1. < Spine Health
Profile picture for zjandre

Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain

Posted by zjandre @zjandre, Apr 13, 2016

Has anybody had an implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Profile picture for arcticmark
arcticmark | @arcticmark | Aug 8, 2018
In reply to @miro "I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest,..." + (show)
Profile picture for miro @miro

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.

Jump to this post

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?

REPLY
Profile picture for Stephen
Stephen | @wsh66 | Aug 8, 2018
In reply to @miro "I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest,..." + (show)
Profile picture for miro @miro

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.

Jump to this post

Search these sights for wsh66, I have a pump and have made extensive posts about them. Get one they are dope.

REPLY
Profile picture for Stephen
Stephen | @wsh66 | Aug 8, 2018
In reply to @miro "I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest,..." + (show)
Profile picture for miro @miro

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.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
Profile picture for Stephen
Stephen | @wsh66 | Aug 8, 2018
In reply to @sam65 "Hello. I have experienced neuropathic pain for about 10 years stemming from multiple unsuccessful surgeries on..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sam65 @sam65

Hello. I have experienced neuropathic pain for about 10 years stemming from multiple unsuccessful surgeries on both feet. I have tried Neurontin and Lyrica with mind numbing brain fog and extreme tiredness side effects coupled with poor pain control. Cymbalta gives a very small benefit. TENS units just give an annoying alternative pain distraction for me. I have been successfully treated with Vicodin and Oxycodone over most of this period with realitively small dose increases. However, my doctor seems to be feeling the anti-opioid hysterica and is strongly suggesting that I undergo a trial for a neurostimulator. Could some of you folks give me some details of what a trial entails. (1) For example, can the temporary device be installed in an office setting or must it be done in a surgicenter or as a hospital outpatient? (2) What kind of anastasia is required, just a local, or something more? (3) How long does the test period last? (4) How does one bath with the temporary device in place? (5) Why does it seem many people have positive results with the test, but less benefits with a permanent installation? Thanks for any guidance or advice!

Jump to this post

The pump is far better. No external leads or anything else. Just a remote control. Read the rest of this reply.

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.

REPLY
Profile picture for hosta, Eve
hosta, Eve | @hosta | Aug 8, 2018
In reply to @miro "I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest,..." + (show)
Profile picture for miro @miro

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.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
Profile picture for Stephen
Stephen | @wsh66 | Aug 8, 2018
In reply to @miro "I have had chronic nerve pain, in one very specific area on my right upper chest,..." + (show)
Profile picture for miro @miro

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.

Jump to this post

Your very welcome, good luck.

REPLY
Profile picture for dntsass01
dntsass01 | @dntsass01 | Aug 9, 2018

Would something like this work for fibromyalgia?

REPLY
Profile picture for scruffy1
scruffy1 | @scruffy1 | Aug 10, 2018
In reply to @ursweetpam "I have a Medtronic with paddle leads since 2015. I should have asked more questions about..." + (show)
Profile picture for ursweetpam @ursweetpam

I have a Medtronic with paddle leads since 2015. I should have asked more questions about the procedure and what would happen if I changed my mind after I had the permanent placed. I assumed it would be flexible wire leads and it wasn't so when I went in for my trial, I had to have another laminectomy while I was awake so that they could put in my paddle leads. I then went home the same day and returned 3 days later. If I wanted the permanent, then they would put me to sleep and implant the rest. If I didn't want it, then they would put me to sleep and take out the paddles. I didn't have to wait or go through all that surgery over again but I could have done without another laminectomy since it was only a few months after my first one. It did help my pain for about half my nerve pain in my leg but did nothing for my back pain that is getting worse every day. I thought it was for both but it wasn't. I have a regular stim not the hf kind so it is a bit too intense sometimes with the buzzing. I wish I had waited since my nerve pain became manageable over time and my surgeon says he will not take my paddles out since it was small inside my spinal canal so I have to keep it even though I don't use it much anymore. Also, if you get paddle leads, you can't have an MRI even to the head. I wasn't told that before hand. Good luck hope that helps answer some questions.

Jump to this post

@ursweetpam, I sit hearing drinking tea while I do my morning battery charge and it irritates me so much to read these posts where patients are not properly informed. One should always ask the doctor if he/she or the franchise has a financial relationship with the company whose product he is recommending. First, I went to a dinner sponsored by BostSci and listened to their speaker, and then I talked to my doctor, but red flags were already up when he and his associate were introducing the speaker.. Then I asked him what other products were out there. Then he got to Nevro, which sounded better for ME. I went home and talked to my neighbor, an engineer!, whom I knew had a stimulator. He is 80+ yr. old and could not walk up the steps to his office over the garage - that was for 2.5 yr. before getting the stimulator, a Nevro it turns out. Now he walks wherever he wants to, pain free. He just got back from a 2-week cruise in the Med. and Adriatic and explored everything. All, please ask about the leads and how reversible they are, if you can get an MRI. Remember, that pain you feels pales in comparison to someday being able to have an MRI detect cancer!!!! Ask about the battery life: how long before it'll require surgery to replace it. What's the latest model? When will the newest technology be approved. Maybe you should wait a few months for the newest: the difference usually being smaller size with same or better battery. How many programs does the stimulator hold and how many are available that can be introduced to your device if suddenly you're not getting the same relief. There have already been 2 programs stripped out electronically - only takes a few painless minutes - and replaced with two different ones in attempt to get relief for my neuropathy, in addition to my back. Treat it with the same skepticism you would buying a used car. Ask ALL of the question you can think of AFTER having done research. Remember, minimally invasive surgery is when someone else is getting it. They are implanting a device that may or may not exactly equal the trial results. These can be a savior, like mine, or a total bust. Don't jump into it. PLEASE

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for nebma
nebma | @nebma | Aug 11, 2018

I have had an implantable nerve stimulator for approximately 4 years and have had very good results from it. I have neuropathy mainly in the soles of my feet and have been pleased with it. Of course it doesn't completely take away the pain but it is lowered to a more reasonable level. I also have the pain in my legs and feet but it has been pretty well contained by Lyrica.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for Genevieve
Genevieve | @genevieve | Aug 11, 2018

Hi My name is Jenny and I have a ware disease NMO very painful since I can’t take pain Meds I had the neurostimulater implanted on the nerves by my spine It wasn’t easy going thru the pain of getting it put in your awake and talking to them about if that’s a good nerve and even the anthetesic didn’t help me. But I had it for 6 mths but it never helped much it started hurting me more then helping but I’m super sensitive to anything cause of this disease destroys the myelin covering on my nerves . But it might work for you it might be worth a try cause I have a friend that also has a nerve disease and she’s doing great with hers she’s going back to work at school with teaching Lil guys. I will say a prayer for you God Bless You

REPLY
1 reply
Please sign in or register to post a reply.