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Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 21, 2023 | Replies (334)Comment receiving replies
I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest, for over 11 years now. About 2 years ago I asked one apparently well respected pain doctor in my pain clinic if a spinal neurostimulator was an option for me. She said it was not. While she spent 5 minutes with me, other doctors there had spent a lot of time trying different medications, interventions, etc. with me. The doctors can't absolutely figure out where the pain come from, but think it's from my spinal cord at about T3 or 4. The pain clinic ran out of ideas for me so I am no longer a patient there. I am still seeing a neurologist, however, who is always thinking outside the box. Do you have any idea if this falls in his domain? He has found lesions in my spinal cord which look similar to MS lesions, but aren't. I have rambled on a bit. My basic question is about the use of neurostimulators and if anyone knows what they are best used for.
Thanks and I'm pleased for you and all those who have had positive results.
Replies to "I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest,..."
I have had excruciating back and neuropathic pain for 40+ years with pain extending into my feet 4 and 5 years ago, hands 1+ years ago face and head eight months ago, and my teeth have been going numb and I've been losing hearing in my right ear for about 16 months. Wondering weather a pain med pump or a stimulator would help more. Can you or anyone tell me the pros and cons of each technology?
Search these sights for wsh66, I have a pump and have made extensive posts about them. Get one they are dope.
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.
Thank you again fro explaining your pain pump to me. I got a message from my pain doctor yesterday, he said we would discuss it on my next appointment in September.
Your very welcome, good luck.
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Hello @miro,
Great question about neurostimulators. Are you eplying by email? If so, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY at the bottom of this notification. It will take you to the full conversation, where you can see @cjpeterson's great account of his experience with neurostimulators just a few posts above yours. I think it will help with your question.
@miro, what has your new neurologist said about stimulators?