your visit last Monday? Was this provider able to start your trial same day or was it more consultation? In any case I trust you’ll keep me - and whomever else is reading along- updated.

Here’s to a very hopeful 70% or more! IDK if you’ve only tried Nevro but the Abbott Proclaim DBS and SCS that I have permanently definitely reached the 70% or more that my neurosurgeon wanted to see in the trial and while of course I need two more laminectomies and battery packs for SCS of rest of spine, I’ve had the Abbott Proclaim for just shy of a year now. It’s been helpful. I’m suspecting that as soon as I can get the trial and the next surgeries to finish my spine that things will be much better! I’ve I’ve learned anything in the fight against chronic pain illness multiple diagnoses etc is that all I have control over is my attitude, you know? So I try to stay positive. It’s tough though. But I try. And I’m sending positivity your way also! Take good care Ray. Best, Nicole Marie

Take good care, *Marty! So sorry- autocorrect fail. All the best and will be hearing from you with updates when you are ready to share- keeping you in mind and sending all the positivity your way in the meantime. Okay Marty, thanks so much for replying to my post and for making me feel less alone and more informed!

@baq315a Why don't you want surgery. I had a nine hour surgery at Mayo #1 hospital in Rochester, MN. but they have two others. I had degeneration of my spine which cause a scoliosis and I had stenosis in my L4 and L5. It's a long recovery, but I had I on June 9th and I'm off of all pain pills. He had to go from T10 to my pelvis. My surgeon did not recommend any implanted pain like BSX wave writer, because it could cause to get infection. So I went for a year with my pain getting worse until the surgery. But my surgeon was great and was a Professor In spinal surgery plus other qalifications. Just a thought for you. I know it's scary, I wasn't scared I wanted my pain taken care of, I had my surgery on June 9th and I am all ready off of all my pain pills for 2 weeks. It was a big surgery and takes time to heal, I wear a brace and can't bend, Twist or lift anything over 10 pounds. I hope I didn't scare you, but most of my pain is gone. Best wishes to you and hope you get better without surgery, but that may be the only answer. I'm not a doctor.

Hi Glen (@glenjunderwood),
I have read several accounts from other members where they experienced a different level of pain relief from the temporary implant and the permanent implant. I'm tagging a few members like @sbrown293 @martyk @marieh @pusher @scruffy1 @dogsma @chefmike2010 @lifetimepain @jimhd who have experience with spine stimulators, some of whom had the Nevro HF10.

While we wait for others to join in, here's a list of related discussions on Connect that you may wish to review and ask questions to specific members.
– Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anybody-had-an-implantable-neurostimulator-for-chronic-pain/
– Has anyone one tried the HF10 Spinal Cord Stimulation Device?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hf-10-spinal-cord-stimulation-device-relieves-back-and-leg-pain/
– Spinal cord stimulation: Will Nevro help when Medtronic didn't? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nevro/
– Has anyone had the Stimwave spine stimulator installed? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-any-had-the-stim-wave-installed/
– T.E.N.S. for spinal stenosis pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/t-e-n-s-for-spinal-stenosis-pain/
- Anyone used Spinal Cord Stimulation for pudendal nerve entrapment? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-experienced-in-using-scs-for-chronic-painb/

Glen, it sounds like you are working with the company representative. How often do they adjust the settings? What options have they suggested?

My name is Glen and i have had the Nevro HF10 spinal stimulator implanted since Sept 1, 2021 and the company rep hasn't been able to dial it in on my terrible lower back pain yet. I have complete confidence in this unit because the temporary one that they inserted worked unbelievably well. It's been 6 months and counting with no relief thus far. I'm hoping to reach out and hear from anyone out there about their experiences with this Nevro unit. Please help if you can! Thank You!

I had the Nevro trial implanted in March for 5 days. I only got about 25 to 35% pain relief for my lower back and the toes of my right foot. I was expecting at least 50% relief. I did not choose to have the permanent one implanted. About 4 weeks ago I went to a different pain management doctor and tried the Boston Scientific wave runner SCS seven day trial. Unfortunately one of the leads came out and the other lead had moved. Not sure what my next move will be. Perhaps a pain pump trial. Has anyone tried the CALMARE SCRAMBLER therapy for neuropathy /nerve pain?