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Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Aug 18 10:10am | Replies (85)Comment receiving replies
I have not had my SCS removed, but I can empathize with the situation you're in. My ABBOTT SCS never worked from day one of implant.
Based on the very negative experience I had in terms of the implantation and subsequent failure of the unit to deliver relief, I have not been willing to entertain the thought of anyone ever slicing up my back again.
The two times I allowed an orthopedic surgeon to open my back have only resulted in more pain.........pain that will last the rest of my life.
Everyone's situation is different and if you can tolerate removal of the 2nd unit, I support your strength and resolve to find relief.
It's a shame that so many of us have suffered (not improved) as a result of these spinal cord stimulators that are so vigorously "pushed" by both vendors and surgeons.
I truly wish you the best going forward.
Replies to "I have not had my SCS removed, but I can empathize with the situation you're in...."
Man. I wish I had seen these comments before I was talked into getting the Medtronics one installed
I wish I never listened to my Dr and the Abbott rep. Getting the DRG stimulator was the worst thing!! I did get mild relief in my foot (original start of my CRPS) but it caused so much pain and discomfort in my spine and battery incision site, that it caused CRPS to spread. I begged and begged for them to remove. They kept saying give it more time. After 8 months, CRPS spreading like wildfire, they finally removed it.
I have had lower back pain since I was 16, I am now 72...Many years ago when we had "internists", my doctor was a wise one....he told me that if I wanted to have back surgery to relieve the pain my chances were as follows: 33% it would help, 33% no improvement and 33% it would get worse.....So I chose not to have the surgery since there was a 66% chance it would stay the same or get worse...I wish we still had internists with a brain and a heart....Sorry for what you've gone through, are going through and will go through = there's that 66% not good outcome......btw, unfortunately and fortunately, I have been with pain management doctors and they have actually come up with a "cocktail" of three pain meds that certainly do help my back pain....Good luck and God bless everyone who suffers from chronic pain.
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Thank you. Appreciate your thoughts. You are right when you say that orthopedic surgeons can be a blessong or a curse. When it comes to back pain, it boils my boils when they are so quick to say, :Spinal fusion, ASAP!". Get second, even third opinion. That is my biggest regret, letting that guy cut into me.