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
I have chronic pain from spinal issues. I went through the trial phase of the spinal stimulator. The person who connected the stimulator did a horrible job. The wires were not attached appropriately and kept shocking me. I had to go to the doctor to meet with the stimulator rep everyday for 3 days. They did not do anything. As a result, I did not go for it.
I am currently living in a new state and having a horrible time with my pain. If surgery is not the answer, I would not be surprised if a spinal stimulator will be suggested. I'll have to think long and hard about it.
Good luck!
Replies to "I have chronic pain from spinal issues. I went through the trial phase of the spinal..."
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with the stimulator implant. I hope you'll consider having it done by a competent surgeon. I've had significantly reduced pain in my feet from the spinal cord stimulator implant in June last year.
Let us know how things go in your new home.
Jim
Jim
I am so HAPPY for you that the stimulator is working. You are the first person I "know" who has had one. You give me hope.
As I said, I felt the shocks when I moved. Please tell me, do you FEEL the stimulator when it is working?
Thanks so much,
Ronnie
(GrandmaR)
I had it installed Jan 3rd of this year. I found out yesterday that the insicion that holds the battery opened up.
Ive been telling my Dr from the beginning that I think I'm allgeric to it as I broke out in hives right after having it put in. Today's Feb 7th and I still have miserable hives. After seeing my Dr yesterday, he believes me. That wound shouldnt have opened up. Now I'm on antibiotics and am having a vacuum put back on it. If the wound doesnt close between now and my next appointment on Feb 16th, it'll have to come out. In terrified. That surgery was no walk in the park.
Good luck. I hope you find the right surgeon to do it!
Ronnie, I have a Burst DR stimulator, so I don't feel any vibration. I didn't have any problems with either the trial or the permanent implant. I was sore for awhile, and because I'm thin, it was uncomfortable to lie on my left side where the generator is, for a couple of months. I still feel it if I'm on a really firm mattress. The surgeon and the St. Jude rep both did their jobs well.
The first six weeks it's important not to bend over or pick up any weight, until the leads have been securely healed into the skin and there's no risk of them moving. Until the surgical adhesions healed, the leads can't send messages well to the nerves in the feet, so the rep didn't turn the generator on until then. After that, I went in and had it adjusted 3 or 4 times. The last adjustment was at the end of October.
The rep warned me that if he had to increase the signal any more, I would feel some vibration. I chose to have the Burst DR just for that reason, so I wouldn't feel anything, so any further pain, I'm trying to treat with rest and being careful about what shoes I wear, and some pain medication. I often have very little pain the past few months. Usually when I do, it has to do with the shoes and socks I wear, and the amount of walking I do. I used to have to put lidocaine cream on my feet every night in order to sleep, but I use it much less often now.
So, eight months out, I'm quite pleased with the results. My experience has been less pain, less depression, but depression and other issues aren't only connected with the pain.
It is a good idea to research the doctors who do the implant in your area. Not all of them have the experience and training they need.
Jim
I'm sorry you're having such trouble with your surgery. I don't know if it has to do with the surgeon's level of expertise, or what, but you shouldn't be having the problems you are. For me, the surgery went well, and I didn't have a painful recovery at all. I was sore, and had to take it easy for six weeks, but my experience was surely different from yours.
I hope you get things straightened out and can get on with a successful experience with your stimulator.
Jim
Hi I'm getting the DRG stimulator next week. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Good to hear its working for you. Are you able to adjust the levels yourself or do you have to get the rep or doctor to do it. Thanks
HI,
I have a spinal stimulator for lower body pain and a DRG which is focused on my feet due to neuropathy. These are both St. Jude, now Abbott.
I am currently in the medical cannabis program in MN.
I have been down the Opiod path and honestly it worked the best and most consistent, but w the New Years attack by insurance companies (obviously the most qualified to make quality of life descisions across the board on all patients equally)(joking) I was forced to go to the only other thing available - cannabis. Unfortunately for me I don’t seem to get much relief from it.
Anyway, I was really going to say that the techs originally set your upper and lower boundary’s of the stimulator but then (depending on the model) you can raise and lower the intensity within those parameters. If u want to try something outside those parameters you need to see s tech and have them reset your parameters.
On both my stimulators I have the burst system software. My original was prior to that and was constantly zapping me as I changed positions.
Now I do not feel either one unless I try to turn it too high.
Connect
Hello @grandmar and welcome. Well it certainly sounds like you had quite a rough time when you had did the trial for the stimulator. I cannot imagine the feeling of being shocked! Grandmar, we would like to get to know you better. Would you share with us what you are doing to help your pain and what therapies you have tried?