Connect
← Return to Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain
Discussion
Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 21, 2023 | Replies (334)Comment receiving replies
The reprogramming is done by the Nevro tech with a wifi connection from her laptop. She places a small transmitter next to you near your implanted device. The more information you can give her about what worked or didn't work with the program you were using will help these techs pinpoint that sweet spot that gives maximum pain relief. It takes a couple of days for the changes to be absorbed by your nervous system and feel its effect. You can after a couple of days increase the frequency or power to see how that feels. I found it interesting that more power is not always more better when it comes to these implants, Too much power can sometimes cause pain. It is important though to try higher settings just to see how it affects you. It really can feel too high I have found out; it was an odd sensation of just being a little buzzed but not in a good way. I was advised to go back to a lower setting. My implant is in the cervical area or neck and have been told that is bit more sensitive than the lower back. Generally they give you two new programs and keep one that stays the same when changing the leads programming.
Replies to "The reprogramming is done by the Nevro tech with a wifi connection from her laptop. She..."
Hello thanks for posts. I wantedto know arr you able to adjust your own levels that makes you comfortable with your pain on your controller. Or do the tech have to do it
No but I have a pain pump implanted in my stomach that leaks Dilaudid into my spine, I love it
I had a nerve stimulator put in my head at Mayo in Rochester. They will teach you how to use it. The stimulator I had I was able to easily adjust myself just by pressing a few buttons.
This is to wsh66, I understand you had a pain pump implanted, I am thinking along that line. Can you tell me more about it? I am 82 years old and have so many places in my spine. I have had 2 surgeries, a kypoplastic, and 3 compression fractures it the thoracic area and 4 in the lumbar area. I have been told by a neuro-surgon that they can't operate. I don't like to take pain pills because they make me sick to my stomach. I had a stimulator, it didn't work for me. I would love to hear more from someone who has a pain pump. I am waiting to hear from you
I got my pain pump at M Health in Minneapolis Minnesota. It was implanted by dr. Michael Park who was a neurosurgeon working there it drips 2.75 mg of Dilaudid through a catheter that runs the length of my spine every 24 hours.. The medication comes by a pump which is surgically implanted on the left side of my belly just above my belt. I also have a remote control which allows me to dispense another 9/10 of 1 mg in 10 doses every 24 hours. if I try to exceed that the pump will tell me I how long I have to wait for the next dose. I returned to the doctor approximately every 3 months to have the old medication removed and new medication added. I lie on my back, he pulls up my shirt, lays a template on my stomach, and inserts a small needle into the pump, draws out what's left of the last dose and then refills the pump with medication for the next 3 months. if you're following this is a total of less than 4 mg per day however medication delivered in this fashion is 300 times more powerful then medication you put in your mouth. I am very satisfied with the pump, I still have pain but it's manageable and they allow me to keep a small amount of oral medication. I'm presently weaning myself off the oral meds. Your back and the description of it sounds like mine and mine is too complicated for surgery also. if you're healthy enough to have the surgery you sound like the perfect candidate for the pump. Watch for another reply because I'm going to proof read this and make sure I didn't leave anything out and I'm going to look up my doctors phone number at M health and give you that as well. Good luck. love and blessings.
Dr. Michael Park, 612 624 6666 this is the guy for the pain pump. He works at M Health in Minneapolis Minnesota. I'm a post another phone number for him, actually it's for, Karen, his nurse coordinator. 623-676-5779.
Thank you so much for the personal information. I have a pain doctor that would implant the pump. I live in Indiana. Again, Thank You!
Connect
@miro @cjpeterson
I have written about my scs implant in previous posts. I had been having more pain in my feet and toes, so on 11/30 I had the generator adjusted so it reaches my toes. I have a Burst DR stimulator, implanted in June of this year, and this was the second adjustment made since the implant. It's something that's common procedure for the scs.
I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, with the most pain in my feet, in addition to the pins and needles and numbness. It's a severe burning pain which was reduced by around 80% with the trial implant, and continues to give me significant relief. I do have pain when I stand or walk on hard surfaces for very long, but rest and Lidocaine cream take the edge off.
I have both autonomic and small fiber neuropathy, which I'm still trying to figure out.
The Burst DR technology transmits signals to the nerves, with no physical sensation. Other technologies generate vibration that can be felt anytime the stimulator turns on. If the adjustment I had done a few weeks ago doesn't do the job, my understanding is that the technician will switch to the other type of stimulation that I'll be able to feel. That's something I had hoped to avoid because of the many negative comments I've read. I still hope I'll be able to stay with the Burst DR system.
One thing that is a real advantage to me with the St. Jude scs is that it's MRI compatible. I have had numerous MRIs, so that's important to me. I know that there are other imaging options, but I want to have the MRI available.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have, and am always interested in hearing the experiences of others.
Jim