Should I have the Spinal Cord Stimulator? Looking for reviews on this

My Medtronic’s SCS worked well for about 3 years. Then it seemed to to just stop working. A SCS revealed that several of the electrodes on the paddle had burned out. I was told that I should still be getting relief… NOT. Replacing the paddle is something that is not easily done. I tried different meds, PT, chiropractic, etc. Nothing helped. My last gasp was the pain pump. Trial needed 2 injections at different times to get relief, which was significant. Implant done on 4/15. Not much relief until they started to up the dosage ever so slightly every two weeks. Each readjustment helps a little more. I suspect it will take several more adjustments to reach optimal pain relief. I am able to do quite a bit of work now. Much better than before the pump.

Hello, I am 75 and in my 12th week of Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator and as I write this I am in no pain. I have a 17-inch titanium rod in my back from T-4 to S-1 with 4 new discs and a fully fused pelvis. Yes, I have tight muscles, especially down my para-spinal muscles. Of course during the implant process, one cannot twist, bend or turn during the first 4 weeks. Then, for the next 6 weeks, I could not use my exercise balls and rollers, making my back even more spasmed. I now have permission to use my balls and rollers and it makes such a difference in removing the spasm knots that persist at the shoulder blades and down the spine and actually relieve the muscle pain. My injuries came from two significant falls. Additionally, I have rheumatoid and osteoporosis which also complicates my body. Before the implant, I had 4 months of participating in structured physical training, which has given me the proper way to exercise my back, so it can stay someone supple. I have learned that I have to stay active and focus on massages, stretching, and manipulation of the back, buttocks, and leg muscles. It is work, yet, it is worth my efforts. I must use it or lose my ability to move. I have been told that I can swing a driver after 4 more weeks. I have recently obtained a private Pilates instructor to teach me how to strengthen my core. I have not had any Oxy since the implant week, and have been able to stop Gabapentin, Omepresole, and others. I feel so much better in getting off these drugs. SCS is only the beginning of being pain-free. It is not a cure-all, one must work with the body to truly stay pain-free.

I had a St Jude (now Abbott) stimulator installed in 2017. It is NOT MRI friendly. I am a 79 year old male with fusion of L5/S1 done in 2007. I have a compromised sciatic nerve from that surgery that causes neuropathy in my left foot. The stimulator has given me some relief and is not uncomfortable in any way.
Currently experiencing poor balance and severe instability with occasional thoracic tremors if too much activity, probably due to inactivity, as I have been a caregiver for my wife (lung cancer) for the past several years.
Although the stimulator does help relieve the Cronic pain, I am concerned that it is not MRI friendly. Recently I had a total spine study done by my ortho and he had to do a mylogram - not a pleasant experience.
So, I am going to have MINE replaced with a Medtronic’s unit by a neurosurgeon at Mayo.
Yes, I would have a stimulator installed…just be sure it is MRI friendly

I've had an Abbott St Jude spinal cord stimulator since 2021. It was implanted at the advice of the orthopedist to address pain /neuropathy due to arachnoiditis.
Sad to say, it has not provided any relief. I informed the Abbott techs of my problems with it, and after a few adjustments they basically gave up on me. They told me to make strength adjustments periodically, which I have tried, but turning up the strength causes noticeable tingling in my legs ( which you're not supposed to have).
In short, I'm very disappointed with this device. I have no pain or neuropathy relief and added to that I can't receive an MRI.
My advice is to thoroughly research the efficacy of the stimulator before moving forward. In hindsight, I wish I had never proceeded with the implant.

I guess my first question to you is, did this device provide you with any pain relief during the initial trial?
It sounds like it did and that is why you proceeded with the permanent implant, correct?
The SCS has been recommended to me due to my Lumbar spinal stenosis pain which has not responded to any other form of treatment or therapy. I don't know if a patient has the opportunity to choose which brand of SCS they can have, I will have to ask about that, but if do not get any pain relief during the trial period, I will not move forward to have permanent implant.

Have had Nevro spinal stimulator for about 5 years (not sure.) once pain went away from “failed back syndrome” I tried to forget about it, except for charging. Had spinal fusion L5, S1. Many problems and pain for years until SCS. It has been a life changer. I am completely without pain. They are very receptive to questions and requests for help, along with my Pain Specialist, Dr. Gordon Kuhar, Saratoga, New York.

Did you have to do a trial? If so, how did that go? I'm getting an Abbott WaveWriter which is MRI compatible.

I did have a trial and it seemed to give minimal relief. I was optimistic that a permanent SCS would be much more effective. That was not the case!!

I had my first spinal cord stimulator implanted 5 years ago. Unfortunately the original company who developed my first stimulator, Nuvectra, went out of business. I now have a Medtronic stimulator. When you first decide to have it, you can take it for a “test run”. You have the leads implanted but you wear the actual device outside of your body for a few days to see if it is helpful in reducing your pain level. Your rep will work with you to set up several programs which you can test to see which, if any, give you the relief you seek. It doesn’t work for all pain sufferers. The programs also may need to be adjusted as your back changes over time — for instance, as you age. The good think about new devices is that they are battery driven so you don’t need to recharge daily. The bad thing about batteries is that they eventually die and you have to replace them. That means another visit to the surgeon. The time between replacements depends on how high you need the power in order to reduce your pain. I’ve seen a reduction in my pain level not an elimination of pain. I’m satisfied with the results as I’ve suffered with chronic lumbar pain since having two surgeries in 2006 and 2007. Like you I tried all available processes before turning to a Stimulator. Hope this info helps.

I hope you find relief from your pain.