Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain

@colleenyoung. I posted a msg to you
on how to get to Arachnoiditis group in Face Book. Please advise.

@barbarn, members talk about spinal stenosis in both here in the Chronic Pain group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pain/) and the Bones, Joints & Muscles group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/arthritis-and-joint-conditions-268850/).

There are quite a few different discussion threads with stenosis in the title, and many more where members mention spinal stenosis. Here are few with stenosis in the title that were active in the last year. @JustinMcClanahan may know of others.

- Spinal stenosis- lumbar https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-stenosis-lumbar/
- Laser treatment for spinal stenosis? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/laser-treatment-for-spinal-stenosis/
- T.E.N.S. for spinal stenosis pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/t-e-n-s-for-spinal-stenosis-pain/

Barb, it would be great to revive one of these or start a new discussion specific to spinal stenosis.

Hi @zjandre, and welcome to Connect. I'm tagging @ladyjane85 and @mntnlaural as both members were recently discussing neurostimulators. I would also encourage you to check out the thread Chronic pain - Let's Talk as I feel like you may find additional members to connect with in this group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-there-any-discussions-for-chronic-pain/)

Are you considering an implanted neurostimulator or did you recently have one implanted?

@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